Joseph Alvarico, a Filipino educator, has been named one of California’s Teachers of the Year. His commitment to his students at Ygnacio Valley High School extends well beyond the conventional role of a teacher, embodying the role of a mentor and advocate for student well-being and success.
Alvarico’s teaching philosophy is rooted in empathy. He stresses the importance of understanding his students’ emotional states, emphasizing, “When the student comes into my classroom, I have to know what that student is feeling.” It is this approach that has endeared him to his students and colleagues alike.
California 'Teacher of the Year' says teaching makes him feel like a rock star https://t.co/K36uyNpoDy
— KTVU (@KTVU) November 2, 2023
His approach to teaching is not about being the center of attention; instead, he believes in stepping back to let his students shine. This humility and focus on student success led Contra Costa County to honor him as the 2023 Teacher of the Year.
The recognition soared to a state level when California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond called to inform him that he was chosen as one of the state-wide Teachers of the Year, a distinction that made him the sole representative for Northern California in this prestigious acknowledgment.
Speaking from his experience, Alvarico shared, “It’s an incredible moment,” reflecting on his unexpected journey into education. Following in his parents’ footsteps was not his initial plan, but a scholarship requirement from the University of Manila set him on this path.
Alvarico’s commitment to teaching was solidified when he responded to an advertisement from the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. After an interview in the Philippines and a subsequent phone interview with the principal, he began his U.S. teaching career at a middle school before moving to Ygnacio Valley High School, where he currently teaches engineering.
Beyond the classroom, Alvarico leads the school’s robotics club, guiding students to build 120-pound robots in a mere eight weeks. His passion for diversity and accessibility in education is evident in his involvement with projects like Femmineers, in collaboration with Cal Poly, aimed at inspiring more girls to pursue engineering.
