August 14, 2024

Name: Phil Tubera

School: Hughson High School

Position: Education specialist (resource teacher)

Experience and education: B.A. in history through CSU Stanislaus. Currently pursuing my ed specialist credential as an intern at Teacher’s College of San Joaquin. Entering my second year in special education. 

What attracted you to Hughson? Head football coach, Shaun King, hired me as an assistant football coach at HHS in 2016. I have been coaching here ever since. In addition to my admiration of the HHS football program, I made friends and fell in love with the community. It was like I never grew up in Waterford. My ultimate goal was to coach here, live here and work here – all of which has become reality. 

What most inspires you about what you do? I am most inspired by the process of building and maintaining positive relationships with students. As a kid, I looked up to my teachers and coaches the most. They played a major role in shaping who I am today. I aim to pay that forward in my teaching assignment. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? I look forward to working with high school students in the educational setting for the first time. As far as employment goes, I have only ever worked with elementary and middle school students. 

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? I like focusing on small group collaborative work. Student-led group learning is always a fun activity to witness. Not only is it fun, but it also gives me a lot of feedback on what next steps I should take when teaching a concept.    

What do you want your students to remember? I want my students to remember all of the positive experiences they had at school, recognizing that they always had a safe and exciting learning environment.

How can parents support what you do? As a member of the special education department, I believe that parents are the most important member of our team. I encourage parents to communicate with me as much as possible to help their children meet their academic goals. 

What would surprise people about your job? People would be surprised at how much of a team effort it is in special education. I collaborate with district administrators, psychologists and nurses as well as other case managers, teachers, paraprofessionals and parents in order to determine what is best for our students. 

What do you do for fun? Coaching football is the most fun for me. I love the game and the process of building up young men. Of course, being a part of a great football program makes it more fun. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I also like rewatching Marvel, “Star Wars” and Tarantino movies.