Woodward graduates stand tall because of Alustiza
Woodward Elementary School teacher Anne Alustiza poses outside of her classroom. Alustiza has impacted the lives of many of today’s Buffaloes with her “spread cheer” philosophy. (JAMESON BUTLER/The Tower)
By JAMESON BUTLER
The Tower
Anne Alustiza has been a teacher for 23 years and has made a huge impact on many of her students. She is very passionate about what she does, and she loves having the ability to positively influence her students.
Alustiza is currently a sixth-grade teacher at Walter Woodward Elementary School. She is a very positive role model on campus, and she always presents herself with a smile. She believes there’s nothing you can’t do with a positive attitude.
“Students who walk in my room in the beginning of the year who are not confident will be standing tall with their shoulders back, smiling and feeling like there is nothing they can’t do by the end of the year,” Alustiza said.
Alustiza aspires to be the role-model for kids that she never had growing up and claims she always needed.
She creates bonds with her students that most teachers don’t care to make. She puts extra love and attention into each student she crosses paths with. She believes in all her students and sees their greatness.
“Mrs. Alustiza is one of those teachers that you will remember for the rest of your life. She comes to work every day with a big smile and a cheerful attitude. Not only does she help students excel in academics, but she also helps students become outstanding citizens out of the classroom,” said Manteca High counselor Wayne Cheung, a former English Language Learner student in Alustiza’s class.
“Seeing my students all grown up and happy is really what makes my job worth doing.”
Her favorite saying is “spread cheer.” By the end of the year, all her students have witnessed her doing so firsthand, and will have the confidence to do so themselves.
The Tower caught Anne Alustiza after school to discuss her teaching style and get some insight on how she thinks teaching has changed over time.
The Tower: How would you describe your teaching style?
Anne Alustiza: So, when I think of my teaching style and I had to look it up, because there’s names for everything, I would describe myself as a facilitator. A facilitator kind of guides the kids, fills the classroom with safety, its organized and structured. Of course, it is filled with academics, but it is also emotional. That is me in a nutshell.
TT: How many years have you been a teacher and what have you learned over those years?
AA: So, this is my 23rd year of teaching. I have learned so much. I know that if I start my day with a smile, it helps everything with the kids. I’ve learned that there’s nothing I can’t do when I have a great attitude. I’ve also learned that if you have a job that you love you can say you never worked a day in your life and that’s how I feel about my job.
TT: If you could give your high school self-advice, what would you tell you?
AA: I would tell myself, ‘Anne, stop with all the drama and focus on your schoolwork because it is your future.’ I needed a Mrs. A in my life when I was in high school for sure.
TT: How have the students changed over time and how did it affect you?
AA: I would say over time students have lost focus and care about growing their brains. They want a lot handed to them, the more I teach the more I see this happening. Of course, covid did not help any of us and it was a major setback. I continue to love my kids first and I teach second and that will never change.
TT: What effect do you wish to leave on your students once they leave your classroom?
AA: Oh, this one is going to make me cry, I always want them to be confident loving people. That really is the bottom line. When we are confident in ourselves, we can do anything.
TT: What is something other teachers could learn from you?
AA: I think teachers should learn that kids deserve to be loved, they deserve to be acknowledged. So, for a second, they can set the curriculum aside and get to know your students as a person and let them get to know you.