It all started in September2000, Ivan entered the Head Start program and found himself to have the passion for teaching when he volunteered for a week at the Rota Head Start Center. He realized that he wanted to be a teacher. Starting as Head Start teacher aide, Ivan moved up the ladder of success and after eleven years in Head Start, he is still with the program shaping the lives of preschool children. He is currently enrolled at Northern Marianas College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. While Ivan works hard to reach his career goals, he continues to display excellent characteristics of an instructor.
As an instructor, Ivan sets high expectations for all his students. He believes that all students can and will achieve developmental skills and abilities in order for each of them to be “School Ready” and to be successful later in life. Furthermore, he believes that “teaching, just like learning, is a never ending journey”. In his classroom, children are given the opportunity to explore in order to feed their curiosity. They are allowed to independently explore and initiate task. Students are allowed to make mistakes and learn from it. Ivan also ensures that his classroom is prepared and organized before children arrive. He believes that when a classroom is organized and prepared, it provides room for conducive learning and minimizes distraction not only for him but his students as well.
While teaching may be one of the most complicated jobs today, Ivan believes that an effective teacher must have flexibility. “With flexibility, a teacher is able to adapt to changes in and out of the classroom. As Instructors, “teachers must be able to accept new trends and methods when it comes to teaching” he said.
Ivan also believes that teachers need to build and establish strong relationship with their students and show that they care about them. He not only has the passion for teaching, but also continues to be motivated to teach when he sees his children progress.
In an interview, the Head Start education and disabilities manager Lathania Santos said: “Mr. Garces displays a broad knowledge of the curriculum and standards. He is enthusiastic, has a caring attitude and a love for learning. He has the knowledge of different techniques for positive discipline and classroom management. With all these qualities, it is no wonder why Mr. Garces was selected as Head Start Instructor of the Year SY 2010-2011.”
Ivan goes beyond his way to ensure that students get the education they need to prepare them for the next level. It is believed that he not only inspire the lives of our Head Start children but continues to be a role model for Head Start teaching staff.
