Mr. Cortez teaches third grade English Language Arts and Social Studies at Vacherie Elementary School. This coming school year will be his 23rd year in the classroom as well as in St. James Parish Schools.
When asked why he chose St. James Parish Schools for his career, he says, “I grew up in the Vacherie community, and was educated K-12th grade in the St. James Parish school system. I wanted to give back to my community by educating in the same school system that educated me.”
Mr. Cortez’s favorite part of the job is when he encounters former students and they remind him how fun and exciting learning was with him as a teacher.
His advice to new teachers is, “to make teaching your passion, and not just a career! It'll make it a more fun and exciting journey.”
Mr. Cortez was most excited because he once attended school at VES as a child, and was thrilled when given the opportunity to teach there.