JCSD 509J is spotlighting Jose Jimenez who is a Special Education and PE Teacher for Mariposa Dual Language for the work he does every day in his role. This is second full year with JCSD 509J. Jose started his teaching career with 509J after working as a Special Education Educational Assistant in another Oregon school district.
“That kind of got me my first exposure to everything which was really nice,” he said. “It was a way that I was able to watch the teacher who had been working there for years. “When I got in there they had me work with a lot of the younger students like in kindergarten, first and a little second. I remember working with those guys, and it was some of the best times I’ve had. It was amazing seeing the beginning to the end of the school year with them and seeing their growth, seeing how things changed with them, their behaviors, their attitudes on certain things academically, how much they’ve learned.”
His career path altered after he graduated from college. He took inspiration from family members to go into education. His sister, and four of his aunts are teachers in California. He also has relatives that work in education here in Oregon. In addition to being the special education teacher at Mariposa Dual Language, Jose stepped into the PE teacher role this school year. This gives him an opportunity to work with all students in the program.
“The team here has really been amazing,” he said. “I have a middle school team that I work with sometimes and my mentor also gives me advice on things for PE because he does have experience in that. It gives me an opportunity to get outside with them and teach them a lot of types of rules that they’re going to bring back into the school. Whether that means following directions the first time, being safe, being respectful and being responsible. It’s a lot of carryover from class to PE and back to class. So, it’s been really great to be able to incorporate a lot of that into the kids.”
Below is his nomination for Employee Spotlight:
“Mr. Jimenez is going into his 2nd year at Mariposa as our SPED and PE teacher. He is one of the most patient, kind and caring staff at Mariposa. You will always see Mr. Jimenez taking the time to listen to students, parents and staff and trying to problem solve when needed. Parents have shared that they appreciate how he takes the time to work with students and support them. This year, Mr. Jimenez is balancing his time as our SPED and PE teacher. Being a PE teacher provides him with the opportunity to get to know all of our students and for all of our students to get to know Mr. Jimenez. Our students look forward to PE time with Mr. Jimenez. As a SPED teacher, he is constantly working with students who require a little extra TLC and he does a fabulous job supporting our students. We are so fortunate to have Mr. Jimenez as part of our Mariposa team here at JCSD where students flourish.”