CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Pablo Corral, Bilingual Special Education Teacher at Harvard Junior High
"I grew up in Oakland, California , where I spent most of my life until relocating to Harvard in 2019. I graduated from Fremont High School, class of 1999, in Oakland."
"My inspiration began with my own experience as an at-risk teen in Oakland, navigating trauma and challenges. As I grew, I felt called to give back, Co-founding a ministry for at-risk youth (One at A Time Ministries) in my home town. Ultimately, it was my two youngest sons, both diagnosed with autism, who inspired me to formally become a special educator. I recently graduated from NIU and have been in Harvard District for two years-this is my first year as a teacher, and it’s been an incredible journey."
"What I love most is the impact I strive to create. Inspired by my own past and experiences as a father, I want students not just to learn, but feel seen and heard. Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My goal is to be a mentor, a listener-someone who they trust and know is there for them. From my personal experience, people often fail to listen to our youth- I want to change that."
"What I love most about the Harvard School District is the genuine sense of community. A community of teachers who know each other, build relationships, and operate as a team. It is clear that the district truly prioritizes students and cares deeply about making decisions and changing lives. Living in this community, the passion is more personal."
"LIVE OUTSIDE YOURSELF! Teaching is tough, but it is also transformational. Take small steps, reconnect with all those moments you made a difference. Lean on each other. Even after years, it is the small victories that reignite purpose. It’s okay to pause, reflect, and start fresh. Embrace your students. -”Nothing will work unless you do.” -Maya Angelou"