Family: I come from a single-parent family consisting of my mother myself and my three younger siblings. Although we don’t live near each other currently, we are still quite close and make regular trips to visit each other.

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught: Seventh-grade world history and eighth-grade U.S. history

Experience and education: I graduated from CSU Stanislaus with a bachelor’s in social science. I am still currently in school, though I have transferred to Teachers College of San Joaquin for the IMPACT program to receive my credential. Prior to this position, I substitute taught for a little under two years, and before that I spent some time at the high school level as an instructional aide.

What attracted you to Denair? The thing that attracted me to Denair was primarily the town’s size. It felt very familiar to me having lived in Gustine, which is another small town not too far away. I also have been really inspired by the friendliness and welcoming nature of the staff as well as their mission for our students.

What most inspires you about teaching? It has always been watching my students finally get that “Ah-ha” moment after seeing them struggle with completing a topic. I absolutely love to see their face when they really begin to “get it.”

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? A challenge I am looking forward to is probably also my biggest concern. I’m excited to figure out how to create a manageable and conducive classroom environment for my students (especially the big classes).

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? My favorite teaching tool and activities are group/class discussions. I am for sure somewhat of a chatterbox, and I know some of my students are, too. I feel these discussions give us the opportunity to get out those words we’ve been holding in, in a productive and positive way.

What do you want your students to remember? I’d like students to remember the skills they will learn in my class, so that the rest of the educational career runs that much smoother for them.

How can parents support what you do? Parents can support what I do by being as involved as possible in their child’s education. Talk to their child about their school day, use the apps and website provided to check in on their progress, and reach out to their teachers when you have any questions or concerns. 

What would surprise people about your job? Definitely not sitting as much as I remember teachers were.

What do you do for fun? I enjoy riding my motorcycle, playing video games, hanging out with my friends and family, and plenty of trips out of town.

Family: My mom, Shelley Francesconi; my dad, Bruce Ochoa; my brother, Cory Ochoa; and my two nephews, Dean and Alex.

School: Denair Elementary Charter Academy

Subject taught: Second grade

Experience and education: I received my AA degree from Merced College in arts and humanities, my bachelor’s degree from Stan State in English and my teaching credential from Humphreys University. I have worked as a substitute teacher for seven years and I was a student teacher last year at DECA. 

What attracted you to Denair? My mom, Shelley Francesconi, worked at DECA for 17 years as an attendance secretary before retiring in 2021. When I began working as a substitute teacher at DECA, I loved the community, and how helpful and kind everyone was. 

What most inspires you about teaching? What inspires me most about teaching is getting to make a positive impact on my students’ lives. I look forward to helping my students discover their strengths and reach their full potential. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? This year I look forward to having my own classroom. As a substitute teacher, I visited many different classrooms, so this year I’m excited to take on the responsibility of managing my own classroom and the challenges that come with that. 

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? Think-Pair-Shares. I love giving my students time to discuss with their peers to help develop their ideas.

What do you want your students to remember? I want my students to remember the fun they had while learning. I hope I am able to help my students foster a love of learning in the classroom, so they look forward to coming to school. 

How can parents support what you do? The best way parents can support me is by reaching out with any questions or concerns so we can work together toward the common goal of a successful school year! 

What would surprise people about your job? With so many different personalities in the classroom, no two days are exactly the same. 

What do you do for fun? In my free time, I like to go to the gym and stay active. For fun, I like to play video games, watch TV and read books. 

Family: Parents, Adan and Alma; brothers, Salvador, Edgar, and Jesus; and sister, Alma.

School: Denair Elementary Charter Academy

Subject taught: Fourth grade

Experience and education: Bachelor’s in liberal studies with a concentration in Spanish. Currently enrolled in the multiple subject credential program.

What attracted you to Denair? What attracted me to Denair was the strong sense of community and the supportive administration.

What most inspires you about teaching? What inspires me most about teaching is working with children and seeing their growth. It is something that comes naturally to me. Additionally, I find it incredibly rewarding to serve as a positive male role model for them.

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? A challenge I look forward to tackling this year is improving my skills and knowledge through professional development since it is my first year  teaching.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? My favorite teaching activity is letting students collaborate in groups. I believe that hands-on activities are important. Interactive classrooms are a must in today’s society.

What do you want your students to remember? I want my students to remember that they are loved and appreciated. I want my students to always feel safe and supported.

How can parents support what you do? Parents can support what I do by maintaining communication. Communication is important in education since it leads to better achievement as students will be supported both in school and at home.

What would surprise people about your job? People might be surprised to know just how much preparation goes into teaching. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work to ensure students’ growth and success.

What do you do for fun? I love to travel and discover new places. A new hobby I have picked up is running.

There is still time for parents to enroll their children in the PreK program at Denair Elementar State Preschool.

The program – which began last week – has room for another 18 students on top of the 30 who are already enrolled, said teacher and site supervisor Erica Prock.

The PreK program is open to all children who turn 3 years old by Sept. 2, 2024 as well as 4-year-old who are not who are not eligible for transitional kindergarten. 

PreK features play-based learning in which children are taught socialization skills, how to follow directions, rules and routines, health and safety practices and participate in cognitive development (shapes, letters, numbers, colors). 

“Our main focus is setting the foundation for starting their academic career,” said Prock, who teaches the morning class. There is also an afternoon class taught by Erin Davis.

“We take our students on field trips, we participate in various school and district activities, and we provide resources for our families as needed with local agencies,” Prock explained. “We also have parent meetings throughout the year where parents can build relationships and learn about some of our local resource agencies.”

Families must meet income guidelines to qualify for the state-funded program. 

Contact: Erica Prock or Erin Davis, Denair Elementary State Preschool teachers

(209) 634-9468 or eprock@dusd.k12.ca.us or edavis@dusd.k12.ca.us

Family: Husband, Marcus; 7-month-old son,  Max 

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught: Moderate/ severe special education 

Experience and education: AA in human and behavioral science, BA in sociology and education and  specialist teaching credential in mild-moderate with an authorization in moderate-severe. This will be my fourth year teaching; I did three years as a K-5 SDC teacher. 

What attracted you to Denair? I attended Denair School K-12. I love the small-town feeling and how much the teachers and staff really cared about their students and all the community involvement. 

What most inspires you about teaching? Making a difference with a child in the slightest way. I have worked with many different students and families, and I love to see it all come together when a child makes progress not only at school but at home as well.

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? Being in a new school district and at a different grade level and learning the new ropes of everything. 

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? Any hands-on interactive activity!

What do you want your students to remember? I want my students to remember that kindness, hard work and creativity can take them far in life. It’s important to treat others with respect, put effort into everything you do and think outside the box to solve problems. These qualities can truly make a difference!

How can parents support what you do? Being open for communication and ready to support their students by helping me learn about what drives their child to succeed.

What would surprise people about your job? Working in special education is such a rewarding experience, but it takes a lot of time and analysis to do what is right for each student. 

What do you do for fun? I love spending time with my family and going camping.