Nick Garces will be teaching CTE (Career and Technical Education) this school year at Eastmark High School in the Queen Creek Unified School District.
“I was born and raised in Southern California. As a kid, I grew up surfing, skating, snowboarding, playing baseball, football and any other sport. Immediately after high school, I served a two-year mission in Italy where I became fluent in Italian," Garces said. "Upon my return, I joined the Los Angeles Police Department where I remained for the next 22 years. I primarily worked in the south central area and was assigned to the gang and narcotics details. While working narcotics, I went undercover in two separate high schools where I posed as a student for a full semester each time. It was then that I decided that after I finished my career as an officer I would become an educator. While working as an officer, I was also able to work executive protection for a few movie stars and professional athletes. I have also played in bands and was a deejay in the LA area.
"In my free time I enjoy fishing, woodworking and coaching sports. I have coached many sports for the last 25 years. I am currently the varsity linebackers coach at Red Mountain High School," Garces continued. "I also enjoy building and flying drones. I spend most of my time with my wife of 23 years and my five kids ranging from 21 to 9 years old.
"I am passionate about working with young people as I have done in the coaching world. This last year I was a substitute teacher in the Queen Creek and Mesa schools and loved every minute of it. It just wasn’t enough so I decided to go full time," said Garces. "My goal is to create a fun and safe environment for my students and help to get them excited about learning. I am excited to start this journey and hope to pass my enthusiasm to my students and those I work with. I will be teaching junior high robotics and career exploration. Looking forward to a great year!”
