Dawson Spotlight: Chris Estrella

Have you met Mr. Chris Estrella yet? Chris was born in Tucson, Arizona and raised in Las Vegas. He earned a B.A. degree in Chemistry from Lewis and Clark College and M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from UNLV. His career in education began with Teach For America as a corps member in the Las Vegas Valley and he joined Dawson as a science teacher in 2011. Currently, he’s the Director of 6-8 and teaches an eighth-grade Insights class. You can learn more about him in this edition of #DawsonSpotlight!
How long have you been in education?
I started teaching high school geometry in 2008 in Los Angeles. Since day one, I’ve been blessed with strong mentors. 

What inspired you to become a teacher and now an administrator?
I am one of those weird people who can name a lot of his teachers starting in grade one and remember something significant they taught me. One reason is these individuals played a significant role in my life. They gave me a chance, believed in me, and held me to high standards. Thus, it is not one teacher or professor, but the fact that I love to learn and experienced school in a positive light. I did not have dreams or goals to become an administrator; however, a mentor, leader, and amazing person gave me a chance. 

What’s your favorite thing about working at Dawson?
That is easy--the people. Relationships mean a lot to me and I get to work with the best teachers, staff, families, and students every day. I am also amazed by the collective intelligence, dedication, and commitment of everyone who works for Dawson. It’s inspiring. I learn something new every day and appreciate how Dawson pushes the envelope to grow and be the best every single day. 

What is one thing about you that would surprise students?
I am an introvert. 

What helps you feel strong?
Helping others, exercising, pushing limits, taking risks, and learning about people’s stories. 

What does Stronger Together mean to you?
If you want to go faster, go alone. If you want to go farther, go with someone or bring others along. 

What are you most proud of?
The relationships I have with my siblings. Alex and Samantha are remarkable human beings and amaze me every single day. I also married the most beautiful person ever in 2019. 

Do you have any career highlights that you’d like to note and share with our community?
I am beyond grateful that I get to work at such an awesome school like Dawson. I’ve learned so much here and working with this community is a privilege and an honor.

Watch him in the hot seat in our QuickFire Q&A on IGTV. Thank you for sitting in the spotlight, Mr. Estrella!

Check out all of our #DawsonSpotlight features here.
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The Alexander Dawson School

The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, an independent school located on 33-acres in the community of Summerlin, is Nevada’s first Stanford University Challenge Success partner school for students in early childhood through grade eight. Utilizing the unique Challenge Success framework, Dawson uses research-based strategies and programs that emphasize student academics, wellbeing, and a healthy school-life balance to create more engaged, motivated, and resilient learners and leaders. At Dawson, students achieve their individual potential while savoring life and meeting the challenges of the world.