One Class at a Time: Ryan Pacheco

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Ryan Pacheco teaches 2nd grade at Glen Springs Elementary School in Gainesville. “I want the kids to come eager to learn, eager to find out things, and eager to find out more about the world we live in.”

He said his love for teaching sparked from years of volunteering at the YMCA during high school and college. “I realized real quick that I loved being around kids,” said Pacheco.

He is now in his third year of teaching at Glen Springs.

As a Marvel comics and Star Wars fan, Mr. Pacheco enjoys incorporating his interests into his teaching while also adding in those of his students.

“I am into trying to find out what they like as well because I’m with them for more than half of the year so I want to get to know them. I tell them they are my students but I still want to get to know them” said Pacheco.

He said his favorite subject to teach is math because he loves seeing light bulb moments.

Principal Ricky Bell has his son in Mr. Pacheco’s 2nd grade class. He said he appreciates his hands-on teaching style. “My kid comes home talking about all the great things that they’re doing and has me watching a WNBA basketball game because his teacher is talking about the finals. I love that they bring that aspect into the classroom. My son and a lot of other kids are excited to come in and learn from him,” said Bell.

Mr. Pacheco plans to be teaching for many years to come and eventually move on to being a principal.

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