I interviewed Victor Moncivaiz who got spot-lighted by students. He is a 7th grade Texas History teacher here at Lively. He’s known for his playful demeanor and bantering. He has many interesting things to share.
How long have you been teaching? And how long have you been teaching at Lively?
The answer to both of those questions can be answered with one answer. This is my second year at Lively and my second year in the profession.
What made you decide to be a teacher?
I want to help the future of young adults in the making that are going to inherit the world we are giving to them. I want to shape the world in their image and my image as well.
What subject do you teach, and why did you choose that subject?
I teach Texas History, 7th grade. I decided to teach this because I got a degree in history. I love history, and I saw that there just so happens to be an opening right down the road from the capital of Texas, I thought ‘well this is too perfect’. I also have a really nice view of downtown from here.
What do you love about Lively?
I love the diversity we have here at Lively. I love the attitudes of positivity we see in this school. I love that we have people from all over the world with different ideas and people who want to create a better place. And to answer that question with a different approach, I would say that this is a generally positive place to be. There’s a lot of good, really smart educators that genuinely care. And this is where it all starts, in the center of our state.
How do you show your school spirit?
I like to support my students, and everything they do. Especially my former students who need my help sometimes. I’m always willing to do so.
What is the best/worst thing about being a teacher?
The best thing about being a teacher is seeing the joy on peoples faces, and the ability to make their day better. How you can encourage future minds to think differently about the world around them and give them a perspective that they might not have.
In which other teachers class would you like to enroll in for a day? Why?
I would like to take Mr. Shanks class because Mr. Shank is a very cool teacher and science is my second favorite subject other than history.
Who or what inspires you?
You inspire me Daniel Sunukjian. Daniel Sunukjian inspires me every day by being the exemplar of our falcon creed, to be safe, responsible, and respectful. Thank you Daniel, I know it’s quite a lot to take in but I really look up to you.
Where did you go to school and what is your degree in?
I went to the University of Texas, I got a degree in history, and I also got a certification in 7th-12th grade, and I graduated with honors.
What is your dream vacation?
It would be on a beach, under a palm tree, drinking something out of a coconut with a little umbrella in it.
What are some traditions or superstitions you have for the first day of school?
I like to make everyone feel welcome and safe and included. I want to make sure I know everyone to the same amount they know about themselves.
Are there any embarrassing teacher moments you can share?
No, I’m a sigma. I don’t have any embarrassing moments.
If you were to take your students on a field trip anywhere in the world, where would you take them and why?
I would take them to Zilker park so we could chill, throw a football, and have a grand time.
Even other teachers get along with him well. For example, Mr. Shank, who would like it to be known that he thinks Moncivaiz is “very sigma.”
