Educator Profile: Alex Castro-Wilson
Past and Present
Today, Alex Castro-Wilson is a 26-year-old, 5th grade teacher at Benson Hill Elementary. He began his career in 2012 as a paraeducator in the Learning Assist Program (LAP), at Bryn Mawr Elementary in the Renton School District. He led small instructor groups to provide additional support for Tier 2 students in reading development and mathematics. At the same time, he pursued his teaching licensure by attending classes at Highline College and Central Washington University at Des Moines.
Before working as a paraeducator, Alex had gained previous career experience as an AVID Tutor in the Tukwila School District, and a Supervisor/Manager at Sam’s Club. Towards the end of his educator pathway, he completed his student teaching at Benson Hill Elementary.
By the time he graduated, in March of 2017, Benson Hill Elementary had offered him a leave replacement position in a 4th grade classroom. Alex accepted the position, taught for the remainder of the 2017 school year, and has worked in the Renton School District ever since.
Support on the Path
Recognizing that he couldn’t have walked this career path alone, Alex is truly grateful to everyone who helped him. Specifically, he credits his amazing mentors, the Recruiting Washington Teachers Grant, the Teacher Academy program at Renton High School, and the partnership with Highline College—for providing a continuous line of support while achieved his dream of being a teacher.
Finding Fulfillment
“It’s not always an easy job or task, but it provides me the biggest fulfillment in my life.”
Alex admits that his job is not always easy, but he knows that it is always valuable. No matter what neighborhood, or income level his students come from, Alex has an ability to build meaningful relationships with them. He finds a sense of honor and accomplishment in knowing that his students have an educator who values his job and truly cares. Teaching has been the most fulfilling part of his life, and every day he gets to do what he loves.