On November 3, LACES students waved their goodbyes to their beloved long-term chemistry and interactions substitute teacher, Ms. Yenitzel Bautista Fabian. Starting in January of 2021 as an office technician and ending in November of 2023 as a chemistry teacher, Ms. Bautista has been working at LACES for almost three years.
“I started as an office technician, so I used to work closely with Ms. Castro, who was the SAA of the school — the school assistant administrator,” said Ms. Bautista.
Starting November 6, Ms. Bautista moved from the classroom to the forensics lab as a forensic identification specialist, working with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Ms. Bautista is excited to enter the world of investigation.
“I think the different crime scenes I’m going to be exposed to, and how from arrival all the way to the case being solved, all that pathway and what it takes, I think that’s the most exciting thing about it.”
While Ms. Bautista is enthusiastic about her new title, there are a number of aspects of LACES that she’s going to miss and is hoping to see at her new workplace.
“We are such a tight community in both staff and students, I’ve made so many friends here. Definitely, the science department has befriended me and has been really nice to me,” Ms. Bautista said. “Everyone here is such a big help, and that type of assistance within each other is what I’m going to miss most and I hope that also is something I see in my new job.”
Students who have had Ms. Bautista’s class can vouch for their leaving each of her lessons with both a clear understanding of the material and a smile on their faces.
“One of Ms. Bautista’s best qualities as an educator was that her way of explaining things wasn’t too difficult, so she explained and I understood it, but I’m going to miss her very nerdy humor the most,” said freshman Sanai Wade, a student in her interactions class.
Ms. Bautista leaves LACES with some words of wisdom for her students. “To all of my students; try your hardest, never take any information that is given to you for granted … I wish all of my students good luck and I wish everyone here also the best of their future. I’m going to try to come back and visit, but if I don’t, I’ll be in touch!” she said.
The LACES community wishes her the best of luck in her new career!
With Ms. Bautista’s departure, LACES welcomed their newly hired chemistry teacher, Mr. Sean Jackson, who officially started in his new classroom the day Ms. Bautista started hers, Monday, November 6. Mr. Jackson received his Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California Riverside and graduated from California State University San Bernardino with a Master’s degree in career and technical education.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Jackson is passionate in other fields.
“I’m also a writer and screenwriter, that’s why I actually moved to LA County. So, I love movies and television and video games and all that. Recently, I found that my new hobby is improv comedy.”
To get better acclimated to the LACES community, Mr. Jackson would like to prioritize familiarizing himself with his new students to create a rather comfortable environment in his classroom.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know my students; teaching is one thing, but kind of developing and creating interpersonal relationships and everything, that’s what I’m really mostly looking forward to,” Mr. Jackson said. “I want my students to feel safe and feel like this is a welcoming place that they actually enjoy being in.”
Mr. Jackson is eager to connect with the LACES community.
“I’m anticipating being at this school for many years so I’m very excited about the future … I look forward to learning and getting involved. Good things are in store!”
