Meet Danielle Torrez (she/her), History and AP Psychology teacher at Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy (MSTMA), co-located at Roosevelt High School. We connected with her about the new school year, what she’s looking forward to, and how she builds belonging in her classroom.

From an early age, Ms. Torrez knew she wanted to teach. Inspired by her kind and supportive second-grade teacher, she always pictured herself in a classroom. Though initially interested in teaching math, she shifted her focus after taking Chicano, African American, and ethnic studies courses in college.

“I was fascinated by the perspectives those classes offered, and I hoped to bring that awareness to my own students someday,” said the ninth-year educator, now in her second year at MSTMA.

For Ms. Torrez, the start of the school year means returning to her routine of bell schedules, meetings, and grading, and creating environments where students belong and are inspired to learn. She begins by inviting students to write “I Am From” poems about the people, foods, places, and experiences that shape them, and she shares her own. “I want to see what’s important to them,” she explains. 

Ms. Torrez centers her teaching on belonging. She co-creates community agreements with students, emphasizing shared responsibility: “You’re not just renting a desk. You have responsibility for what happens in the classroom,” adding that she asks them to hold her accountable, too. Her classroom environment reflects this, making it welcoming and affirming.

In her World History class, Ms. Torrez emphasizes interconnectedness, showing that communities share in victories, tragedies, and injustices. She also pushes her students to broaden their social circles. “I require them to get up and talk to new people and build community with classmates,” she says. She wants them to see the value in opening up socially.

Her role as co-advisor of the school’s Pride Club, alongside Ms. Ramirez of Roosevelt High, is another way she fosters belonging. “We do our best to create a space where you can be who you want and just exist without holding back or filtering yourself,” she said. A major goal this year is to expand schoolwide belonging, especially around respecting names and pronouns.

Through this work, Ms. Torrez hopes her students know she and other adults are safe people to turn to and that belonging is vital for success. While she gives much to her students, she also learns from them. “They’ve taught me to be brave. I wasn’t out in grade school,” she says. “It makes me happy to see students being open and educating others.”

Personally, Ms. Torrez prioritizes belonging and community because they keep her grounded and motivated. “I could never teach alone,” she says, explaining that she thinks about and embodies the support of educators who keep her going, including her grad school friends, past colleagues, and current colleagues. They hold space for her, and that support sustains her.

As the school year begins, Ms. Torrez looks forward to guiding her students through research projects, strengthening their skills, and building confidence in presenting to larger audiences. She also wanted to give a shout-out to her 11th-grade advisory class, wishing them the best as they enter their junior year. She is proud of them and excited for the year ahead.