My name is Jane Napora and I’m happy to serve students whose last names begin with Nix-Sc and Ir-Jur at Poway High. I chose to come to Poway due to the district’s reputation for excellence, not only within the county by across the state and nation.

I grew up in Glendale, California, about fifteen minutes from downtown Los Angeles. I have fond memories of attending Dodger games throughout the hot summer months with my parents and siblings. I was actively involved in sports and competed in softball, basketball, and volleyball throughout my years as a teenager. I attended a private elementary school for grades K-8 before transferring to Herbert Hoover High School.

It was during my high school years that I began to realize the importance that quality educators play in a child’s life. Due to several factors which included the untimely death of my father from complications of lung cancer, I began a rapid downward spiral in my personal and academic performance. Fortunately, with the help of a few diligent administrators and teachers who took the time to talk with me, I was able to develop and interest in my future through clubs, professional role models, and athletic activities. They taught me to be accountable for my actions and that I needed to take control of my life despite my circumstances.

Upon graduating from high school, I obtained various jobs managing a day care center in the San Fernando Valley and also working at a veterinary hospital in Santa Clarita. After several years out of school, I decided to continue my education and enrolled at L.A. Pierce College. Since I enjoyed working with people and animals, I decided to study Animal Husbandry and worked towards acquiring my veterinary technician’s license. After two years, I transferred to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and received my degree in Animal Science. While attending Cal Poly, I tutored students at various high schools in the area and realized that working with this age group was enjoyable for me. Two years later I obtained my Master’s Degree and teaching credential from Cal Poly in the area of Biology and Agricultural Science.

Once I finished my education, I acquired my first teaching job in Santa Cruz, California teaching Biology and an R.O.P. Veterinary Science at Soquel High where I also served as FFA advisor. It was then that I met my husband of seven years and decided to relocate to Los Gatos where I taught 7 th grade science at Fisher Middle School. Due to the high cost of housing in the Silicon Valley, my husband and I moved to the San Diego area and settled down in Encinitas, where we currently reside. Prior to accepting a position as counselor at PHS, I taught science at Margarita Middle School and Great Oak High School in the Temecula Valley.

While not at PHS, I enjoy spending my free time with my family, hiking, and mountain biking. I’m delighted to be a Titan and I look forward to working with all students to help guide them in reaching their post-secondary goals.