(Editor’s note: This is the ninth installment in our monthly feature called “Meet the Teacher,” where readers have a chance to know each of our dedicated educators a little better.)
When it comes to managing a classroom or working with an individual student, KidWorks Program Assistant David Saucedo knows that “one size does not fit all.”
That’s why our June “Meet the Teacher” honoree tailors each interaction according to the specific grade level he’s teaching and the exact needs of the student he’s working with.
That bond with our students was evident on a recent May afternoon when David led a group of young students onto the sports court at our Dan Donahue center. He was greeted with enthusiastic shouts of “Mr. David! Mr. David” from the students already on the playground.
“David’s heart for our students is genuine and generous,” says Jessica Ellis, Site Director for our Dan Donahue Center. “He motivates our students to succeed and excel.”
She adds, “One example is David’s love of baseball. He’s always willing to teach others what he’s learned about the game; he offers tips and has even provided students with baseball gear.”
Jessica says she’s inspired by David’s desire to make positive change in central Santa Ana communities.
“That desire is clearly visible every moment he’s at the center,” Jessica says. “The students know he is someone they can rely on and trust. David always greets them with a warm ‘Good to see you!’”
Jessica says she appreciates how David brainstorms fun activities the youth will enjoy and that also promote deeper learning and personal growth.
David also makes it a point not to take himself too seriously, while also maintaining focus and good behavior in the classroom.
“I think of myself as an open book with my students in the first, fourth and seventh grade classrooms where I’m assigned,” he says. “There are times I’ll sing in class along with the music that’s being played in the background.”
He also lightens the mood with a joke or two as he eases students into homework time.
“As I recall my own teachers from the early grades, I realize how awesome they were and that they really cared about their students and had a sense of humor,” David says.
David says this lets students know that they can have fun while also respecting the classroom environment. He says he’s mindful that the students have just spent six or seven hours at school and may be a bit physically and mentally tired by the time they arrive at KidWorks.
“My classroom management style can be summarized as organized, relaxed and fun,” David says. “I lead my classes in a way that’s not too strict but where there’s a sense of structure.”
Our June “Meet the Teacher” honoree joined KidWorks last December, after being on staff at another Orange County non-profit where he worked with youth in the areas of sports, fitness and Bible study.
David is about to begin his senior year at Vanguard University, where he’s majoring in psychology. In his spare time, David loves listening to music, playing baseball and spending time with family and friends.
David grew up in Santa Ana and still calls the city home. He is grateful for his parents, David and Linda, whom he describes as “very strong-minded and determined to get things done when they have something in mind.”
“My dream for KidWorks is to expand and unlead youth potential to more cities in Orange County and eventually, the entire country,” David says.
He adds, “My dream for Santa Ana are that we continue to shine God’s love and light in the city.”
Thanks to KidWorks teachers like David, those dreams continue to be realized each day.
If you would you like to personally say “thanks” to David for the way he is developing our youth, please email him at: david.saucedo@kidworksoc.org
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer