Eliseo Mata

Interview Project
October 14, 2016
@00972153

Horace Mann, an education reformer, once said, Education then, beyond all
other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the

balance-wheel of the social machinery. This quote embodies what my parents

instilled in me, and what I have attempted to live my life by upon this day. I believe
education allows individuals to be placed on a platform where they are able to
compete in society regardless of the circumstances they might have derived from.
For this reason, I chose to pursue a career in education with hopes of becoming a
high school teacher and involving myself with the athletic department as well.
I interviewed Mr. Gilbert Garcia, a 9th grade math teacher and football coach
at Eagle Pass High School, knowing I would gain some great insight of the education
field coming from such an influential educator. His motivation to become a teacher
11 years ago came from the desire to positively impact his community by not only
educating the future of this nation but encouraging them to become lifelong
learners. I was curious how his philosophy of education differentiated from others I
have come across. He explained how education is, and will always be, part of life.
Mr. Garcia believes that teachers, like himself, should act as a guide while letting
the students minds direct their own learning. When asked what he feels helps
engage the students in learning, he explained that it is largely based on teachers
creating an environment that is comforting and inviting to the young minds. He
feels it is the educators responsibility to present innovative, unique, and interactive
lessons that will allow students to construct knowledge needed to succeed. This will
give students the opportunity to differentiate themselves and apply their newly
acquired skills as required by the situation. Mr. Garcia explained that a major hurdle
an educator experiences is the ability to increase students self-confidence to a level
where they can perform to their highest potential. Doubt becomes a students
enemy in achieving his forthcoming goals.

Mr. Garcia is not only a teacher, but a football coach as well. He is the
assistant offensive coordinator for the Eagle Pass Eagles varsity team. His passion
for the sport has driven him to involve himself with the extra-curricular activities
that he feels develops maturity and discipline. As I have always been intrigued with
sports and the physical activity that comes with it, I proceeded to question him to
gain more knowledge on what it takes to be a high school athletes coach. He began
by stating that patience is extremely important when coaching student-athletes.
The time and effort itself that is required of student-athletes teaches them how to
be responsible and disciplined. He explained that responsibility and discipline is not
only learned by the students but is also practiced by the coaches with all the time
that goes into building a strong team. They are accountable for after-school
practices, Friday night games, watching film on the weekends, amongst other
things. This is where their passion is put to the test. Overall, he believes it is a
satisfying experience to build something together, student-athletes and coaches,
and move forward to achieve a common goal. I asked him what would be a solution
to get more students involved with physical activity since not everyone aspires to
be a dedicated student-athlete. He provided me with one of his ideas that he thinks
would work. Implementing intramural sports would get more students involved with
physical activity without the responsibility of after-school practices and Friday night
games which often deter students from participating. Applying intramural sports to
the athletic department would increase physical activity without taking away
valuable time with practices that could instead be spent on academics.
As an aspiring teacher, I took the time to ask him for advice on what he felt
helped him prepare most adequately for the real-life situations that are encountered
as an educator. He enlightened me with various experiences from his journey that

best prepared him for his profession. During his years at Sul Ross University, he had
the privilege to learn from a variety of professors. They provided him with an
assortment of advice from where to place his desk to how to manage a classroom.
Paying attention to the different techniques and strategies to get their lesson plan
across provided him with a unique approach to his own teaching style. Also, he had
the opportunity to work as a student-teacher at Seco Mines Elementary while still
attending the university. This provided him with the hands-on experience needed to
prepare himself.
The experience of interviewing Mr. Gilbert Garcia gave me valuable
information that increased my drive to become a teacher. The passion he shows
towards his craft as an educator motivates me to one day be able to do the same.
His desire to influence as many students as he possibly can to become lifelong
learners is truly inspiring.

Interviewee:
Name: Gilbert Garcia
Title: 9th grade Math teacher at Eagle Pass High School
Email: ggarcia@eaglepassisd.net
Phone number: (830)513-1937