Ms. G Profile

Life science’s new heartbeat

Madelyn Conley

Deputy Feature Editor

Alyssa Guerrero is the newest addition to Arcata High School’s Science department as a Biology and AP Environmental Science (APES) long term substitute.

With the abrupt absences of two of our science teachers this year, the need for a new teacher was in high demand. Guerrero started early December and has had a great experience so far.

“I have nothing but wonderful things to say,” Guerrero said.

Originally from the Los Angeles area, Guerrero was a first generation learner in her family and went to a community college in the Bay Area. She got her Bachelor’s degree at Cal Poly Humboldt (CPH). Guerrero majored in marine biology and minored in chemistry thinking she wanted to become a lab technician. Things changed when she had the opportunity for an internship for teaching and got her credential at CPH.

“I realized I just loved working with kids so much,” Guerrero explained.

Guerrero did her student teaching at Arcata High from 2014 to 2015. Afterwards, she started teaching at North coast Preparatory Academy (NPA) and was there up until 2021.

“I’m really passionate about making sure that every single student feels important and empowered,” Guerrero said.

Guerrero is very passionate about empowering young people, especially those traditionally not empowered. Guerrero values the importance of mental health, diversity and shifting current social constructs.

“Social justice and environmental justice would be what ultimately fuels the fire in my cells,” Guerrero said.

Outside of school, she loves reading, pottery and spending time outdoors.

“Being able to hang out with any organism outside brings me a lot of joy and peace. Whether that’s a tree or a flower or something in the tide pool,” Guerrero said.

Third period Biology 1 lost their teacher very early into the school year. Since then, they’ve lacked stability and clarity in their learning.

Freshman Charlotte Brands is very grateful to have Guerrero as her long term sub now.

“She’s easy going and I like her style of teaching. She really makes sure you understand what she’s teaching,” Brands said.

The APES class has been on a roller coaster this year. Now with Guerrero as their long term substitute, the class as a whole is overjoyed to have stability.

“I really like having her as my teacher. She’s like the nicest teacher I’ve ever had. I feel like I learn a lot from her,” Gabriela Davidson, a junior in the class said.

Guerrero is enjoying her time at Arcata High and is excited to see what’s going to come next this school year.

“I think Arcata High is unique because it’s not like a lot of our typical schools or a part of that system we’re all trying to work to change. They really think about their students’ well-being over grades,” Guerrero said.

“It’s really nice being able to talk and interact with Arcata kids because they have a refreshing perspective on all aspects of life. It’s been really fun just getting a glimpse of that,” Guerrero continued.

While she has had a great experience at Arcata High, with anything there’s always challenges.

Guerrero explained how change can be difficult and navigating through it can be hard sometimes.

“Change means movement and movement means friction,” Guerrero said.

I think I can speak for everybody when I say that we’re all glad Guerrero has joined us here at Arcata High School.

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Plaza Madelyn Conley/PEPPERBOX Ms. Guerrero in her new home, the science wing