Social studies teacher Ms. Izbeth Pacheco  is helping students better understand history by focusing on culture identity and real life experiences in her Mexican-American Studies class.  This class continues to grow in popularity because it helps students learn about the past while also understanding what is happening in the world today.

Pacheco said her inspiration to teach Mexican-American Studies began when she was in high school She enjoyed social studies classes but noticed that an important part of history was missing.  “I never really felt like my history and the history of most of the kids here was told,” Pacheco said. 

Later in college she took an introductory Mexican-American Studies class that changed her life.  After that experience, Pacheco decided she wanted students to have the same opportunity to learn about their culture and history

The class teaches students why understanding history is important.   Pacheco explained that learning about the past helps students recognize the struggles people faced to gain equal access to education. Around 70 years ago many students like those at Greeley West would have been forced to attend separate schools because of discrimination. Knowing this history helps students appreciate the opportunities they have today.

The Mexican-American Studies course will aso become a concurrent enrollment class next year, which will allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. The class was recently given that status again becuase of Pacheco’s background in the subject. UNC is  going to collaborate with Pacheco because of her experience and knowledge to teach the course at a college level.

Students in the class do more than just read from textbooks. They talk about their own cultures, share personal stories and interview family members to learn about their backgrounds. Pacheco believes these activities help students feel more connected to learning and to each other

According to Pacheco, the most important lesson students learn is that culture comes in many different shapes and sizes and should be respected and understood She encourages students to try the class saying, “It is more fun than you think, helps explain current events, and gives students free college credit.

The Mexican=American Studies class at Greeley West High School continues to help students discover their identity understand history and feel proud of where they come from.