Teach Program

The heart of teaching
Posted on 11/02/2022
Dietric Lozano and Patty Cruz On a Friday morning in early fall, senior Dietric Lozano walks into Patty Cruz’s bilingual kindergarten classroom at Howard Early Childhood Center ready for another day of adventure.

Lozano is in the Teach program, and the college dual credit course allows him to spend four mornings a week at Howard. He works with students in small groups, practicing literacy skills and leading assignments, but can also sometimes be found jumping rope and playing outside with the class.

“Dietric has such a calming presence and students love working with him in literacy centers and in small groups,” Cruz said. “He is very patient and thoughtful when working with students. Dietric is able to redirect students in a firm but kind way and students respect him for that.”

The school is about to celebrate Teddy Bear Picnic, so the task of the day involves an art project. Lozano works with a table of students who are creating teddy bear paintings. He talks to each of them as they ask questions and look to him for guidance on which parts of the teddy bear to paint next.

Lozano grew up in Mexico and Spanish is his first language. He easily converses with his students, and in just a few weeks, has developed relationships with each of them. He’s also picked up on an important skill for teachers - adaptability.

“What I’ve learned is that if you have a game in mind, throw it out the window,” Lozano said. “No matter what you plan and what you do, you have to adapt to their needs.”

This year, five high school students are in the Teach program, which meets on campus with instructor Jackie Moore on Wednesdays to tackle their college level assignments.

“We offer several classes in the education cluster,” said Moore. “Students can start taking courses their freshman year to prepare for a career in this field. AH-mazing teachers are made at Alamo Heights High School!"

Courses offered include Principles of Education and Training; Child Development; Dual Credit Instructional Practice; Dual Credit Special Populations; Instructional Practice (Non-dual credit); and Practicum in Education.

Though Lozano is ultimately considering a career in the medical profession, this experience has still been eye opening.

“I have so much respect for teachers,” Lozano said. “I do this two hours a day and some days you feel more worn out than others. I don’t know how they do it and keep a balance at home. They give so much and have so much patience. It’s a profession of love and profession of passion.”

Dietric working with students
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