Mr. Calvo has always dreamed of teaching at Hoover. He says, “I admire how unique and welcoming Hoover High School is.” During his first visit, he was impressed by the beauty and size of the school. While preparing for his classroom, he asked a student, “Why do you think Hoover is unique?” The student replied, “Hoover is unique because of its environment and the opportunities it offers everyone.” This positive first impression has stuck with Mr. Calvo.
He is a strong supporter of bilingual education, which means teaching in both a student’s native language and a second language. His Brazilian background helps him connect with students and support their learning. With six years of teaching experience, Mr. Calvo believes that education is always changing, and having more information helps students understand topics better. His main goal at Hoover is to help students succeed and build a strong business program, so he is teaching business entrepreneurship.
In the classroom, Mr. Calvo makes sure all students feel included and valued. Fun fact: In his classroom, he has nine different watches showing the time in various countries, which excites students to learn about their home countries. He also works closely with Ms. Kristine Lowe, who teaches public safety, to help students learn important skills for emergencies.
When asked about the best part of being a teacher, Mr. Calvo says, “I love to see all my students do well and succeed in their business program.” He enjoys traveling and meeting new people, which helps him bring fresh ideas to his lessons. In his free time, he likes to write to express his feelings and is also a beekeeper, taking care of bees at a special place called a “bee yard” in Los Angeles. “Bees help me relax and give me time alone with nature,” he explains.
Mr. Calvo follows a quote by educator Paulo Freire: “Whoever teaches learns in the act of teaching, and whoever learns teaches in the act of learning.” He believes that teaching and learning go hand in hand, and he is excited to grow and learn alongside his students.
