What he teaches: Spanish 1, soccer and cross country coach
How long he's taught: Eight years, all at Poly
Why he teaches: Spanish may not be a core content, however, I am able to teach my students anything that relates to helping them become successful in life. I use my experience as a pre-college advisor, and I also promote higher education. Seeing them graduate and seeing so many go to college makes my job rewarding.
My connection: I easily connect with my students because I am an alum to Polytechnic HS. I relate with almost all the students with my experience living in the Poly community. The students enjoy having a teacher who ‘connects’ or ‘relates’ to them and understands their struggles. Throughout the year I share my experiences so they can see how I was able to succeed. Once I have built my connection with the students, it makes it easy to teach them Spanish and show them how learning another language is a huge advantage that will help them in life.
Why he's a Top Teacher: Romero, who grew up in Poly and returned to teach at his high school alma mater, is known for sending copious notes to anybody who can help the school and its students. One such note to school trustee Tobi Jackson raised the point that Poly’s soccer field wasn’t the proper with for regulation UIL soccer play, and it helped lead to the necessary adjustments. “Jose sends me photos of students weekly that are struggling, (walking to school without a coat in freezing temperatures, asking me to drop a coat off from the Care Closet), disruptive (he worked with and are now leaders), community leaders (changing their school), academically struggling (he tutors them), needing a job (he helps find them one), and then at the end of the day, he comes back for another year.” – Tobi Jackson, trustee, in nominating Romero