Pop Quiz: If a train is chugging along at 63 miles per hour and you are walking home at an angle of 21 degrees eating In-N-Out Burger at four miles per hour and the wind is blowing at a velocity…wait, don’t panic! At New Millennium Secondary School’s (NMSS), a free 9th-12th grade high school in Gardena, our math teacher, Mr. Flores, understands that math can be, well, challenging! However, he believes that because of our small class sizes and emphasis on building strong relationships, learning Algebra and Geometry can be -gasp- enjoyable and he’s here to show you how.
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at NMSS.
I was a substitute teacher for six or seven years in San Bernardino before I decided to pursue a career in teaching. While working on my credentials, I had a long-term substitute assignment through distance learning, then the following year I taught in class as an intern. After I completed the credentials program I was given the opportunity to interview at NMSS. From the interview process to the start of the 2022 school year was a whirlwind with having to move into the Gardena area from Fontana.
What do you LOVE about NMSS? What sets it apart from other schools?
As a teacher, I LOVE the class sizes at NMSS! Coming from a district with 36+ students in the class to having a class size of 20 or less, it allows me to give additional attention to the students that need it.
As a staff member, I LOVE the support that the other teachers and administration provide. NMSS is a small school which allows the teachers and administration to build strong relationships.
Are you involved in other activities at NMSS?
At NMSS I do after school tutoring most days until 4:30 and Mondays until 5:30 with the Learning Loss program. I currently don’t supervise any clubs, but I heard whispers of a Gaming Club for 2023…
Can you share a story about student connection?
Before the Holiday Break in 2022, during the World Cup, I would play the games in my classroom during lunch. The amount of students that would watch and the energy the students brought cheering for their teams was contagious.
In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?
I think what makes a great leader is someone that can take responsibility or take accountability for their actions. When I teach, I ask students to be honest with me and themselves as to why they make the decisions they make. I want students to feel comfortable being honest, without the fear of being punished. It’s important to have the ability to reflect and grow.
What’s the best part about your role at our public high school? The biggest challenge?
The best part about my role is simply getting to interact with students, hearing their stories, understanding their strengths and areas of growth.
The biggest challenge is that I teach math. Students rarely come into class excited to learn math. Because of my challenge I try to create an environment which students want to be a part of so the lessons can be more engaging for the students.
Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A few of my hobbies include going to the gym, playing video games and snowboarding in the winter months.
When picking up a book, I will typically choose a nonfiction history book.
My music taste is all over the place and it changes depending on the task.
For movies and television, I tend to pick comedies, but I am also an avid watcher of Anime– I’ve seen too many to count!
Get to know Mr. Flores and all of our great staff at our free public 9th-12th grade high school. Call us at 310-999-6162 and talk to one of our friendly staff, or fill out an application and join our Warrior team!
About NMSS
The New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) is a charter high school in Gardena, CA committed to preparing students to become life-long learners and dynamic leaders in the competitive 21st century. NMSS was created to address the rising global competitive environment for talent. Our students enjoy a small school education with big school sports and accredited community college classes. Enroll your student today.
