The Heart of a Teacher:
The power of treaching
“The greatest barrier to learning is not what students know, but what teachers believe!”
– Dr. Wade W. Nobles
The soul of education lies not in curricula or testing but in the heart of a teacher. At its core, teaching is not just the transfer of knowledge but the transformative act of reaching students on a deeper, more human level. This belief is at the center of a practice I call tREACHING—reaching students before teaching them.
Dr. Wade W. Nobles reminds us that our beliefs as educators shape the learning journeys of our students. If we see them as capable, resilient, and worthy, they will rise to meet those expectations. But if we view them as “limited” or “at risk,” our implicit beliefs may become barriers to their potential. tREACHING challenges us to reexamine our assumptions and approach teaching with empathy, curiosity, and purpose.
EPHRAIM, אפרים , افرايم
About Efraín (eh-frah-een)
Efraín Tovar, is a Texas native raised in Kingsburg, California, and a passionate advocate for plurilingual and pluricultural learners. He serves as the English Language Development (ELD) Department Chair in Selma Unified School District, where he teaches 7th–8th grade Newcomers and Long-Term English Learners (LTELs). With more than 25 years of experience spanning elementary through university settings, Tovar is widely recognized for leveraging technology to advance linguistic equity, literacy development, and student empowerment. He is the founder of the California Newcomer Network, connecting and supporting educators working with newcomer and multilingual students across California and beyond.
Teachers Trained
Current Client(s)
Days Taught
the.Educator
As an experienced educator and a three-time Educator of the Year, I have a strong track record of preparing students for future readiness. My work focuses on creating inclusive, engaging, and transformative learning environments for newcomers and multilingual learners, empowering both students and their families to achieve academic and personal success.
the.Innovator
As a Google Certified Innovator, I use design thinking to tackle challenges and develop impactful solutions in education. Driven by creativity and a solutions-oriented mindset, I design programs and mentor others in bringing bold ideas to life, fostering meaningful change for educators and students alike.
the.Founder
As the Founder of the California Newcomer Network (CANN), I lead efforts to connect, equip, and empower educators serving newcomer youth across the state. CANN bridges sectors to provide guidance, resources, and advocacy for newcomers and their families.
the.Consultant
With extensive experience in newcomer education, I offer consulting services that include training, systems design, and one-on-one coaching for administrators and teachers. I’m committed to helping schools develop sustainable, innovative practices that support newcomers’ academic and social-emotional growth.