Marcos Munoz

When asked to name his favorite historical figure, rather than name a person, Marcos Munoz went the symbolic route and named an animal. 

“My favorite historical symbol is the buffalo, especially in its connection to America, Native Americans, and the expansive American West,” Munoz said. “The buffalo’s historical significance as a provider of sustenance and materials, coupled with its deep symbolism in indigenous cultures, makes it a powerful representation of resilience and harmony with the environment. 

“The buffalo’s association with the American West further enhances its significance, embodying the spirit of exploration, frontier life, and the vast, untamed landscapes that have shaped the nation’s history,” he added. 

Munoz teaches U.S. History and AP U.S. History at William Workman High School in City of Industry, Ca. Munoz realized he wanted to be a teacher before age 20 but also considered becoming a police officer or firefighter or pursuing a business career. 

“After some trial and error, including one failed semester majoring in business, I concluded that I would follow my passion for history,” Munoz said. “The logical step to earn a living while doing what I love with the degree I was passionate about was to become a teacher.” 

Munoz mentioned his daughters and his local community as his inspiration as a teacher and said “I aim to inspire and be the best-educated and trained teacher for my children and students, so I can model the importance and necessity of becoming educated and being a lifelong learner.” 

“This is particularly crucial as the students I teach mainly come from poor or underserved communities,” Munoz said. “I want to show them that with hard work, determination, and education, they can achieve their goals.” 

Munoz’s proudest moment as a teacher came when a parent of a student and the student himself let Munoz know he inspired the student to become a U.S. history teacher. 

“I have maintained contact with this student, who is currently in his second year at Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in history,” Munoz said. “He plans to enter the credential program in his senior year. The realization that my class played a role in instilling a love for history in him is undoubtedly a milestone in my career.”