Keeping Up With the Classroom: Mr. Lopez, Part II

As the first semester of the 2025/2026 school year comes to a close, Gilbert Public Schools is checking in with some of its newest teachers to see how their students are growing and thriving in their classrooms. These educators are helping students build knowledge, confidence, and creativity while creating welcoming and collaborative classroom environments.

Tyler Lopez, Science Teacher at South Valley Junior High
Looking back on the school year, Tyler Lopez shares that one of the highlights of the semester has been watching his students grow during hands-on lab activities. This year, his students are experiencing real lab work and learning to collect evidence, analyze results, and understand the importance of scientific reasoning in practical, real-world ways.

Lopez has also noticed growth in students’ professionalism and collaboration as they work together in the lab. “Once my students started to understand the importance of science and collecting evidence, they matured into great young scientists who work together to solve problems,” he said. “It has been really fun to see.”

Outside of the classroom, Lopez has enjoyed building friendships and strong connections with colleagues, emphasizing that the support from the South Valley staff has made his first year feel more comfortable.

Lopez and his students are eager to continue exploring STEM through Project Lead the Way in the second semester, including 3D printing, simulations, and other hands-on projects that make science engaging and fun.