Mike Vasquez

He realized that he would find fulfillment by working with people and sharing the lessons of nature and so he followed his calling to become a math/science teacher where he could inspire people of all ages - and what better place to inspire than at HTM through project based learning.  
 
The five years he spent teaching math and science at High Tech Middle passed quickly and when the opportunity to bring the digital arts and multimedia design back to HTM presented itself, he jumped at the chance to try something new. And for the next 5 years, he pushed students to create amazing photos, videos and other graphic design projects.  
 
Despite all of the technical skills his students were attaining, he started to worry that the amount of time his students spent in front of screens each day might be setting them up for difficulty in their futures. He continued his own wellness training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, which is the only nutrition school integrating all the hundreds of different dietary theories with other essential lifestyle factors such as relationships, career and physical activity. His interest in working with people in pursuit of their athletic endeavors also led him to the National Academy of Sports Medicine to become a Certified Personal Trainer, he also holds a Specialization in Youth Fitness through the American Council on Exercise. By combining the knowledge of traditional philosophies with modern concepts he works with the unique circumstances of his clients and students to promote health.  In 2016, he brought a new program to HTM, Plugged Unplugged.  This program sought to address the screen time issue by providing students a space to develop technical skills around computing while they are "plugged in," as well as cultivate an appreciation for growing their mind, body and spirit during the "unplugged" portion of our class. 
 
He is excited to begin his 15th year at High Tech Middle in his role as Dean of Student Affairs where he will continue to support students through moments of struggle and success across the entire school. Recently, he completed his Maters in Educational Leadership at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education; his research interests allowed him to focus on investigating ways to support engagement and increase sense of belonging for Latinx students.
 
In his free time, he enjoys caring for the many animals on his small family farm in North County, including horses, goats, chickens, dogs, barn cats, and a house pig.