Alumni Spotlight: 
Q&A with Irene Sanchez

California School of Education at Alliant International University
Single Subject Credential, Online Campus

Professional Information 

Latino Studies Teacher with Azusa Unified School District; Huntington Library Teacher Advisory Panel Member; Educator Fellow with California Revealed/California History-Social Science Project

Q: How did your Alliant experience contribute to your career growth? 

A: My experience with Alliant prepared me for teaching by helping me learn more skills and tools I could apply in a practical way in the classroom. In my classes I had the opportunity to think of curriculum in creative ways and this has helped me improve my teaching practice every year. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work? 

A: I enjoy teaching what I teach. I love social studies, but in particular I love teaching Ethnic Studies/Latino Studies. Coming from teaching college, I enjoy helping high schoolers connect the past to the present in teaching history that is often overlooked. 

Q: What inspires you to make a positive difference in the world? 

A: I believe I have the opportunity to support students in their learning and growth and that is both a privilege and honor. I personally know how one teacher can make a difference in a young person’s life, like my own teachers did for me. 

Q: Share your advice for current students.

A: Celebrate the small steps you make daily towards your goals. If you come across challenges on your journey, ask for help, there is always someone willing to help you reach your goals or connect you to someone that can support you.  

If you would like to share your reflections in an Alliant alumni spotlight, please click here or email alumni@alliant.edu.