Teacher Tuesday Week 13: Alex Paulson

Meet Alex Paulson, our 7th grade ELA extraordinaire at Caliber Beta Academy. Alex's classroom is full of rigorous literary analysis, writing, and discussion. Students are focused and engaged and always thinking deeply. We are so lucky that Alex made the move West to join our team at Caliber!  

One of Alex's teammates recently said, "Alex operates with such conviction about the work that he is doing on behalf of students. He is so focused on making sure their literacy needs are met and that he's developing them not just as learners, but as whole people. He is always willing to collaborate and find solutions and has been a pleasure to work with." 

All about Alex: 
My early days started in the frozen fields of Minnesota where I spent a lot of time trying to play hockey and fishing with my grandpa. At age sixteen, I started working for my local school district at its before-and after-school program. After graduating from high-school, I packed my things and left Minnesota forever, moving to Madison, Wisconsin. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!) where I received a Bachelor's Degrees in English and Psychology. After a brief stint promoting sustainable agriculture in the Madison area, I moved to Brooklyn, NY. In Brooklyn, I helped kids discover a love of reading and literature by teaching 6th Grade Writing, creating and managing a school library, and earning my Master's Degree in Middle-School English. Needing a change of scenery and some fresh air, my new wife Ms. Cardenas and I decided to adventure west to the Bay Area. I couldn't be happier here in Richmond teaching the best 7th grade students on the planet, period.

A recent interview with Alex: 
What is your favorite thing about teaching 7th grade ELA at CBA? 
That moment when students find that one book that changes the way they see the world.

What was your favorite subject growing up?
Easy, 7th Period Algebra 1 with Ms. Talbot. Best class of all-time.

Did you always think you were going to become a teacher? 
I have been working in schools since I was a teenager, so whether I thought I would or not, it seemed to always be written in the stars.

Favorite candy bar or sweet treat?
I couldn't live in Dairy Country without developing an unhealthy appreciation for Ice Cream. Mint Chocolate Chip to be exact.

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go? 
I would love to experience the immensity of the Earth's glaciers before they are gone, so probably Perito Moreno in Argentina.

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area? 
After living in extreme climates my whole life, it is great to wake up and see sunshine most of the days. It immediately brightens my day.

What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you? 
When I was in college, my friends and I wrote and starred in a musical about Dr Seuss.

If you come visit Caliber Beta Academy, be sure to head over to Mr. Paulson's world of reading and writing to see Alex and our students in action!