Dressed in a colorful button up, dapper khaki pants, and a sleek pair of Stan Smiths, Chris Saucedo steps into his role as a Biology Honors and Chemistry teacher at AHS. Mr. Saucedo can be found in room S208 which serves as a space of amusement as well as newfound knowledge for his students. His charismatic personality makes his class enjoyable and feeds his students’ passion for science.

He a very forward-thinking teacher and puts faith in his students to make their own decisions. Instead of relying on a seating chart to maintain order in his classroom, he utilizes “free seating” and gives his students the liberty to choose the seats they sit in each day. The respect his students have for him and his engaging lesson plans prompt his students to act studiously, allowing him to teach his students without confining them to a specific part of the classroom. He also provides a plethora of seating options ranging from lab desks and tables to bean bags and couches to make sure everyone is comfortable. The absence of a seating chart allows students to feel unrestrained and feel respected in his classroom.

Most days, his class starts off with his preplanned Weekly Journal filled with nonspecific, fun questions that may require critical thinking or just the opinion of an individual. Many times, he also passes out candy to those who answer the questions from the Weekly Journal, encouraging them to share their thoughts and participate in class. It’s a perfect way to begin class and warms-up his students for a period of learning.

All of his lessons are never boring, and he makes his students excited for what he has planned. His well-organized PowerPoints provide crucial information for his students while his captivating commentary makes the information interesting. The PowerPoints are oftentimes accompanied by a fun activity ranging from coloring a diagram to a science-themed speed-dating activity. No matter what he has planned, it’s always executed in a way that makes his students feel He frequently pauses and gives his students a chance to ask questions during presentations, truly making sure his students understand the material before moving on. The patience he displays when dealing with his students is unlike that of any other teacher, never coming close to making a mean comment or embarrassing a student.

Mr. Saucedo is a progressive, understanding teacher who never fails to put a smile on his students’ faces. He has the ability to capture the attention of his students like no other and knows how to engage them in his lessons and activities. Any Apache who had or has Mr. Saucedo is incredibly lucky to be taught by such a remarkable teacher who truly cares for his students and does all in his power to help them succeed.