Beyond My Years Discovering your own teaching style, with Neysa Olivares-Torres
Nov 26, 2025
Neysa Olivares-Torres, a Program Specialist for English Language Arts, shares her journey in education and her 'firm-but-fair' teaching approach. She highlights how building relationships outside the classroom enhances student engagement and reduces behavior issues. Neysa emphasizes the importance of evolving as an educator and adapting personal teaching styles. She also discusses the power of high expectations and encourages new teachers to embrace their unique strengths. Eric Cross joins later, offering insights into authenticity in teaching.
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Thrown Into Teaching Midyear
- Neysa landed her first teaching job midyear at the high school she graduated from and felt supported by the principal.
- She learned on the job despite not coming from a teacher-education program and relied on colleagues' resources and coaching.
Style That Fits Your Identity
- Neysa's 'firm-but-fair' style matched her loud, energetic personality and desire for structure.
- Aligning style with identity made her approach sustainable and authentic for high school students.
Showing Up Outside Class
- Neysa attended students' events (games, quinceañeras) and co-sponsored clubs to deepen relationships beyond class.
- Those outside-class interactions increased student engagement and willingness to work hard in her classroom.
