Tony Freitas is an educator at San Diego Unified School District, where he has worked for 17 years. He has been teaching at Innovation Middle School for the past seven years and is currently an AVID teacher. Tony is also the varsity softball coach at Santana High School. Prior to becoming a teacher, Tony worked as a teacher’s aide while obtaining a degree at CSU Fullerton.
Tony is 44 years old and has been married for 16 years. As a father to two children, Tony enjoys spending his free time coaching his kids in their sports. In addition to his kids’ sports, Tony is a huge Padres and Chargers fan.
What is one thing you enjoy about teaching?
One of my favorite things to do is find exciting experiences and activities for my AVID students, helping them to grow into well-rounded adults. I have worked with Junior Achievement for years and have enjoyed the opportunity to be able to enrich my students with their programs and mentorship.
What is one piece of advice you wish you could tell your younger self?
I think I would tell my younger self to be patient. When I look back, I was always concerned with what would be the next phase in my life instead of just enjoying the moment. The older you get, the faster the time seems to go. I have learned over the years to enjoy every moment and to not always worry about what is coming next.
What is your favorite thing about living in San Diego County?
I was born and raised in San Diego and I love living here. The cost of living here is tough, but it is well worth being in America’s Finest City. Where else could you go snowboarding in the local mountains and surf at the local beaches in the same day? Also, being a huge baseball fan, I love supporting the Padres with my friends and family at Petco Park or at any of the local bar and grills. Lastly, you can’t beat the San Diego weather. I don’t do too well being in cold temperatures, so sunny SD is right up my alley.
