This year Salida High School has gotten many new staff members. Among them is the new English teacher, Noah Flores. Flores is having no trouble fitting in with staff, students and the Salida, CO community. He said that SHS has a great work environment, that the staff is treating him really well and he feels like working here is like working with a bunch of his friends.
Flores recently moved to Salida from Washington state this past June. Flores found the opportunity to apply for the job at SHS through some friends that are connected with the school.
Flores was born in Fresno, California but spent his elementary, junior and high school years in Washington State. He graduated from Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA with a degree in education. After two years of other teaching experience, he decided to make the move to Colorado.
“I love the community here! People are so nice and willing to help,” said Flores.
He not only moved to Salida for the job, but also for his many hobbies that fit the abundant outdoor opportunities Chaffee County has to offer. Outside of school, Flores loves to spend his time fly fishing, snowboarding and hiking. Flores said the greatest challenge he has as a teacher is finding the time to grade student work, plan for classes and have his own life outside of school.
When Flores was a student in high school, his favorite subject was humanities. It appealed to him because he enjoyed learning about the history of nations outside of the United States.
“I loved learning about history that wasn’t in the US and learning how past civilizations lived, and where we get our traditions from,” Flores said.
Flores grew up mostly liking school, but the thing that inspired him to become a teacher was his experience volunteering as a summer camp counselor.
Flores mentioned that his favorite part of teaching is getting to know his students. He also stated that he prefers teaching upperclassmen.
Many students describe Flores as a funny and great teacher. He is excited to be at SHS, and the students who have not yet experienced his classes are looking forward to having him as a teacher.
