Meet Frank Sanchez (he/him), a 3rd-grade teacher in his 34th year at Figueroa Street Elementary School. We recently spoke with him to discuss his journey in education. Read more below. 

Frank’s path to becoming an educator was unplanned, but his passion for learning and helping others has always guided him. This passion was sparked in high school under Jaime Escalante, a renowned calculus teacher in East Los Angeles. He was famously depicted in the film Stand and Deliver for achieving high passing rates on Advanced Placement exams among students at a high-need school—an uncommon accomplishment at the time.

“I was supposed to go into engineering, but after the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, there were fewer opportunities,” he said. “I’m a math guy, so I decided to become a teacher.”

Since Frank began his teaching career, education has changed significantly. Classrooms once had little technology, but it now plays a vital role in engaging students. Students also face increased pressure to perform on standardized tests, which Frank believes can motivate them, as long as teachers guide their students effectively. To support their success, he maintains high expectations and blends traditional methods with videos, audio, and other tech resources.

Ultimately, Frank believes it’s his responsibility to prepare all students for college, even at the elementary level. He teaches students how to organize paragraphs, encourages multiple problem-solving approaches, and fosters peer collaboration. Additionally, he is committed to helping students catch up when they fall behind by carving in one-on-one support during class. “A strong foundation in English and math is especially crucial in third grade, which is the first year students take standardized tests,” he emphasized.

Over the past 34 years, Frank has taught every grade except kindergarten, focused primarily on first through fourth, and third grade for the last decade. “Figueroa is my community and family, where I’ve built relationships for decades.” Two of Frank’s proudest moments come from seeing former students return as teachers at Figueroa, along with others who become successful lawyers and authors. Witnessing their achievements makes it all worth it and keeps him motivated.

Though a seasoned teacher, Frank remains open to new material and improving his skills. Incorporating new techniques has made him a better educator. He embraces diverse math approaches, understanding that students learn differently—some in groups, others independently. So, adjusting his methods to fit their needs is essential. His advice to new teachers is simple: “Don’t give up. It’s hard at the beginning, but the rewards come at the end.”