Sparking Curiosity, Inspiring Action: Ms. Christina Torres’ Journey as a First-Year STEM Educator  

Ms. Christina Torres teaches 7th Grade Science and 7th/8th Grade AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) at Juan Lagunas Soria School in Oxnard, CA. As a first-year teacher, Ms. Torres is passionate about integrating environmental education into her classroom and empowering her students to make a positive impact on the world. This is why she joined the Wayfinder Society Educator Ally program – to strengthen her commitment to addressing plastic pollution, waste reduction, and the sustainable use of resources by deepening her knowledge of these complex issues. 

Growing up, she never imagined she would become a teacher, but as she reflects on her past life chapters, she realizes that every experience has led her to teaching. Looking back, she remembers that her passion for education was sparked through hands-on learning experiences as a child—those moments when science felt real, tangible, and relevant to her day-to-day life. Before stepping into the classroom, Ms. Torres was immersed in STEM, particularly in the Natural and Health Sciences, working for several years as an ER Tech in the healthcare system. Through these collective experiences, she saw firsthand how science directly impacts people’s lives, reinforcing her belief that education should empower students to understand and act on the world around them. 

Now as a first-year teacher, Ms. Torres’ days have been filled with powerful “aha” moments, particularly in seeing students take ownership of their learning and make connections between science and their own lives. Building relationships has been just as important as building content knowledge, and she strives to create a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and inspired. 

“As a Latina woman in STEM, I know the importance of representation, and becoming an Ally with the Wayfinder Society has empowered me to stand strong in my role as an educator, mentor, and friend” – Christina Torres 

She admits this first year has been a crash course in experimentation – seeing what works and what could be evolved for the coming years. What has become clear to her already is that plastics and environmental issues are some of the most pressing challenges of our time, which is why she is so committed to providing opportunities for students to see themselves as scientists, problem-solvers, and advocates for their communities. To help her in this mission, she has leveraged Algalita’s open-source resources through the Wayfinder Society program – plugging in various lessons and engaging classroom toolkits into her curriculum. She recognizes this year has been filled with reflection and introspection as she builds a pathway that is sustainable for her and her student’s long-term learning. She appreciates Algalita’s support during this exploratory phase of her career. 

Ms. Torres strives to put a stronger emphasis on environmental science and how it shapes us and society, helping students not only understand the impact of human actions on the planet but also learn how to advocate for themselves and the world around them. Her goal is for students to leave her class not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to ask questions, seek answers, and take action in their own communities. They truly are the future, and this first year has reaffirmed her purpose: to nurture the next generation of curious, informed, and empowered problem-solvers. 

Later this school year, Ms. Torres plans on organizing her very first beach clean-up field trip with her AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students to expand their learning beyond the four classroom walls and help them give back to their local community. To make this experience even more impactful, she aims to recycle the collected plastic into functional items, teaching students about upcycling, sustainable practices, and artivism. While cleanup is not the only way to address the plastic pollution crisis, it is an impactful way for students to feel that they can be a part of the solution. More than anything, she hopes these engaging experiences will foster a sense of responsibility and awareness in her students, helping them understand that small, consistent efforts can lead to significant change. Through these efforts, she hopes to create a ripple effect, encouraging her students to become lifelong advocates for a healthier planet. 

“My piece of advice for a first-year teacher would be: Give yourself grace, you are learning just as much as your students. Join groups of like-minded people and have fun!” – Christina Torres

Ms. Torres enjoying the view after snorkeling in the Gulf of California in Loreto, Mexico