In the world of education, it is the dedicated people who have a profound impact on the lives of students. At Papaya Tutor, our team is brimming with passionate and committed team members. Among them is Roberto Lopez, our Education Success General Manager. In addition to diligently working to fulfill our mission, he has excelled in the field of education at a young age, successfully guiding an entire classroom of students to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Test. Roberto’s journey with us is a testament to his dedication to the mission of closing achievement gaps and ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Roberto represents the first generation of Americans in his family, born in the United States but raised in Mexico until the age of 12. Throughout his childhood, he excelled as a student in his native country. Subsequently, he immigrated with his parents to the USA, where he continued his studies. It was during this period that he became aware of the substantial differences in studying in a country where language is not a barrier to learning. Despite the challenges, he dedicated himself to success and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University.
His experiences as an international student inspired a calling to assist those struggling due to language barriers. This led him to embark on a career as a math teacher in Dallas ISD. Years later, he joined our team because he firmly believes that every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams and succeed in life.
Roberto’s role in Papaya Tutor
When we initially encountered Roberto, he was already standing out for his accomplishments as a mathematics teacher in one of our inaugural programs. He had gained recognition for successfully guiding all his students to pass the STAAR Test in mathematics. Moreover, Mr. Lopez was highly esteemed by his students, viewing him as their advisor and a reliable person to turn to for assistance with both technical and personal issues.
At Papaya, we consistently believe that beyond assisting our students in bridging educational gaps, we must instill in them the confidence that anything is possible and equip them with the tools to turn the challenging into the manageable. This is precisely why Roberto was the ideal candidate for the role of our Education Success General Manager. In this position, he oversees the orderly functioning of our operations. He ensures that our tutors are comfortable with their classes, and that students are not only motivated but are genuinely learning.
Roberto’s role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of Papaya and in finding solutions to any challenges that may arise. Beyond his professional role, he is not only a dedicated colleague but also a caring father. His commitment extends not only to his work but also to his family. Within our team, he is regarded as someone dependable, and his joyful nature, evident in his jokes during meetings, serves to uplift the team’s energy.
A few days ago, we chose to conduct a brief interview with our General Manager to delve into Roberto’s motivations, his enthusiasm for our mission, his perspective on the significance of the education sector, and the narrative of his most challenging class. Read the complete interview below:
Question: Can you tell us about your background? How was the transition from being a student in Mexico and having to move to the USA to continue your studies, while you were still a child?
Answer: My parents are Mexican and I was born in the USA, but I lived in Mexico when I was 12 years old. During that time, I was an outstanding student, I always had good grades in school since Spanish was my native language until we moved, and I realized the differences that there were studying in another country where the language barrier did not allow me to advance at the same time as my classmates who spoke English perfectly. As a result, my grades dropped, but I still tried to be a good student. As time went by, I managed to finish high school and went to Texas A&M International University, where I studied Criminal Justice, because I wanted to be a lawyer, graduating with my Bachelor’s degree. However, at that time I was offered a job as a substitute mathematics teacher in Dallas ISD and I accepted to work there, where I worked for 8 consecutive years and learned a lot.These experiences helped me to love my work as an educator and I went on to do my Masters in Education at Lamar University.
Question: What were your job functions at Dallas ISD?
Answer: In Dallas ISD, I worked from 2014 to 2023. I started working as a substitute maths and lecture teacher and then the pandemic hit and during that time I was helping teachers because I had a little bit of technology knowledge and I really liked helping, and after that I became the Campus Instructional Coach, where I was in charge of curriculum planning and mainly supporting teachers and administrators in using data to improve instruction on all levels.
Question: Can you tell us why you decided to join Papaya?
Answer: I joined this virtual tutoring company because I’m passionate about education and believe that every student deserves a fair chance to succeed. The mission of closing achievement gaps resonates deeply with me. I wanted to be part of a team that is dedicated to providing high-quality educational support at an affordable price, ensuring that no student is left behind.
Question: What makes you excited about the Papaya’s mission?
Answer: What excites me the most about our mission is the potential to make a real impact on students’ lives. By offering accessible and effective tutoring, we have the opportunity to empower students, boost their confidence, and help them reach their full potential. Witnessing the positive transformations in our students’ academic journeys is incredibly rewarding, and it reaffirms our commitment to this important mission every day.
Question: Why the education industry is so important to you?
Answer: In my current role at a virtual tutoring company focused on supporting students and closing achievement gaps, I see firsthand the impact that targeted educational support can have on a student’s life. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I’m part of a mission that strives to make quality education accessible and affordable for all, ultimately working towards a more inclusive and equitable society. This is why the education industry is not just a job for me; it’s a meaningful pursuit that aligns with my values and aspirations for a better world.
Question: Could you share a story of the hardest class you have ever experienced?
Answer: As an educator, I encountered my most challenging class during my second year of teaching. It was a diverse group of students, each with their own unique learning styles and backgrounds. Among them were those struggling to keep up with the material, while others sought to excel beyond the curriculum.
In the face of this diversity, I knew I needed a tailored approach. I began by fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Encouraging open communication and active participation, I aimed to create a safe space where every student felt valued.
However, despite my efforts, it became evident that the material was proving especially difficult for a significant portion of the class. Frustration and self-doubt began to creep in, both for me and my students.
In those moments, I sought advice from experienced colleagues and mentors. They reminded me of the power of adaptability and the importance of addressing individual learning needs. With renewed determination, I incorporated various teaching methods, including visual aids, hands-on activities, and peer-assisted learning. I also made myself available for extra help outside of class hours, ensuring students knew they could approach me with any questions or concerns. Slowly but surely, progress began to emerge. Students who once struggled started to grasp the concepts, their faces lighting up with newfound understanding. As the weeks passed, the class transformed. What was once a group facing seemingly insurmountable challenges had evolved into a community of learners, each supporting one another’s growth.
The semester’s end brought a profound sense of accomplishment. The students had not only conquered the material, but they had also developed resilience and confidence in their own abilities. Witnessing their transformation, I realized that sometimes the hardest classes can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
Question: What message would you give to teachers and students facing such difficult situations?
Answer: For teachers: Embrace adaptability. Tailor your approach to meet the diverse needs of your students. Create a supportive environment where every voice is valued, and be open to seeking advice from peers and mentors.
For students: Persevere through challenges. Seek help when needed and believe in your own potential. Remember that growth often arises from moments of struggle. Trust in your ability to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.
Roberto Lopez is not just a General Manager but a passionate advocate for education. His journey at Papaya Tutor is a testament to the power of dedication and belief in the mission of closing achievement gaps. Roberto’s story, experiences, and advice serve as an inspiration for educators and students alike, reminding us that with the right mindset and support, challenges can lead to the most rewarding outcomes in the world of education. Thank you Roberto for your amazing work at Papaya, the team appreciates you and we celebrate your achievements every day.
You can get more information on Roberto here: roberto@papayatutor.com
To learn more about how Papaya is helping democratize tutoring, go here: press@papayatutor.com