Welcome, New SMAS Assistant Director, Mr. Saavedra!

 Meet our new Assistant Director, Eric Saavedra!



Mr. Saavedra, our new Assistant Director

Before he joined our San Mateo Adult School team, he was CalWORKs Site Representative and EL Civics Coordinator at Morgan Hill Community Adult School.  He has taught ESL, citizenship, ABE/GED, Adult Diploma, and concurrent HS students.   

 

Mr. Saavedra grew up in the South San Jose and Morgan Hill area.  He lived in Mexico for 2 years when he was young.  He went to college at UC Berkeley. 

 

After college, he joined the Peace Corps.  The Peace Corps sends American volunteers to help and learn from people in other countries.  You can learn more about the Peace Corps here.

 

Through the Peace Corps, Mr. Saavedra lived and worked in Yemen and Morocco as a college ESL teacher.   He traveled in Africa and Asia while he was in the Peace Corps. 

 

Teachers Vasyl, Lisa, and Jessica were also in the Peace Corps.  Do you know what countries they lived and worked in?

 

Can you find Yemen and Morocco on this map?

 

Mr. Saavedra also worked in Germany.  “I am so lucky to have traveled so much. The world is so varied and unique – and that’s what makes the human experience so wonderful. I have visited over 40 countries and I hope to visit 40 more!  I enjoy learning about students from other cultures, even from other parts of the USA.  So when I talk with you I will probably ask you for a list of places to visit.  I am always putting together itineraries for future journeys – even if they are only a dream.  But one thing I have learned over the years is that many fulfilling accomplishments in life start with a dream; so despite all your worries, don’t forget to leave a little space for your dreams.”

 

Mr. Saavedra believes in Adult Education.  He knows it benefits the community in many ways.  “Adult Schools provide a great service to our community. We benefit when our students get the education and language skills needed for employment and/or for reaching their goals. But most of all, adult schools provide a safe place where we can learn about one another, celebrate our diversity and make friendships that help create communities that are more inclusive and united.” 

 

He is excited about joining the San Mateo Adult School team.  He will be in charge of GED program.

 

Mr. Saavedra has an “open door” policy.  This means you can drop by to ask him a question anytime.

 

We welcome Mr. Saavedra to our SMAS community!