First in an ongoing series
The start of the new school year marks the beginning of the new staff and 10 new teachers who are joining the school. These new teachers bring diverse backgrounds and experiences, contributing to the continued development of the academic environment. The following will introduce some of the newest members of the Wolf Pack.
Austin Gray, music
Mr. Gray, a new staff member at Wonderful, has 13 years of experience in high school music programs and holds degrees in psychology and political science. He chose music education due to its flexibility and the supportive environment at Wonderful. Mr. Gray is passionate about music and teaching, aiming to help students navigate life. He joined Wonderful after interviewing with the admin team, which impressed him with their care and direction. Mr. Gray is excited about upcoming performances, including an outdoor concert on October 22 and a trip to Universal for adjudication. Outside of work, he practices music, subs for a symphony, and designs shows for a design company. He emphasizes his role as a mentor to his students, ensuring they know he will always be there for them.
Robert Osorio, English
Robert Osorio, a recent graduate from UC Santa Cruz, discussed his educational journey and career aspirations. He worked with the Youth Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz County and Engaging Education, focusing on empowering under-resourced students. Robert values giving back to his community and cherishes his roots in Delano and McFarland. He found the job application process challenging but leveraged his previous relationship with Wonderful’s administration. As a first-year teacher, he appreciates the support from colleagues, especially Miss Rojas. His goal is to help students find their passions and equip them with critical thinking skills. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, writing, and traveling.
Sam Pearson, English
Sam Pearson, a journalist who moved back to California from the East Coast, has been teaching in Delano for three years. He was drawn to his current role at Wonderful due to the school’s modern campus, diverse programs, and positive reputation. Pearson is passionate about teaching journalism and starting a student publication. He appreciates the block schedule and the school’s use of technology. His goals include helping students succeed and establishing a valuable school website. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, traveling, and restoring an old school bus.
Caleb Espinoza, Special Education
Caleb Espinoza is one of Wonderful College Prep Academy’s new Learning Center teachers. Before joining WCPA, he spent four years teaching elementary school in Bakersfield. “It was definitely a jump from working with little kids to where I am now,” he said, “but so far, I’m really liking it here.” After a coworker recommended the school, he looked into Wonderful and realized its core values “really aligned with how I view teaching.”
Espinoza’s passion for special education comes from personal experience. His younger brother was diagnosed with autism, and watching his progress inspired him to help other families see that same kind of growth. Now, he works with students who need extra support with academics and life skills, helping them feel more confident and capable in the classroom.
Outside of work, Espinoza enjoys spending time with his wife and their new puppy, building Legos, and visiting batting cages. His biggest goal this year is to help students believe in themselves. “Mistakes are going to happen,” he said, “but what matters is that you keep trying. Any progress is still progress.”
Fatima Ramos, Spanish
When you walk into Fatima Ramos’s Spanish classroom, you can instantly tell how much she loves what she does. She brings a lot of energy and positivity to her students, and it’s clear she really cares about helping them learn. Before coming to Wonderful College Prep Academy, Ramos did her student teaching at Cesar E. Chavez High School, where she says she “worked alongside really great mentors” and got to do “a lot of PDs and community service.” That experience helped her realize how much she enjoys teaching.
Ramos graduated from California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, and now she’s working on her master’s while also teaching full-time. It’s definitely a lot to juggle, but it shows how dedicated and hardworking she is.
When talking about why she wanted to work at Wonderful, she said, “What drew me to Wonderful was the atmosphere and their purpose — how they support students in their education.” She really loves that students here get so many opportunities, especially through dual enrollment and college support programs. “When I was in high school, I didn’t have that opportunity,” she explained, “so I think it’s great that students here do.”