Meet: Yochabel Ubiera: 6th Grade Teacher @Caliber: Beta Academy

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Words about Yochabel from her coworkers:
Ms. U is ferociously dedicated to import ingredients for her craft , ensuring student learning, and building relationships with kids. Since her short time on her campus, she’s become an invaluable member of the upper school with faculty, families, and students . 

This rookie is rockin it not only as a teacher but as a coworker. Her willingness to jump in feet first and join our team so seamlessly has benefited students and teachers alike. She teaches science with passion and supports her students beyond their academic needs. 

Ms. Ubiera is such an asset to the Caliber family.  Even when she is super busy, she is always willing to help me with any questions I have.  She always has a smile on her face and is always super positive.  We are truly lucky to have her be part of the team here at Beta. 


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A recent interview with Yochabel:
What is your favorite thing about  Caliber?
 I would have to say that my favorite thing about Caliber is how it's a family. Not just the sense of family between myself and the other staff members but with the students and their families as well. I love the 4 pillars and that the focus isn't just about teaching students how to pass tests but how to be a great student and individual. You can see and feel the staff working with everyone here. 
 
What was your favorite subject when you were in school and why?
I loved both English and Science. I have always loved reading and being able to escape into books. Growing up my favorite escape were the Harry Potter series. With Science it was so much. In elementary school I was part of a group called the GLP Rangers and we spent a week in the Everglades in Florida studying different plant life, different animals,and reptiles. My favorite part was learning how to see an alligator at night by covering a flashlight with red cellophane paper. Their eyes would shine red and it was the coolest thing ever. 


What is your favorite memory associated with music (maybe a memorable concert, or playing an instrument yourself!)?  
I have so many favorite memories that go with music. I started playing the piano at 6 or 7 and I participated in competitions for a year. I started singing at an early age and entered into my elementary school choir a year earlier than they allowed because my 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Garvett, was adamant that I needed to be a part of the choir. She was also the reason I entered into the drama club. That all lent it self to me continuing to sing and perform.  The most favorite memory though: I was the new kid in NJ my Freshmen year of high school and for the talent show I sang 'Killing Me Softly'. I was the last one to perform and the crowd jumped in to sing along and the applause were amazing. I didn't feel so much like the new id anymore after that. 

If you could go on a dream vacation, what would you do + where would you go?
 Oh this is such a difficult one! There are so many places I want to visit. My dream vacation wouldn't really be a place but a time. If life was like a Sci-Fi movie I would like to go back in time a few years and spend 1 week with my dad going to all of his favorite places and just spending some extra time with him.

What is your favorite thing about the Bay Area (or specifically Richmond)?
There is just so much to do here! When I first came out I had terrible anxiety because I felt that I could go nowhere because of the traffic. I've just become used to it at this point. Also one of my greatest friends from high school (Michelle Cardenas!) is here and it's the most wonderful thing to have a piece of home from the east coast here. Both Michelle and Alex have made living in California the most wonderful thing. 
 
What is one fun fact that most people don't know about you?
 I am not really sure since I am pretty much an open book with many people. I would say that people are still surprised when I tell them I used to be an avid gamer both with XBOX live and even MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) like WOW (World of Warcraft). The only reason I stopped online gaming was because it was a little expensive, but my Level 38 undead warlock, Hadenyx, still exists in the WOW world.