Meet Ricardo Silas, a student graduating from the College of Education's UOTeach Master's program, through our Graduate Spotlight series

"I feel confident in being able to implement a student-centered approach in my pedagogy where all students feel welcomed and safe." —Ricardo Silas

Ricardo (he/him) is a proud Air Force Veteran and Mexican-American graduating from the College of Education's UOTeach Master's program. Ricardo decided to pursue a career in education after he became a interpreter/translator for school district in Eugene, Oregon. It was there that he learned about the UOTeach program through an alum and decided to pursue it. The program has prepared him to serve students through a sociocultural lens where students can feel welcomed and safe.

Ricardo not only has learned to create a community within the classroom, but also has proactively done so with his cohort outside of class. He hosts regular dinners for his cohort to offer an opportunity to unwind and connect, which created a heightened sense of trust in one another.

Following graduation, Ricardo plans to teach locally with the goal of teaching high school Spanish.

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Can you tell me how organize regular dinners has aided to building community within your cohort?

The UOTeach program is a one-year program so as a student we spend most of our time either in class or at our student teaching placement. The get-togethers that I organize within the cohort offer us an opportunity to unwind and get to know each other on a personal level. We have established a level of trust where we feel comfortable sharing what brings us joy as well as challenges we may be facing. The community created among the cohort is one of a kind; I consider them family!

How has the UOTeach program prepared you for your career?

I did not always want to be an educator. I entered the education workforce as an interpreter/translator for a school district in Eugene. I learned about the UOTeach program through an alum and my curiosity was piqued.  I came into the program with the belief that students are the future. The program continued to foster that belief by teaching me how to have a more sociocultural and equity lens. I feel confident in being able to implement a student-centered approach in my pedagogy where all students feel welcomed and safe. 

What are your plans following graduation?

I plan to teach locally for the first year following graduation. The first year of teaching will provide me with practical classroom experience so that I may grow as a teacher. My goal is to teach high school Spanish while sharing my passion for the language and its diverse culture. 

What was your favorite resource at the College of Education?

My favorite resource at the College of Education is without a doubt the grad lounge. It offered a much needed space close to HEDCO and LOKEY where I could study and relax. 

What advice would you give incoming/current students?

A piece of advice that I would give to incoming/current students is find your why and never lose sight of it.  Remembering your why will help keep you motivated when times get tough.