Iris Vieyra Chavez - Baptist Hill High School

Meet Iris Itzel Vieyra Chavez. She is in twelfth Grade at Baptist Hill High School. Chavez is currently interning at Baptist Hill Middle School, with mentor teacher Mr. Butler, who teaches seventh grade. 

Getting to Know You

What inspired you to want to become a teacher?

Becoming a teacher has always been a dream since the moment I realized the impact teachers have on students' lives and the importance of having an educator who guides you on your assignments, gives you advice, and cares about you more than just a student.

Do you remember a specific teacher or classroom moment that helped shape your decision to pursue teaching? Please describe it.

Yes, have seen two of my teachers who helped me a lot during my high school career, and how passionate they are while teaching their lessons and helping students grow, even when they’re tired.

What subject or grade level do you hope to teach in the future, and why? 

High- level of math for high school 

Classroom Experience

What has been the most meaningful part of your internship experience so far?

Seeing the middle schoolers starting to get comfortable with me, not just asking questions about their assignment, but also starting conversations and telling me everything about their day. As well as having the opportunity to see how to manage a class and how you, as a teacher, need to adapt plans to meet your students' needs.

What is one thing you’ve learned during your internship that surprised or inspired you?

I’ve learned that as a teacher, you will have a lot of kids who might struggle at school, but you need to find a way to make it easier for them, while also having in mind that for some kids it’ll be easy, and you will need to challenge them, but also help students who are behind. 

How has working with students changed or strengthened your desire to become a teacher?

It definitely strengthened my desire to become a teacher; seeing the relationship between those kids and their teacher made it even clearer how important teachers are in student life. Seeing their growth every day is impressive, as is seeing students who are really passionate about learning something new every day; it’s just amazing.

Looking Ahead

What are your plans after high school (college, major, career goals)?

After High School, I plan to attend the College of Charleston and get a degree in Secondary Education Math. After I finish my bachelor's degree, I plan to return and earn a master's degree in Education.

How do you hope to make a difference as a future educator?

Becoming a math teacher is not easy, but I’m looking forward to helping students understand math concepts and build their confidence as they work on problems, both in teams and alone. I want to give them a space to feel safe and make mistakes, and to create a positive, encouraging environment, which is really important to me. 

In your own words, why is teaching important?

Teaching is important because it helps to shape the future by preparing students with the knowledge and skills for a successful life. Also, we need to have in mind that teachers do more than just explain a lesson; they help to build confidence, encourage critical thinking, and support students through challenges.

Optional Extras

Is there a quote, motto, or message you live by or that reflects your passion for teaching?

There is this phrase that my boss at the Aquarium says all the time, ‘TNT-Try New Things.’ This has helped me a lot to leave my comfort zone, because if we don’t try new thing we will be stuck in a bubble where everything is the same routine over and over again, and if we will never find our favorite thing to do, we will never find it if we don’t try it because we’re scared or afraid of do it, so TNT.

For more information, please contact the Office of Communications at (843) 937-6303.