Published September 3, 2024
BY ZANA BALABAN
A Carmel High School staff member since 2018, Craig Tuana has made his second occupational pivot in two years, this time as a student support teacher. Alongside support teachers Kortney Aronson and Morgan Martin, the former CHS assistant principal now resides in Room 14, where students can come in throughout the day to seek resources and help with their general education classes.
Former extensive support teacher Craig Tuana enters his new role at CHS, providing academic help and resources to students throughout the day. (photo by ZANA BALABAN)
“I really enjoyed my job last year,” says the former extensive support teacher, who previously focused more on students’ independence in the community and life skills such as grocery shopping and cooking. “But this year is more what I know and what I like to do. This year is definitely more academic.”
This type of support role was Tuana’s profession in Sunnyvale and the South Bay Area for 13 years, and the career he found passion in before he entered administration as a CHS assistant principal until summer 2023.
Outside of his new classroom, Tuana can be found co-teaching with English teacher Dale DePalatis and math teacher Heather Roman, making sure students are successful and getting the extra support they need. Because self-advocacy is such an important part of navigating high school, Tuana focuses on helping these students help themselves.
“I hope to bring a positive attitude to get the kids to where they need to be,” says Tuana, who is enthusiastic about aiding students in finding their post-high school paths. “I enjoy working with kids in a different world than administration.”
