The 7th Grade Team

Michelle Levy

English
Education: Point Loma Nazarene and National University
​​Bachelor's Degree: Journalism
Master's Degree: Education- Best Practices

Philosophy of Education:  ​To foster a lifelong love of learning.  In order to teach students in my class, my lessons engage students' interest and varying ability levels.  Together, students develop life skills that can be applied to any discipline.
Erin Southam

​English and Teacher Librarian
 Education (SDSU):  Major in Liberal Studies, Minor in Linguistics
​​Bachelor's Degree (SDSU):  Reading with Education Concentration 
Master's Degree (Texas Women's University):  Library Science with School Library Concentration
​
Philosophy of Education:   ​The 2020-21 school year will be my 21st5 year as an educator.  I have experience  working with both elementary and middle school students.  This experience gives me a unique perspective on the challenges students face moving from the safety and comfort of the elementary school to the greater independence of middle school I hold a developmental view of learning and understand that students gain proficiency at different rates.  I have positive expectations for all learners and a desire to help each student discover his/her dreams and intentions.  I am also fortunate to continue as Hilltop Middle's teacher librarian part-time this year and will provide students with club opportunities as well as access to eBooks during distance learning.

Aída Jarrett

World Cultures
Education: University of California, Santa Barbara
Bachelor's Degree: History and Sociology
Master's Degree: Education
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Philosophy of Education:  ​Nothing matters more than human connections.  In the mini-world of our classroom, the students learn the foundation of being productive citizens, both in the understanding of other cultures, as well as their ability to communicate effectively. Outside of the classroom, I teach students to be agents of change in our community with the Kids Matter Club and FLAGS Club.

Roberto Chaidez

Math
Education: San Diego State University
Bachelor's Degree:  Math

Philosophy of Education:   Every child is unique and every classroom has its own unique community.  My role as a teacher is to create a safe, caring community where children feel free to speak their minds and are allowed to develop their own potential.