Parent Testimonials
"I have been using Fernando for the past few months to tutor my 8th grade son. At first he was helping him with Spanish. Fernando is absolutely fantastic, my son really enjoys learning from him, and I saw vast improvements with my son's Spanish almost immediately. I could not be happier with our decision to use Fernando! He has a wonderful demeanor with teenagers, and really knows how to reach them to get them interested in school and learning materials. Now that we are doing on-line learning, Fernando has continued tutoring using zoom, and he has expanded to help supplement lessons with my son's other classes. It's such a relief to know that we have extra help and guidance with school since both my husband and I are trying to work from home while our children do online school. If your child could use some extra help with the online lessons, I highly recommend contacting Fernando." -Kelly F., Manhattan Beach
"I have known Mr. Ayala on a personal and professional level for over 20 years… He has constantly been in pursuit of becoming the best teaching professional possible and placing himself in the widest variety of positions to attain this goal. He enters each experience with the greatest attitude of professionalism and a pure passion for teaching.
On a personal level, I have two children in El Segundo public schools, High School and Middle School, who have experienced first hand the teaching of Mr. Ayala as their regular substitute. Both of my children have commented on the respect Mr. Ayala commands and the abilities he has to enter a new class, quickly “size-up” the class, students, and lesson at hand and get it done with great success." -- Rebecca C. (Parent and former colleague)
"I have had the pleasure of working with Fernando Ayala on several occasions in the fifth grade setting. I have observed Mr. Ayala's teaching style and I must say that it is professional, making the learning environment fun and engaging for students. I enjoy [learning from Fernando] just as much as the students. [Mr. Ayala] is an awesome teacher, bringing exceptional experience and a fantastic teaching style to classrooms." -- Sheri R. (Room Parent & Paraeducator)
“Mr. Ayala was [my daughter] Isabelle's favorite teacher this year. She described him as the only teacher that truly engaged her in learning. She found his classes to be fun and creative and really appreciated that he didn't just lecture to the children, but rather engaged them in project-based learning that had real world application. As a parent, Mr. Ayala made an effort to connect with me and build a relationship in the context of teaching the whole child. It was clear that he endeavored to teach his students about values, relationships, and critical thinking that extended beyond the classroom. On several occasions Mr. Ayala went above and beyond to communicate with parents about our children's learning and progress. Mr. Ayala appears passionate and genuine in his desire to teach as well as learn and grow as a professional.” – Elaine B.
“I’m writing to share my positive experiences with Mr. Ayala. The first week of school my son came home and told us that Mr. Ayala was his “favorite teacher so far because he tells interesting stories and loves sports.” I was impressed that Mr. Ayala had made such a strong impression on our son. I know that a teacher can’t begin to impact students without first grabbing their attention. Mr. Ayala understands this. I’ve seen him address a room full of parents on Back to School night and run his classroom during student presentations – he’s forthcoming and skilled at public speaking. As the first semester got going, it became clear through Mr. Ayala’s assignments and the corresponding grading rubrics that he would hold his scholars to high, exacting standards. For fifth graders, Mr. Ayala’s standards would at times be very challenging. But I witnessed the pride my son felt when he applied himself fully and was able to earn an A on one of Mr. Ayala’s STEM packets or Science tests. In closing, I’m grateful for Mr. Ayala’s commitment to teaching and to the influence he had on my son this past year.” – Mimi K.
“Our son had the good fortune of being a student of Mr. Fernando Ayala. We found him to be both rigorous and fair. Our son learned a great deal from Mr. Ayala and respected him greatly. He felt challenged in the classroom and grew a great deal as a student over the course of the year. Mr. Ayala quickly became his favorite teacher.” – Amanda S.
“I must state that after meeting and getting to know Mr. Ayala, I feel compelled and even obligated to voice a well earned recommendation on his behalf. As a parent, upon meeting Mr. Ayala at the beginning of the year I was impressed with his communication… I immediately understood his strong passion to teach and impart knowledge to our younger generation. I can’t speak for other parents, but I surely appreciated his assertive communication. As the school year progressed, in terms of instructing his students, I came to learn and concur with the message in his teaching or rather; his overarching theme of impressing upon the students to develop a strong and purposeful work habit in an effort to be prepared for future life endeavors beyond the classroom. Through this Mr. Ayala has not only imparted the necessary curricula, but also a skill, which if embraced by the student, will only lead to success in life. Furthermore, as a parent, I found Mr. Ayala to more than approachable concerning matters of my child. In fact, he welcomed and invited conversations about my child. Throughout the year I was aptly notified about my child’s academic performance and behavior in class by Mr. Ayala. I very much appreciated this. Mr. Ayala also conveyed to me the broad learning strategies employed in his class as well as suggested smaller detailed learning methods to better guide my child while at home. Mr. Ayala is aware, attentive, and has a passion to teach to my child’s needs. Again, as a parent, I appreciate this communication and effort. This year my child has enjoyed learning in Mr. Ayala’s class and has indeed learned much… Ultimately, I find Mr. Ayala to be highly communicative, of great character, full of passion for teaching, actionable, and very capable of doing his job. Moreover, Mr. Ayala is an invaluable asset to his students, his fellow teachers, and staff.” – Travis L.
“Our daughter [Ellie] always spoke very highly of [Mr. Ayala], how much he cares about the students and the school, how much work and dedication he puts into the classroom and describes him as a great teacher and role model.” – Mr. & Mrs. Z
“[Mr. Ayala] is a driven and motivated individual and teacher, who expects nothing less from his students... His rapport with my daughter is wonderful. He routinely encourages dialogue and leadership from all students and supports them in and outside of the classroom. Whether it is at school or community events like our Beach Clean Up, Fernando is a person who leads by example and takes initiative with a positive attitude and I would recommend him in any future endeavor.” – Steven B.
“I am a parent of three children. All three had classes with Mr. Ayala during the last school year. This letter is to say that Mr. Ayala is a teacher that cares for the children’s education. He looks after their learning and overall growing both academic and as a person. This is important in this stage of development, where the youngsters are starting to form their own personalities and grow to be more independent and responsible for their own affairs. Mr. Ayala works with the students to understand their needs and limitations in order to skillfully guide them in the learning and development process.” – Juan R.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you [Mr. Ayala] for what you have done for Teddy’s progress and change in his academic year. Teddy has made a lot of progress because of you being serious, strict and your unconditional follow up. Your dedication to his education has made him change in his school works as well as in his home activities too... Thank you again and keep up the good work.” – Assefa G.
"I was thoroughly impressed by Mr. Ayala’s ability to express his expectations at the beginning of the school year. There were no surprises when the progress reports were sent home because he consistently kept me informed of my son’s performance. His views were honest and constructive, which made it easier to assist my son with any weaknesses he had… Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Mr. Ayala.” – Reggie W.
“It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Fernando Ayala, who has taught my son this past year… My son had some behavioral problems in the earlier part of the school year. But he has however shown a marked improvement over the last 12 months under Mr. Ayala’s guidance with a general improvement in both his grades and behavior. The change in his performance I believe is a direct result of Mr. Ayala’s ability to both understand and guide our son using positive reinforcement and encouragement in a way that suited his individual needs. Mr. Ayala’s standards as a teacher are very high. And my son struggled at the beginning of the school year with meeting those standards. But Mr. Ayala’s high standards have pushed my son to follow directions carefully and complete his assignments with excellence and neatness. My Ayala also brings with him a great deal of energy and enthusiasm in his teaching style. I really appreciated these things about him and wish there were more teachers like him. We have enjoyed the parent/teacher meetings with Mr. Ayala, where an honest appraisal of our son’s progress was provided and suggestions as to ways we might assist him further were offered.” – Raina R.
“With great respect and pleasure I'm writing this letter of recommendation for Mr. Ayala, who was my daughter’s teacher this past year. I must say that he had a very positive affect on her. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Ayala and he exceeded my expectation as a teacher by setting the right example and by being able to help the students grow and mature and become young responsible adults... I feel that Mr. Ayala has been able to achieve this by being very direct and clear of what the expectations are for students for the school year and by showing them empathy, love and respect. He was very thorough and a great communicator as well. I knew exactly how my daughter progressed throughout the school year, her weaknesses and her strengths. Mr. Ayala was not only very attentive but knowledgeable and well prepared for his classes. He was able to emphasize the importance that the students have to be prepared and be respectful, as well in order to prosper. I am extremely grateful to have had Mr. Ayala as a teacher for my daughter.” – Melinda W.
“It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Fernando Ayala... Since the beginning of the year, Mr. Ayala had high expectations for his students. He required that students turn in assignments on time, with accuracy and detail. He also gave them the tools to survive in life such as time management skills, organizational skills, values, and critical thinking. Mr. Ayala always highlighted the positive qualities of his students and motivated them to embrace them… He genuinely cares about his students and tries to instill in them the importance of education and positive values…. We need more caring and committed teachers in our society, just like him.” – Ana M.
"I have known Mr. Ayala on a personal and professional level for over 20 years… He has constantly been in pursuit of becoming the best teaching professional possible and placing himself in the widest variety of positions to attain this goal. He enters each experience with the greatest attitude of professionalism and a pure passion for teaching.
On a personal level, I have two children in El Segundo public schools, High School and Middle School, who have experienced first hand the teaching of Mr. Ayala as their regular substitute. Both of my children have commented on the respect Mr. Ayala commands and the abilities he has to enter a new class, quickly “size-up” the class, students, and lesson at hand and get it done with great success." -- Rebecca C. (Parent and former colleague)
"I have had the pleasure of working with Fernando Ayala on several occasions in the fifth grade setting. I have observed Mr. Ayala's teaching style and I must say that it is professional, making the learning environment fun and engaging for students. I enjoy [learning from Fernando] just as much as the students. [Mr. Ayala] is an awesome teacher, bringing exceptional experience and a fantastic teaching style to classrooms." -- Sheri R. (Room Parent & Paraeducator)
“Mr. Ayala was [my daughter] Isabelle's favorite teacher this year. She described him as the only teacher that truly engaged her in learning. She found his classes to be fun and creative and really appreciated that he didn't just lecture to the children, but rather engaged them in project-based learning that had real world application. As a parent, Mr. Ayala made an effort to connect with me and build a relationship in the context of teaching the whole child. It was clear that he endeavored to teach his students about values, relationships, and critical thinking that extended beyond the classroom. On several occasions Mr. Ayala went above and beyond to communicate with parents about our children's learning and progress. Mr. Ayala appears passionate and genuine in his desire to teach as well as learn and grow as a professional.” – Elaine B.
“I’m writing to share my positive experiences with Mr. Ayala. The first week of school my son came home and told us that Mr. Ayala was his “favorite teacher so far because he tells interesting stories and loves sports.” I was impressed that Mr. Ayala had made such a strong impression on our son. I know that a teacher can’t begin to impact students without first grabbing their attention. Mr. Ayala understands this. I’ve seen him address a room full of parents on Back to School night and run his classroom during student presentations – he’s forthcoming and skilled at public speaking. As the first semester got going, it became clear through Mr. Ayala’s assignments and the corresponding grading rubrics that he would hold his scholars to high, exacting standards. For fifth graders, Mr. Ayala’s standards would at times be very challenging. But I witnessed the pride my son felt when he applied himself fully and was able to earn an A on one of Mr. Ayala’s STEM packets or Science tests. In closing, I’m grateful for Mr. Ayala’s commitment to teaching and to the influence he had on my son this past year.” – Mimi K.
“Our son had the good fortune of being a student of Mr. Fernando Ayala. We found him to be both rigorous and fair. Our son learned a great deal from Mr. Ayala and respected him greatly. He felt challenged in the classroom and grew a great deal as a student over the course of the year. Mr. Ayala quickly became his favorite teacher.” – Amanda S.
“I must state that after meeting and getting to know Mr. Ayala, I feel compelled and even obligated to voice a well earned recommendation on his behalf. As a parent, upon meeting Mr. Ayala at the beginning of the year I was impressed with his communication… I immediately understood his strong passion to teach and impart knowledge to our younger generation. I can’t speak for other parents, but I surely appreciated his assertive communication. As the school year progressed, in terms of instructing his students, I came to learn and concur with the message in his teaching or rather; his overarching theme of impressing upon the students to develop a strong and purposeful work habit in an effort to be prepared for future life endeavors beyond the classroom. Through this Mr. Ayala has not only imparted the necessary curricula, but also a skill, which if embraced by the student, will only lead to success in life. Furthermore, as a parent, I found Mr. Ayala to more than approachable concerning matters of my child. In fact, he welcomed and invited conversations about my child. Throughout the year I was aptly notified about my child’s academic performance and behavior in class by Mr. Ayala. I very much appreciated this. Mr. Ayala also conveyed to me the broad learning strategies employed in his class as well as suggested smaller detailed learning methods to better guide my child while at home. Mr. Ayala is aware, attentive, and has a passion to teach to my child’s needs. Again, as a parent, I appreciate this communication and effort. This year my child has enjoyed learning in Mr. Ayala’s class and has indeed learned much… Ultimately, I find Mr. Ayala to be highly communicative, of great character, full of passion for teaching, actionable, and very capable of doing his job. Moreover, Mr. Ayala is an invaluable asset to his students, his fellow teachers, and staff.” – Travis L.
“Our daughter [Ellie] always spoke very highly of [Mr. Ayala], how much he cares about the students and the school, how much work and dedication he puts into the classroom and describes him as a great teacher and role model.” – Mr. & Mrs. Z
“[Mr. Ayala] is a driven and motivated individual and teacher, who expects nothing less from his students... His rapport with my daughter is wonderful. He routinely encourages dialogue and leadership from all students and supports them in and outside of the classroom. Whether it is at school or community events like our Beach Clean Up, Fernando is a person who leads by example and takes initiative with a positive attitude and I would recommend him in any future endeavor.” – Steven B.
“I am a parent of three children. All three had classes with Mr. Ayala during the last school year. This letter is to say that Mr. Ayala is a teacher that cares for the children’s education. He looks after their learning and overall growing both academic and as a person. This is important in this stage of development, where the youngsters are starting to form their own personalities and grow to be more independent and responsible for their own affairs. Mr. Ayala works with the students to understand their needs and limitations in order to skillfully guide them in the learning and development process.” – Juan R.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you [Mr. Ayala] for what you have done for Teddy’s progress and change in his academic year. Teddy has made a lot of progress because of you being serious, strict and your unconditional follow up. Your dedication to his education has made him change in his school works as well as in his home activities too... Thank you again and keep up the good work.” – Assefa G.
"I was thoroughly impressed by Mr. Ayala’s ability to express his expectations at the beginning of the school year. There were no surprises when the progress reports were sent home because he consistently kept me informed of my son’s performance. His views were honest and constructive, which made it easier to assist my son with any weaknesses he had… Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Mr. Ayala.” – Reggie W.
“It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Fernando Ayala, who has taught my son this past year… My son had some behavioral problems in the earlier part of the school year. But he has however shown a marked improvement over the last 12 months under Mr. Ayala’s guidance with a general improvement in both his grades and behavior. The change in his performance I believe is a direct result of Mr. Ayala’s ability to both understand and guide our son using positive reinforcement and encouragement in a way that suited his individual needs. Mr. Ayala’s standards as a teacher are very high. And my son struggled at the beginning of the school year with meeting those standards. But Mr. Ayala’s high standards have pushed my son to follow directions carefully and complete his assignments with excellence and neatness. My Ayala also brings with him a great deal of energy and enthusiasm in his teaching style. I really appreciated these things about him and wish there were more teachers like him. We have enjoyed the parent/teacher meetings with Mr. Ayala, where an honest appraisal of our son’s progress was provided and suggestions as to ways we might assist him further were offered.” – Raina R.
“With great respect and pleasure I'm writing this letter of recommendation for Mr. Ayala, who was my daughter’s teacher this past year. I must say that he had a very positive affect on her. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mr. Ayala and he exceeded my expectation as a teacher by setting the right example and by being able to help the students grow and mature and become young responsible adults... I feel that Mr. Ayala has been able to achieve this by being very direct and clear of what the expectations are for students for the school year and by showing them empathy, love and respect. He was very thorough and a great communicator as well. I knew exactly how my daughter progressed throughout the school year, her weaknesses and her strengths. Mr. Ayala was not only very attentive but knowledgeable and well prepared for his classes. He was able to emphasize the importance that the students have to be prepared and be respectful, as well in order to prosper. I am extremely grateful to have had Mr. Ayala as a teacher for my daughter.” – Melinda W.
“It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Mr. Fernando Ayala... Since the beginning of the year, Mr. Ayala had high expectations for his students. He required that students turn in assignments on time, with accuracy and detail. He also gave them the tools to survive in life such as time management skills, organizational skills, values, and critical thinking. Mr. Ayala always highlighted the positive qualities of his students and motivated them to embrace them… He genuinely cares about his students and tries to instill in them the importance of education and positive values…. We need more caring and committed teachers in our society, just like him.” – Ana M.