Santiago High welcomed a new teacher and coach onto our campus this year. Coach Castillo is currently a new teacher at Santiago High this year; he is teaching math and is our new head basketball coach! He has a wife and three kids. His wife is an elementary school teacher. He taught at Centennial High, Norco High, And River Heights Intermediate School. Before teaching, he wanted to be an accountant and earned a degree in accounting, but along the road, he was driven to become a teacher because of the students. He earned a Masters in Education while attending California Baptist University. He has one golden rule on the field and in his classroom, “Treat people how you want to be treated.”

What are some goals for your students?
His teaching philosophy is to treat his students fairly and try to create a connection with the students and let them feel comfortable in his classroom. His strengths are being fair and patient with the students. He believes anyone can achieve anything if they put their mind and strength into it. He also stated that he hopes all his students put maximum effort into their goals.  

How is teaching math?
This year, his goal is for all his Math students to pass his class. When asked how the other teachers were, he stated, “The math department has been awesome. They’re constantly asking if I need anything and always willing to help.” They showed him around the campus these past few weeks of working here. He handles classroom management by following the S.H.A.R.K. way of treating people the way you want to be treated, and they constantly collaborate in class with each other. He connects with students by sharing interests; if not, he tries to learn them. He also expressed a big passion for teaching math, as it helped him get through college. He hopes to create a positive learning environment as well.

Why did you decide to become a basketball coach?
When asked why he became a basketball coach, he said he loves sports and has wanted to be a basketball coach since he was young. He expressed “It was through these experiences that I realized teaching (be it on or off the court) was something that I desired to continue doing.” He said, “I have always had a passion for coaching the youth within the community, while doing that I realized how many of my players needed support in math.” I was able to observe them learn, grow, and find a newfound respect for the subject I loved.” He would pick basketball any day if he had to choose between football or basketball. In 5 years, he still sees himself at Santiago and hopes the Basketball program will be in the top five in the state. There are also expected to be 45 boys in the basketball program this year.  He loves the atmosphere, as the students are constantly making him smile. When asked how the parents were, he said he mainly only communicated with the parents during the basketball program. He expresses that the parents have been friendly and supportive.

Our campus wishes the basketball team a great year and the best of luck teaching.

GO SHARKS! ? ?