Mr. Emilio Rodriguez is a new science teacher at Guilford. His first teaching experience was at Payton High School in Downtown Chicago. Mr. Rodriguez is proud to have worked there under two amazing coordinating educators, Tiffany Price and Leigha Ingrahm.

   “That school was very different from Guilford,” said Mr. Rodriguez.  “It was a three-story building with a greenhouse and an Observatory!” 

   Mr.Rodriguez reported that his most positive experiences at Guilford tend to happen when he is feeling down.

   “Anytime I don’t feel like I’m a good enough teacher, my wonderful coworkers will remind me of how much of an impact we make,” he stated.

   The most positive experience Mr. Rodriguez recalled was on his birthday back in November. 

  “Some students brought me flowers as a surprise, and that honestly made my year,” he stated.

   Mr. Rodriguez expressed his appreciation for the flowers growing in the courtyards. 

   “The most surprising things about Guilford are the hidden gardens!” he said. “As a plant dad, I love my plants from monstera to sweet potato, It was amazing seeing these beautiful gardens at the heart of the school. It is very clear someone takes good care of them!” 

   In addition to his duties as a science teacher, Mr. Rodriguez has many hobbies outside of school.

   “I have a few interests outside of teaching,” he stated. “I’m kind of a Jack-of-all-trades. I like to backcountry backpack, hike, skateboard, snowboard, write, listen to music, and sometimes make some furniture!”