Every year, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) chooses 24 teachers to be recognized as Teacher of the Year who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their students and community. Nominations for Teacher of the Year are made via the LAUSD website where students, parents, and district employees are encouraged to make nominations. Once the nomination window closes, those who are nominated are invited to apply and submit a Teacher of the Year application. This year Mr. Bautista, AP US History (APUSH) teacher and MACES Debate adviser, was selected to be one of the recipients of this amazing recognition for his ongoing dedication to fostering academic excellence in the AP course and critical thinking among his debate students.
Bautista has been an integral part of MACES since the second year of opening where he has transformed the APUSH classroom into a dynamic environment that encourages teamwork and collaboration as students get to choose the people they will work with all year round. By utilizing this classroom model, he encourages students to focus on peer collaboration and create stronger bonds with their teammates. “Sometimes as students we are inclined to try to go fast and just focus on [yourself], but if you see the success of the person next to you is going to lead to your success then you’re going to learn more,” Bautista said.
Beyond the classroom, Bautista serves as the debate advisor, guiding students in sharpening their public speaking and critical thinking skills. Under his mentorship, he leads students to engage in meaningful debates and challenges them to be informed about the many controversial issues we have today. Due to his dedication to debate, he has exemplified his own beliefs as a teacher and given students the support they need to succeed in class. “He would go out of his way and make sure you receive the help you need. He wants you to succeed so if he finds you struggling he’ll definitely reach out to you or talk to you in person,” Chelsea Sanchez, a senior and debate member said.
Beyond his role as a mentor and teacher, Bautista serves as a great role model for his students, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and push past the barriers faced by the Latino community. Lizbeth Martinez, a senior and Debate captain, shared a personal experience involving racism during a college tour on the East Coast. Martinez recalled feeling out of place, unsure if white-dominated institutions like those were meant for her. “He reminded me that I do belong in those spaces. He told me, ‘If people like us don’t apply, these schools will stay white-dominated. We need to take up that space.’ That conversation gave me confidence, and now I’m going to the University of Chicago. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I would have even applied,” Martinez said.
Likewise, his personal values align with those of many students, making it easier for them to connect with him. “Mr Bautista has always aligned with my values politically and personally, so I knew there was always someone out there who understood my frustration with the world. I had no idea what to do in my life my junior year, but thanks to Mr. Bautista, my amazing debate coach, I was able to pave a path for myself I know I’d love,” Natalia Ybarra, a senior said.
In response to receiving the Teacher of the Year, Bautista expressed his gratitude and emphasized the collaborative nature to his success. “I have to credit my current and past students because they have helped me understand and be able to change every year,” Bautista said.
As Bautista continues to empower students, his recognition as Teacher of the Year serves as a reminder of the profound impact he has had on students and MACES.
