Learning Landscapes: MUSD Teachers and the Spaces They Shape

In this special photo essay, Learning Landscapes: MUSD Teachers and the Spaces They Shape, we celebrate the heart and soul of education—our dedicated teachers—and the environments they cultivate. Through thoughtfully crafted photo collages, we delve into the unique spaces these educators occupy, exploring how their classrooms, labs, and studios reflect their teaching philosophies and inspire student learning. Each feature highlights the stories, passions, and impact of MUSD teachers, showcasing how they transform their spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity and growth.

 

Angela Garcia

Science Teacher at Sierra High School

"I’m a mom, scientist, and teacher, passionate about making a positive impact on the world. Born in Tacoma, Washington, while my father served in the military, I have spent most of my life in California’s Central Valley. 

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s in Education. My love for animals, science, and knowledge has always been the driving force in my life. As a foster volunteer for kittens, I bottle-feed and care for them until they find their forever homes. I also manage social media for local shelter volunteer pages, helping to raise awareness about the animal overpopulation crisis. 

Education is a cornerstone of my life, especially teaching young people about the importance of preserving and protecting our planet. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I am fortunate to have a close-knit family. My son, who holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy, is now a practicing Occupational Therapist. Emphasizing the value of education and personal growth has always been a priority in our family. 

Though I’m not a fan of running, I find peace and balance through yoga, which provides both physical and mental benefits. As a vegetarian, I strive to live by my belief that all life is valuable, making choices that reflect my ethical values. 

As a scientist, I am deeply committed to environmental conservation and believe it is essential to educate future generations about sustainability. Volunteering and charity work are integral to my life because I believe in giving back to my community and helping others wherever I can." 

 

Aron Lopez

Ethnic Studies Teacher at Lathrop High School

“Ever since I can remember, there’s been something about being in a classroom that I’ve always enjoyed. As I got older, I knew that teaching was my calling. It has given me the chance to work with young people and show them that anything is possible. If they can dream it, they can achieve it. 

Teaching Ethnic Studies has allowed me to connect with students on multiple levels—learning about their cultural backgrounds and hearing about their unique experiences. The students are why I give my all every single day. 

From helping bring Ethnic Studies to our community, to coaching JV girls’ flag football and JV boys’ soccer, and advising clubs like Hispanic Youth Leadership Club and Bring Change 2 Mind here at Lathrop High, I’ve been able to expand my role beyond the classroom and reach even more students. I’ve always strived to be authentic in everything I do, and I’ll continue to show students and others that no matter your background, environment, or community, you can achieve anything.” 

 

Cecilia Murillo

Spanish Teacher at East Union High School

“I became a teacher because I wanted to give back to my community and be an inspiration to my students. Growing up, I was fortunate to have teachers who believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Their support and guidance made a significant impact on my life, and I wanted to provide that same encouragement to the next generation. By becoming a teacher, I hope to create a positive and welcoming environment where students feel valued and motivated to learn. My goal is to help them realize their potential and inspire them to achieve their goals.” 

Cecilia’s decision to teach Spanish stems from her deep connection to her culture and her desire to share it with her students. “I decided to teach Spanish because it allows me to embrace my culture and share it with my students. Language is a powerful tool for building connections and understanding different perspectives. By teaching Spanish, I can introduce my students to the rich history, traditions, and values of my culture. I believe that learning a new language opens doors to new experiences and broadens horizons, and I am excited to be a part of that journey for my students. Through my teaching, I hope to foster a sense of appreciation and respect for diverse cultures and encourage my students to become global citizens.” 

With every lesson, Cecilia builds bridges between worlds, inspiring her students to explore, connect, and grow. 

 

Ethan Albala

Music Teacher at Weston Ranch High School

"I direct because I believe in the transformative power of storytelling through theatre. Directing allows me to take abstract ideas, emotions, and experiences and bring them to life in a tangible, collaborative way. This ability to shape narratives that connect with audiences on a deeply human level draws me to directing as an art form. Theatre provides a space where the complexity of our shared experiences and the pure joy of creation are explored and communicated with the director at the helm of the journey. As a Theatre Director and Educator, I believe in fostering a professional environment that challenges and nurtures my students' intellectual and creative potential. In my classroom and productions, I strive to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

What inspires me is the intersection of creativity and collaboration. I find my wellspring of inspiration in the collective effort of artists/ students working together to achieve something more significant than the sum of its parts. My students’ passion and creativity are a continual source of inspiration, reminding me that theatre is, above all, a living, evolving art form. In my theatre program, students take on leadership roles and hold creative ownership over their work, with my guidance as their “Artistic Director”. This empowers them to find their voice, literally and figuratively, within the context of a collaborative ensemble. I aim to inspire in them a love for theatre and a dedication to excellence while also equipping them with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the stage. I get particularly energized from telling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. I want to offer audiences experiences that entertain, provoke thought, and stir emotion. I strive for an aesthetic that blends stylization with truth so the audience feels fully immersed in the story unfolding before them."

 

Jiana Boudreaux

Art Teacher at Manteca High School

“My teaching philosophy is simple: comparison is the thief of joy. In both art and teaching, we should measure our growth by comparing ourselves to our personal best. And we shouldn’t take criticism from people we wouldn’t turn to for advice. Art isn’t like math—there’s no one right answer. In art, there’s your answer, your way of doing things. It may echo the techniques of the masters or be entirely your own, and that’s the beauty. I love fostering each student’s unique approach. Art is like us—diverse yet interconnected, highlighting what makes us both different and alike.  

I connect with my students by creating a family-like bond. Art is deeply personal, an exploration of human perspective and experience. In this space, we share parts of ourselves and grow comfortable with taking risks, making mistakes, and being imperfect. We’re here to explore together, creating a safe space to learn, laugh, and sometimes cry. We embrace vulnerability and learn from each other in this creative community.  

In my classroom, “live your joy” is painted on the walls as a reminder. I want it to be a place of active joy where we can freely express, make messes, experiment, laugh, and grow. Art class is a gift we get to open each day. We get to make art, explore new mediums, delve into self-discovery, and share these experiences together. Art brings me joy, and my students are my joy. I hope they feel that, too.  

For me, there’s never been a life without art. My grandmother, an incredible artist, nurtured my early creativity. From painting birds to designing dresses, she encouraged every endeavor, sitting by my side as we created together. That bond over art is something I now get to share with my students, and I’m grateful for it every day.  

Waking up and doing what I love is a gift. I hope my students know how much joy they bring me as we create together. When they think back on this space, I hope it makes them smile—that would be the greatest gift.” 

 

Julia Williams

Culinary Teacher at Lathrop High School

"To be honest, I never thought about being a teacher. It kind of just fell into my lap! In the past before becoming a CTE Teacher I would come to the then Be.Tech and do demo's with students as an industry professional. It was then that I got inspired and enjoyed the experience. When the opportunity came, I was of course nervous for a BIG change, but I decided to take the leap, and it has been the best and most rewarding decision/ experience." 

With a lifelong passion for cooking, Julia found her true calling in culinary school, but teaching brought a new level of fulfillment. "I have always loved cooking so when I decided to go to Culinary school, I knew this was it for me and I would never love anything else like I love to cook! But when I was presented the opportunity to teach it also, that was a whole new ball game! To see students in the kitchen and how much fun they have and how driven they are is what sealed the deal. When you have students that are committed to what you're teaching, it's just so fulfilling." 

 

Nathan Thompson

Agriculture Teacher at Sierra High School

“I have a passion for agricultural and welding education because of the great mentors and teachers in my life growing up.  Teaching about an ever-expanding industry allows me to take real world knowledge and create cultivating lessons for all students. The welding trade is a great opportunity for students seeking to have a hands-on career with never ending knowledge and growth. Before teaching I was a contractor for some very big Agricultural facilities here in the central valley and beyond. While working in the industry, I noticed a lack of basic knowledge from men and women joining the trade. 

This fueled the passion of becoming a teacher in hopes to give these students that entry level and advanced knowledge to help them succeed in their future careers. Being able to come full circle in life has been an amazing opportunity and I am beyond grateful for my previous Agriculture teachers (Mr. Gerhardt, Mrs. Souza, and Mr. Ray) without the guidance of AG advisors I do not believe I would be where I am today.” 

 

Paul Lyons IV

Math and Social Science Teacher at Manteca High School

“As a proud graduate of Manteca High School, I chose to become a teacher and coach because of the profound impact track and field had on my life. Competing at Manteca High opened the door to collegiate opportunities, allowing me to attend and compete at the Division 1, and professional level. I credit the sport for teaching me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work. As a naturally competitive person, returning to my alma mater to build up our track and cross-country programs has always been a dream. My goal is to give back to the community and provide students with the same opportunities that transformed my life.” 

Now an educational specialist, Mr. Lyons makes a meaningful impact in the classroom and beyond. “Becoming an educational specialist has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on multiple layers of a student’s education. I teach history and life skills, focusing on helping students understand not only their place in the world but also how to thrive in it. Whether in the classroom or on the track, I strive to create an environment that fosters growth, respect, and accountability. My hope is to inspire students and athletes to push past their limits, embrace challenges, and take pride in their progress, ensuring they leave Manteca High with the tools they need for success in life.”

 

Phouloui Panyanouvong

Math Teacher at French Camp Elementary School

Drawn to teaching math because of its logic and challenges, Mr. Panyanouvong has dedicated his career to helping students find clarity and confidence in a subject that many find daunting. “Math makes sense to me,” he shares, “and maybe that’s why I can help it make sense to others.” 

In his classroom, students discover a space where they feel safe to explore, collaborate, and grow. Here, learning is not only about solving problems but about sharing understanding—where students can teach one another, finding strength in their voices. “If they can teach each other,” he says, “that’s when I know they’ve truly learned.” 

For Mr. Panyanouvong, the most rewarding moments come when former students return, filled with gratitude, sharing stories of acceptance into universities like UC Berkeley and UCLA. But even more meaningful are the times when students reveal how his classroom became a sanctuary—a place where they felt supported, valued, and inspired. 

“There are hard days,” he reflects, “but then there are days you realize you’ve made a difference. And that’s enough.” 

 

Tanya Azevedo

Kindergarten Teacher at Veritas Elementary School

"There are many teachers in my family! I loved their stories, loved children, and loved learning. After working as a paraprofessional in college and spending a year as a substitute teacher, I knew elementary school was where I wanted to be every day. Twenty-eight years later, I still love Kindergarten! 

I love helping children become students and conscious learners, watching them go from being afraid to make mistakes to embracing them as part of learning. They enter as dependent little people, and I love seeing them grow into independent problem-solvers who believe in themselves and the power of their brains! I know it sounds cliché, but those 'lightbulb moments'—when they just get it—are magical. And I love that each school year is a different ballgame! 

Kindergarten is my sweet spot. When I started, I thought it would be my last choice—so many needs, so much prep, and teaching them to read! But when I chose between third grade and Kindergarten, I knew it had to be Kindergarten. I adore their personalities, their love of school, and the incredible growth they achieve as they trust themselves as scholars and individuals. 

I strive to create a warm, loving, and trusting environment with high expectations for learning and behavior. I’m called a ‘warm demander’ because I set high standards, but I love them through it. We act with respect, kindness, and responsibility because that’s the way to be. Their reward is feeling proud of themselves and knowing they’re doing the right thing. 

I’m inspired daily by my students—their needs and successes—and by other teachers around me, down the halls, and even those across the country on social media. My uncle, a first-grade teacher, once told me, ‘The best teachers are made by the teacher next door.’ I’ve been fortunate to work with many who value early childhood education, our students, and those who teach them. There is great inspiration in being valued!" 

 

Willie Herrera

Teacher at East Union High School

“The classroom, the field, the track—these spaces aren’t mine. I am merely a caretaker responsible for making sure that the best of someone can be cultivated and encouraged. I have passions, hopes, and goals just like those students and athletes I teach and coach. Each space I’m part of, I’m responsible for bringing energy, enthusiasm, a competitive spirit, a classy attitude, and a courageous heart to tackle anything tough or challenging. This can all be contagious, and it typically is. We are a team! The moment you step in, you belong to this family. I get to know you, and you get to know me. We fail together and succeed together. 

Who wants to be part of something bigger than themselves? I do, and I know most students do, too. It’s not healthy to be alone, so we look for those who need to be encouraged, motivated, and loved. Lead by example and serve others. 

You go into teaching and coaching because you feel called to do so. When you answer that call, you’re now responsible for taking your broken and imperfect self and using it to mold, to the best of your abilities, a student who’s trusting in you to improve them! Wow, what a challenge. You are now forced to hold yourself to an even higher standard than before. 

So why accept the challenge? I accept because I am called to do this. I am called to mentor these people and help guide them through this thing called life, and to do so through sports and the classroom. I love and appreciate this challenge…what an honor!”