Page 9 - HIE Program 2024

Heroes In Education Program_Layout 1 4/22/2024 1:44 PM Page 9

Jose Pimentel

STEM Teacher of the Year

Jose is completing his 19th year as a teacher and is still excited to start every school
year. Jose grew up in the San Fernando Valley, and attended Sherman Oaks CES from
5th to 12th grade. From there he attended Pierce College and after two years
transferred to his dream school: the University of California at Los Angeles, UCLA.
He earned a Bachelor's degree in History and planned on becoming a history teacher
to follow in the footsteps of some of his favorite teachers from SOCES. His plans changed as he found a
passion for teaching math at the middle school level and he began to take math courses in the evenings to
earn certification for a math teaching credential. Jose is currently attending California State University
Northridge working on his Master’s in Secondary Math Education, so he can continue to help students grow
and build confidence in their math skills.

Jose credits his recent success on the amazing cohort of teachers at Granada Hills Charter TK-8. Especially
the 8th-grade team, who have inspired him to reflect on his teaching practices and build new ones to help
our students be the best students possible as they transition to the High School level.

Ben Schulz

Special Education Teacher of the Year

Mr. Ben, as he is known by his students and staff, is in his 7th year as an educator
at Lokrantz Special Education Center in Reseda. He started his career in special
education as a paraprofessional in the same school and room where he currently
teaches. After a brief stint at a general education campus, Ben became a health care assistant for 7 years
before finally realizing his dream of becoming a teacher at Lokrantz.

The students at Lokrantz have extensive support needs, with multiple disabilities and orthopedic
impairments. In his classroom, they utilize assistive technology for curriculum accessibility and for
communication. Ben sets the expectations high for his students assuming capability first. It is not just about
‘hitting a switch’ in Mr. Ben’s room. If there is an interest, then the will manifests into action. Working closely
with physical therapists, students use mobility equipment allowing them to gain access to and participate in
their school environment. Ben has even created tutorials on his YouTube Channel, from cooking gnocchi to
adapting toys for individuals with motor challenges.

Outside of school, Ben is happily married to wife Alicia, who also works in special education. They have two
wonderful 7-year-old boys who are also cats. Lokrantz is not just a place of work for Ben, but a place where
he can make a difference in the lives of his students every day.