Say hello to one of Sierra Pacific High School’s newest teachers: Justin Fukano. A new history teacher here on campus is in charge of Modern World History and AP World History.
Something that many people might not know about Fukano is that he himself is an alumnus of Sierra Pacific, having graduated from the class of 2019.
After graduating from Sierra Pacific, Fukano attended two local community colleges and then later transferred to a community college in Sacramento and finally finished off at Sacramento State.
Fukano mentioned that one of his main inspirations for teaching was one of his college professors as well as the teachers he had during his time at Sierra Pacific. Those included English teachers Brian Dull and Mary Quintero, who inspired Fukano to seriously consider his education and continue to pursue his interests. As well as former Sierra Pacific history teacher Gary Griffin.
Fukano mentioned that Griffin was a person who really allowed the class to be more than just history and made things fun. As well as even contributed to his interest in history.
“He was someone who made me see things in a whole new perspective and see more than just history,” Fukano said of Griffin.
In terms of being able to teach along with a former student, Dull has expressed excitement and anticipation to be able to work along with Fukano. As well as in terms of seeing one of his own former students creating their impact as he once did for Fukano.
Fukano had mentioned that one of his biggest reasons for wanting to teach here at Sierra Pacific was to help students locally realize that there is no reason to feel pressured to stay here in Hanford and if there is effort put in, they can achieve what they want.
“I just want kids to understand that if you put the hard work in you can go anywhere” Fukano said.
As well as the fact that it is important to realize there is so much to the world around us, and that everyone should be free to explore it. Instead of feeling the need to stay local and with effort a person can be what they want to.
Along with being an influential person in the lives of his students like his own teachers were to him, and allow them to have a space where they can flourish and put in hard work to succeed.
In terms of Fukano’s teaching philosophy, he wants his students to work hard, promote organization and self regulation to be successful.
“If you put the work in it is impossible to not get a B or an A,” Fukano said. “I purely grade on how hard you work.”
Luis Fuentez a sophomore in Fukanos seventh period mentioned that he really enjoys Fukano’s class, as well as the overall atmosphere because it’s open for interpretation in terms of the material and it is a place where it is overall enjoyable to be and work is manageable.
“He’s a good teacher and explains things very well,” Fuentez said. “Fukano goes out of his way to be helpful to all students.”
Fukano also mentioned that the school is in a constant motion of change, which he is happy to see, especially in terms of seeing students who want to actually succeed.
Ultimately, Fukano has expressed that he just wants to be a great teacher who has compassion for his students and someone for who they can look to for guidance. Along with being what his teachers were to him during his youth.
