Jamie Diaz grateful to work at CVHS

A warm inviting atmosphere, fascinating grow light tables, and an overall relaxing place welcome students into the classroom. This year, Jamie Diaz teaches two classes of HABiT freshman biology, one class of freshman biology, and two classes of forensic science. She is well known for her welcoming classroom and engaging lectures. 

Before her teaching career, Diaz found her love for biology and forensic science in college. “When I was in college and took my first biology class, it changed my life in a lot of ways. I enjoy facilitating ‘aha’ moments where I can help students understand different concepts or processes that have to do with biology and life and living organisms. I decided to teach forensics because I have an interest in serial crime, and I find those topics really interesting,” said Diaz. 

In addition to being an undergraduate student in college, she worked at a nonprofit insect lab. There, her interest in science and teaching expanded. 

“My job was to bring exotic insects and teach them in classrooms. I just fell in love with talking about science and insects all day. That experience made me interested in biology and teaching older students,” said Diaz. 

Diaz’s favorite part of teaching is the students. She spends the entire year with her students and values getting to know them. She makes it a priority to actively engage students and empower them to learn biology through their own discoveries. 

“I was told early in my career that I was to teach students and not just the curriculum,” said Diaz. She excels at creating a learning environment that many students find both welcoming and engaging in all her classes. 

“I show up every day, and I am happy that I’m here. I’m genuine and I feel like students can feel that. I treat my students with decency and kindness. I make it a point to never yell. We do a lot of group work, and I feel like that helps foster a strong community in class,” said Diaz.

“Ms. Diaz’s lectures, labs, and general demeanor were a big factor in my enjoyment and understanding of the class. She often humored my ideas and gave advice or mentioned potential opportunities long after I had left her class,” said senior Erin Jiang. “She also supported me outside of the school setting, aiding me in personal issues, offering life advice, and being a great person to look up to.”

Before teaching at CVHS, Diaz taught at Canyon Middle School during the pandemic. 

“My goal was always to teach at a high school level. There was an opening that opened up and I was able to come in and teach at CVHS,” said Diaz. “I was pleased to land in this district as CVUSD was known to be a great district for students.”

Over the past four years at CVHS, Diaz has enjoyed the community. 

“I really like the diversity at CVHS. I appreciate how much school community is emphasized. Students have a lot of opportunities at this school with so many classes and clubs they can take,” said Diaz.

“I really love my job. I feel grateful that I have it and I really enjoy it. I feel really grateful that I have a job that I’m passionate about,’’ said Diaz.