With a new school year comes change. Recently, our high school has welcomed numerous new staff members, bringing fresh energy and ideas to our school. Let’s meet some of our new teachers:
Mrs. Nakamura is joining the English Department this year. She is currently teaching 9th and 10th-grade English, bringing with her more than 10 years of teaching experience. Her teaching journey has taken her from overseas classrooms to College lectures, giving her a new and unique perspective that can help her students.
Before coming to Dinuba High School, Nakamura taught history at College of the Sequoias for eight years. Well, one of her original goals was to work in museums. She realized that she had a passion for teaching after stepping into a classroom.
“Originally I wanted to work in a museum, and once I got in the classroom, I realized how much I liked teaching,” she said. Her experience teaching history has helped her develop skills such as reading, writing, and researching, which she utilizes to enhance her teaching skills and ethics in her classes.
Nakamura’s teaching career began overseas. Before moving to the Central Valley, she spent time in South Korea teaching English in an after-school program for elementary students. She expressed that her experience helped her learn how to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds, and helped set her passion and love for education.
Transitioning from college students to high school students has been an adjustment, she explains. College students are generally more independent and have more goals set for themselves. High school students sometimes need more guidance and support. “I do a little more hand-holding for high school students,” she said, explaining the difference between the students.
She encourages students to take charge of their learning and ask questions. “If you’re wondering something, probably three, four, or five of your classmates are also wondering the same things, so if you have questions, ask them,” she said. Already, Mrs.Nakamura says she feels welcome by both staff and students in DHS. “I’m really excited to be here and I’m excited to get to know students and be a part of the Dinuba High School family.”
Mrs. Guerra – Like many other teachers, Mrs. Guerra has been in the teaching profession for many years. She’s taught other subjects besides ELD, such as history and an elective at Washington Intermediate. Not only did she work in Washington prior, but also in Pixley!
When asked about what made her stick to ELD, she stated, “It’s a whole different group of kids, so just knowing that I can help them move up and being an ELD student myself is what actually is enjoyable.”
When asked what made her think it was time for a change, she responded, “I’ve actually wanted to teach high school for a while, but it was just that leap that I had to take because it was scary. And I finally pushed myself to come”.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Guerra enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She admires nature and loves to spend time there.
Although Mrs. Guerra has only spent a short period of time at DHS so far, she already has a work bestie: Miss Tobias!
When asked if she had any advice for any other DHS newcomers, she responded with, “I just say get to know people, communicate, and work together with your department”.
Mrs. Price – Choir teacher. Mrs. Price is the newest addition to the Arts department here at Dinuba High. Price grew up in the valley, graduating from Hanford West High School in 2002, and then enrolling in COS for college. Price was a nurse at Hanford Community Hospital during her college years to support her through student expenses. After asking her why she made the decision to work in music, Price stated, “It’s in me, music flows out even if I don’t want it to, I love music!” As a child, Price grew up with gospel music, and one of her first musical inspirations was The Little Mermaid.
Price didn’t plan on being a teacher; in fact, she planned on doing a musical and working on a cruise ship this year. But when Dinuba High reached out in need of a choir teacher, she remembered how difficult it was as a choir student to never have a consistent director. This led her to make the final decision to move back to the valley from Long Beach, CA. She plans on being as present as possible for her student and hopes not to let them down. Price still hopes to find time for future musicals and other opportunities, but will remain “Totally engaged in teaching!” Although the move hasn’t been easy, Price is looking forward to working with the choir students at Dinuba High.
Mr. Martinez – Auto – Dinuba High School is excited to welcome Mr. Martinez as the new auto teacher this year. With experience as a shop foreman at Future Kia and as a former teacher at Duncan High School, he brings valuable skills to the classroom. Mr. Martinez hopes to give back to the community by preparing students for the future and even starting a club where girls can learn the basics of car maintenance. He believes every student deserves the chance to learn at their own pace and makes sure to help individuals as well as the class as a whole. Safety is also one of his top priorities, as he follows the same procedures he has practiced in past workplaces. Inspired by his wife, who has been teaching at Jefferson for 17 years, Mr. Martinez wants every student to feel they have a place in his class. While he is already working on improving class management and keeping lessons engaging, he says he has already found Dinuba High School to be a very friendly and welcoming environment. He also shared a favorite quote that guides him in life: John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Mr. Lopez – Firefighter – Dinuba High School is proud to introduce Mr. Lopez as the new firefighting teacher. With 28 years of full-time experience, he brings real-world knowledge to the classroom by teaching students through drills, techniques, and stories from actual calls he has been on. Mr. Lopez chose to teach because programs like Valley ROP didn’t exist when he was younger, and he wants to give students the opportunities he never had. He believes in the importance of a strong work ethic and integrity, and he is inspired daily by the excitement he sees on his students’ faces. His goals include preparing juniors for the ROP wildland course and helping all students. Mr. Lopez is committed to growing in patience and understanding. A piece of advice that guides him comes from his mom, who told him, “The lazy man works twice, so do it again.”
Chief Black – NJROTC – Dinuba High School is proud to introduce Chief Black, the NJROTC Chief, who brings over 21 years of military experience to his role, having served as a firefighter and aircraft director. He was inspired to teach NJROTC after seeing the success of cadets who learned under his guidance, recognizing how much the program can open doors for students. Before joining Dinuba, he taught firefighting, safety, and NSI at Lemoore High School, emphasizing preparation, discipline, and the importance of safety.
Chief Black values education as a transformative tool, both as a reason he joined the military and as a principle he encourages in his cadets. He finds motivation in his own children as well as his students, striving to guide, support, and inspire them while building meaningful connections. At Dinuba High, he appreciates the staff, whom he describes as a family, and the engaging students. His personal goals include earning his bachelor’s degree, improving time management and lesson planning, and leaving a lasting impact on the students he mentors. His favorite quote, Nelson Mandela’s “I never lose; I win or learn,” reflects his philosophy on growth, resilience, and dedication to excellence.
Mrs. Gallegos – PE – Students at Dinuba High School will be seeing a new face in the gym this school year. Coach Gallegos is a part of the athletic department and has become a new PE teacher. She has been working in Physical Education for four years and has always wanted to be a PE teacher. Her very own mentor inspired her, “I really enjoyed the way she taught PE.”
Outside of teaching, she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and playing soccer. With a passion for sports and fitness, Coach Gallegos is eager to bring her energy and enthusiasm to her students. She hopes to get to know staff members and her students. She plans on motivating her students by doing the warm-ups and activities with them, “When the kids see a teacher doing the workouts with them, they get competitive and will wanna challenge them.”
Beyond the gym, she is this year’s head coach for varsity girls’ soccer. She is ready and excited to kick off the season in September, she hopes to have a winning record and make play offs. To achieve those goals, she plans on examining the Reedley College girls’ soccer team and getting ideas from drills and game plays. “It’s good to get ideas from others and implement them into your work; you’re always gonna learn something new from other people.” With most of her players being in her sixth period, she will be teaching more game plays during that period. Many of her players are excited to have her as their PE coach this school year. Varsity Captain, Jennifer Rea says, “I’ve known her for a long time, so it feels familiar.” Varsity Defender Aaliyah Moreno says, “She’s lit, I know I’m gonna have fun.” Overall, the girls are excited to have Gallegos as a coach. From fitness work-outs to soccer drills on the field, Coach Gallegos is ready to take on the school year and create an environment where all her students feel motivated and supported.
Ms. Zuniga – Counselor – Among these new additions is Ms. Zuniga, our new counselor. If your last name starts with an H to M, she’s your counselor.
Ms. Zuniga has been a counselor since she graduated from college in 2008. She has her master’s degree and other credentials. Prior to working here at DHS, she worked at Reedley High School and Orange Cove High School. From there, “life happened.” She had some health issues that caused her to leave her previous school and take some time off. Once she recovered, she applied for the opening here at DHS. She expressed feeling “beyond lucky and blessed” to have been chosen and hired here.
Ms. Zuniga expressed that her favorite part of being a counselor is “the impact that I make in my students’ lives, knowing that I’m helping them accomplish their dreams and goals and that they feel seen. Just having those heart-to-heart conversations.”
Overall, Ms. Zuniga’s journey showcases her resilience and dedication to making a difference in students’ lives. Her positive outlook and professional experience make her an excellent addition to Dinuba High School.
Welcome to all of our new teachers!
