NMS Teacher Spotlight
⭐ Teacher of the Week Spotlight:
Teacher Spotlight of the Week | Mr. Thompson
This week, we are excited to spotlight one of our outstanding Social Studies teachers, Mr. Thompson. Known for his humor, passion for history, and genuine care for students, Mr. Thompson brings energy and connection to his classroom every day. His ability to make students feel seen, supported, and engaged is part of what makes Newark Middle School such a special place.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and why middle school?
I was lucky to have very good teachers in my life and had a specific college professor push me toward teaching after seeing my enjoyment of teaching underclassmen. Also I must shout out my wife as an inspiration because she is a much better teacher and has been a great support to my own teaching career and many students will be lucky enough to have her as a teacher when they get to Newark Memorial.
I chose middle school because I had a hard time in Middle School and if I can make this difficult time easier for students then I feel like I am doing my job right.
What’s your favorite part about working at NMS?
My favorite part about working at NMS is the students and community. Every day I hear some wild new story from the students and it makes my day more fun. Just wish I heard less about 6–7.
If you weren’t a teacher, what other job could you see yourself doing?
If I was not a teacher I would either be trying to work somewhere in the gaming industry or as a tour guide for a museum or zoo.
What was your favorite subject or teacher when you were in middle school?
My favorite subject in middle school was PE but my favorite teacher was my 8th grade history teacher who made history fun and got me into the subject.
Do you have a fun fact or hidden talent most people don’t know about you?
I have been to all the major zoos in California and I am a big proponent of wildlife conservation. One of my life goals is to visit and donate to a zoo in every state.
What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show that you think middle schoolers would enjoy too?
The book Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is one of my favorite science fiction books of all time and would be a great book for any student who enjoys reading science fiction.
If you could take the whole school on a field trip anywhere, where would it be and why?
I would take the whole school on a historical site roadtrip through the original 13 colonies so students could have a better understanding of the start of this country and our history.
What advice would you give to students to make the most of middle school?
Find something you truly enjoy at school. Whether it is a specific subject, a club, an after school program or sport, find something that you enjoy because it makes coming to school everyday a lot easier when you have something to look forward to.
Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for all you do to support our students and strengthen our school community.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week: Ms. Carole Rose
This week, we are proud to spotlight one of our dedicated and inspiring educators, Ms. Carole Rose. Ms. Rose has spent many years serving students with care, passion, and a deep commitment to helping young people grow both academically and personally. Her journey to teaching and her love for students shines through in every classroom she serves. We are grateful to highlight her story and the heart she brings to Newark Middle School.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and why middle school?
When I was growing up school was where I could feel I had a safe place. I loved all of my teachers. As I had children of my own I volunteered in their classes. I also worked as a girl scout leader for 12 years. I enjoyed working with children and enriching their lives. I feel teaching has given me a path to support children in showing them education has many paths and will give them power.
I actually started going to Ohlone and became a teacher after having my 4 children. What started this journey was that my family hosted a Japanese exchange student, Daisuke, for one month who was sixteen. After his visit I enrolled in Ohlone College to learn conversational Japanese. Daisuke had very limited English. I asked Daisuke to write to me in Japanese so I could try to translate his letters. LOL! I did love going to these classes so much I enrolled in a couple of the required classes: Algebra 1 and English 101A. I kept chipping away at the classes for about 9 years until I became a teacher.
I taught either 5th or 6th grade at elementary school for 20 years. I moved to middle school when the 6th grade moved. This is our 4th year.
What’s your favorite part about working at NMS?
My favorite part of working at NMS is witnessing the growth of the students over the 3 years they are here. I love when former students come by to say hello and tell me how they are doing in school. I am inspired to see how they mature into independent young adults.
If you weren’t a teacher, what other job could you see yourself doing?
I love the outdoors and I love art. I often wonder what it would have been like to study drafting. Otherwise I would be a scientist studying something in the environment.
What was your favorite subject or teacher when you were in middle school?
I like being creative. The one class I really enjoyed because it was out of my comfort zone was rowing on a CREW team. I was on an 8 person boat and we practiced at Berkeley Aquatic Park. We never won and that is ok because the process was the most fun. Building relationships with the coaches and my teammates.
Do you have a fun fact or hidden talent most people don’t know about you?
One fact that is fun to share is that the actor Tom Hanks is my 2nd cousin. Even though I never had the opportunity to meet him. I had dinner with his mom at my grandmother's house and she came to my wedding.
What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show that you think middle schoolers would enjoy too?
I have a lot of favorite books. One that I think middle schoolers might like is “House of the Scorpion” by Nancy Farmer. Ms. Farmer is a resident of Menlo Park. It is a science fiction story about a boy who is a clone.
If you could take the whole school on a field trip anywhere, where would it be and why?
I think Yellow Stone National Park in Wyoming. It is the best place to witness many geothermal features. Visiting helped me to understand more fully how the systems of Earth are amazing and complex.
What advice would you give to students to make the most of middle school?
Each of you are wonderfully made and created with a purpose.
The choices you make are important. Try new things!!!
Ask lots of questions and think for yourself. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, that is how we learn.
Thank You, Ms. Rose
We are incredibly thankful for Ms. Rose and the many years of dedication, wisdom, and compassion she continues to bring to our students. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping confident learners and thoughtful young people. Newark Middle School is truly fortunate to have her as part of our community.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week
Mr. Patrick Cardenas
This week, we are excited to spotlight one of our newest teachers at Newark Middle School, Mr. Cardenas. He has already made a positive impression on students and staff through his enthusiasm, dedication to teaching, and the strong relationships he is building in the classroom.
Below are his responses to our Teacher of the Week questions.
What inspired you to become a teacher, and why middle school?
When I thought about a career I wanted to pursue, I always knew that I would want to choose a profession that involved helping and elevating others. I have had so many different teachers throughout my educational journey that left such a big impact on me and helped me to become the person I am today. I am so grateful to them. I want to be that for my students. I want to watch them grow more successful day by day. How could any other career possibly be more satisfying
What is your favorite part about working at NMS
My favorite thing about NMS is the community. Whether it is the students or the staff, everyone on campus puts a smile on my face when I interact with them
If you were not a teacher, what other job could you see yourself doing
When I was in college, I took a computer science class. I am pretty big into tech and find it pretty fascinating. A lot of my closest friends chose computer science as their major in college. One is also trying to become an English teacher so I am excited for him
What was your favorite subject or teacher when you were in middle school
When I think back to my educational journey, a lot of the teachers that stood out to me were my English teachers. English by nature is an expressive class because we are learning how to express ourselves verbally and in writing. I got along well with a lot of my teachers back in the day
Do you have a fun fact or hidden talent most people do not know about you
I am big into music. I have a big subwoofer in my car so that my music really rattles the whole neighborhood. I have also made multiple covers of songs that I like using many instruments that I play myself. When I was in elementary school, I tried to learn guitar but gave up because I thought it was too hard. Toward the end of high school and beginning of college, I fully dedicated myself to learning and now always remind myself not to give up because you can surprise yourself with what you can accomplish with a little hard work
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show that you think middle schoolers would enjoy too
One of my favorite stories that I read in middle school was The Outsiders. I still love the movie and the story today. It has great themes like the power of friendship and family and enough action to keep it exciting
If you could take the whole school on a field trip anywhere, where would it be and why
I would take the whole school to the Statue of Liberty. I went for the first time with my father and it was an amazing experience. It is historically significant and very cool to see in person. Just bring a bag if you get seasick
What advice would you give to students to make the most of middle school
Enjoy being young and do not rush to grow up. I would take homework over waiting in line at the DMV or paying rent any day
We are grateful to have Mr. Cardenas as part of our NMS team. His passion for teaching, commitment to students, and enthusiasm for our school community make him a wonderful addition to our staff. We look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our students throughout the school year.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week – Mr. Smith
This week’s Teacher Spotlight shines on Mr. Smith, one of our passionate and dedicated history teachers at NMS. From coaching high school baseball to being inspired by teachers who made learning truly enjoyable, Mr. Smith brings energy, humor, and heart to our campus every day. His love for the Newark community and commitment to our students make him an incredible part of our school family.
Teacher of the Week Questions
What inspired you to become a teacher, and why middle school?
Two things...
When I was in college, I coached a high school baseball team. After witnessing the players progress and success from my coaching and advice, it opened my eyes to the world of teaching.
I also had a teacher in high school by the name of Mr. Johnson who taught history in a way that was fun and made learning enjoyable. In college I had a conversation with him about teaching and it made me realise that I wanted to get into the educational profession.
What’s your favorite part about working at NMS?
The staff and the community of Newark.
If you weren’t a teacher, what other job could you see yourself doing?
Tough question cause I dont see myself doing anything else besides a teacher or coach, but if I were to choose, I would say a greeter at Costco. Better show that membership card!
Honestly it would probably be something with baseball, like an announcer or on field coaching.
What was your favorite subject or teacher when you were in middle school?
In middle school my favorite subjects were my electives and PE.
Do you have a fun fact or hidden talent most people don’t know about you?
Hmmm, fun fact, I do own over 2,157 baseball hats. I might have a problem. I have been collecting since I was 13 years old.
What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show that you think middle schoolers would enjoy too?
Regular Show is always a favorite show of mine. Some of the students might know about it.
Movies, well I would always suggest any that will make you laugh.
If you could take the whole school on a field trip anywhere, where would it be and why?
Being a United States history teacher, we would be going on a field trip all over the east coast. Hitting up all the historical spots like Independence Hall, battle sites, and Washington D.C. to name a couple locations. Bonus would be enjoying all the geographical eats (crab cakes, Philly Cheesesteak from Genos, etc) and gaining 17 pounds.
What advice would you give to students to make the most of middle school?
Enjoy it the best you can, cause being an adult is a trap!
Don't sweat the drama, and have fun!!!
We’re grateful to have educators like Mr. Smith who bring learning to life and make NMS a welcoming place for all students. Thank you, Mr. Smith, for the impact you make every single day! Stay tuned for next week’s spotlight as we continue celebrating the amazing staff who help our students thrive.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week: Ms. White
This week we are proud to shine the spotlight on Ms. White, one of Newark Middle School’s dedicated and inspiring educators. Known for her compassion, creativity, and commitment to helping students find joy in learning, Ms. White has made a lasting impact on our school community. Her classroom is a place where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be their best selves, both academically and personally.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week Questions
What inspired you to become a teacher, and why middle school?
School was always a challenge for me, but it also became a place where I could escape some of the difficulties happening at home. As I grew older, I realized I wanted to create that same sense of safety and belonging for my students. I want every child who walks into my classroom to know they are loved, cared for, and supported. I also want them to see that learning can be fun and meaningful. My goal is to stand beside them, helping them believe in themselves and showing them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Choosing middle school was a happy ending to a sad chapter. When our elementary school, Musick, closed, the teachers decided to stick together and move to the middle school as a family. It was a great choice because middle school is such an important time, when kids are discovering who they are and what they can do. If I can help guide them and get them to enjoy even one good book, that’s a win for me!
What’s your favorite part about working at NMS?
My favorite part about working at NMS is our amazing students! They’re the reason I look forward to coming to work every day. Their energy, humor, and resilience make this job so rewarding. I also love working alongside teachers who care about our kids just as much as I do and who create such a supportive, positive environment for everyone.
If you weren’t a teacher, what other job could you see yourself doing?
When I was little, I wanted to be an ice cream woman so I could eat all the ice cream in the truck. Then I found out I’d actually have to pay for the supply, and that dream melted pretty quickly! Ever since then, becoming a teacher was always my goal. I don’t see myself in any other job!
What was your favorite subject or teacher when you were in middle school?
I can think of one teacher from middle school who really stood out was my 6th grade CORE teacher, Ms. O’Neil. She was always patient and kind, and even though school was challenging for me, her support made a difference.
Do you have a fun fact or hidden talent most people don’t know about you?
Known as ‘The Head Hunter,’ I competed in sport karate as both a Point Fighter and Continuous Fighter, competing weekly in local tournaments and tournaments around the US and Mexico.
What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV show that you think middle schoolers would enjoy too?
My favorite book for middle schoolers is Ghost by Jason Reynolds because it shows how determination and resilience can help you get through tough challenges. You also get to meet other awesome characters who each have their own books in the series. And just recently, in October, a new one called Coach came out!
If you could take the whole school on a field trip anywhere, where would it be and why?
It's a no brainer-I’d pick Disneyland! It’s the happiest place on earth, and it would be awesome to share that magic with the whole school!
What advice would you give to students to make the most of middle school?
Be kind to yourselves! Middle school can be messy, but it’s also a chance to try new things, make mistakes, and figure out who you are.
Ms. White’s story reminds us why educators play such an important role in shaping young lives. Her passion for teaching, genuine care for her students, and belief that every child deserves a safe place to grow make her an invaluable part of the NMS family.
Thank you, Ms. White, for your dedication, positivity, and for helping change the culture one day at a time.