With a warm smile, fuzzy personality and endless supply of patience, Ms. Avina creates a caring environment where every student feels valued and empowered. Ms. Avina has always believed that it is important to learn new things. Ms. Avina grew up and was born in Tulare, California. Later in her life she graduated from Tulare Western and then graduated from Fresno State.
Her teaching journey started in 2016 at a high school in Fresno and eventually started teaching here at Porterville high school in 2019. Ms. Avina’s journey to becoming a teacher had its challenges. Her teaching career was inspired by Miss Mikasa, her 7th grade science teacher, as she was kind but strict and made learning science fun.
Today she is a beloved figure here at Porterville High School campus, where she teaches science and inspires her students everyday. In her classroom, Ms. Avina is known for her innovative teaching methods and her ability to connect with students. She incorporates real-world projects into her lessons making science more fun and engaging. With our AERO pathway, Ms. Avina built solar boxes that are used in schools around the world. The AERO students practiced electrical wiring and also attaching solar panels. These boxes are portable and can be easily taken down and rebuilt. Some schools in Africa do not have electricity, these boxes provide a classroom with light to be able to learn. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Avina is also involved in the school community. She leads the S.P.A.R.E club and CSF. S.P.A.R.E club is a club that promotes recycling and bettering the environment. CSF is the California Scholarship Federation, students have to apply and get approved for it.
Her favorite part is getting to meet students and getting to know them as a person. I enjoy watching students participating in labs, “Doing science.” Her whole heartedness has earned her a teacher of the year award. Ms. Avina’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact a teacher can have. Through her dedication and talented approach, she is slowly shaping the future by caring for each and every of her students.
