Spotted anywhere with his red Converse, plaid shirt, and dangling keys, Mr.  Juan Carlos Moya’s radiant energy and ability to inspire is not limited by his mask .

Interested in all things Africa, the Beatles, traveling the world, and literature, Mr. Moya finds himself being a large part of the ILS community.

He is Debate Club moderator, Honors English teacher and a mentor to many.

“It’s been incredibly refreshing to have a teacher that cares so much about adequately preparing his students not only academically, but as people. In the short time I’ve been at IlS, Mr. Moya has helped me grow into a better writer, debater, and more well-rounded student and person in everything I do,” said sophomore Patricia  Quimby-Moro who was had him as a teacher for two years now.

Mr. Moya himself stated that he hopes his impact is to add value to the Salesian community by encouraging students to gain a new perspective and want to start building a better future. He values the  importance  of everything and anything when it comes to the growth and development of a young mind.

“This is because  I focus and try to include information and skills and concepts that will help students become the best version of themselves meaning always looking for ways to make my classes and my curriculum or content relevant to my students,” he said.

This year, the summer reading for sophomores in his class was a book on bicultural families and the struggles within.

“So my students can feel heard or related to. It helps interest students visually and incorporate their personal experiences to the class,” he explained considering a large part of the ILS community comes from bilingual and multi cultural families.

His classroom overflows with culture and illustrative holes into his brain. This includes pictures of all types of birds, famous jazz singers, African traditions, and even  photos of his family.  He  explained that decorating his room is a way for students to remember their teachers are humans too and let them feel more comfortable in an environment where a teacher feels he can express himself.

This also leaves an impact on his students who have now gotten to know him better and grow as individuals by a simple picture on his wall.

“Moya has been my sophomore English, junior Summer Debate, and Senior AP Comparative Government teacher, as well as my Debate Coach for four full years. His impact on my life goes beyond the classroom, as he has taught me invaluable lessons I will take with me for the rest of my life: open mindedness and going beyond my “comfort zone.” He inspires and motivates me to do things I never thought I would; and I have learned so much as a student and person because of it,” said senior Isabel Trespalacios.

Mr Moya  actually enjoys his job and does not see it as a burden or obstacle, but as a way of life. He makes sure his students feel welcome and at home.  As the first person in his family to go to college, he admitted, “I love my job and I value education because my students give me hope in  the future. When things feel or look crazy, it’s my students who’ve helped me feel optimistic .  If my students at La Salle represent the future, my future looks pretty good.”