Academics

Educator Profiles

David Escalante

Geometry Teacher
HS Academics
Southern California

I was born and raised in Southern California but left upon graduation from high school. While in the military, I attended nine different colleges until I was finally able to enter into a Mathematics Program at Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH). During my first tour in Hawai’i I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from CUH. Upon my return to Hawai’i three years later, I earned my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education in Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Technology (MSET), again at CUH. When I retired from the Army after 31 years of active duty, I settled in New Mexico and attended the University of New Mexico for my PhD. After seven years, I transferred, and I am pursuing my PhD at Grand Canyon University.

I attained the rank of Sergeant Major (E9) in the Army and served in that capacity for 12 years. I served overseas 22 of my 31 years. I worked two years as a government contractor in Bosnia-Herzegovina until my company lost the contract. While in the Army, I also taught at the United States Army Military Intelligence Center and School, Central Texas College, Hawai’i Pacific University and the University of Maryland. Prior to working at SFIS I taught high school mathematics at Rio Rancho High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

I am a bit different as a teacher. I try to incorporate real-world problems into the course work, make meaning to mathematics, and add activities that stimulate each student’s interest in mathematics. I practiced Common Core State Standards before they were accepted by New Mexico.

I am at SFIS because I believe that Native American Education can benefit from my life experiences and I want to be a leader in Native American Education in the Southwest. The most important SFIS core values is GIVING BACK. My philosophy matches why I am at SFIS. I think that it is a perfect match, as I near the end of my second career, to be here at SFIS.

My passion in life is sailing. Unfortunately, we are land-locked and I can only sail on the lakes in New Mexico. My greatest adventure was when I took a sailboat from Hawai’I to American Samoa. It took me 21 days to sail there, and five hours to return by airplane.