South El Monte High School is proud to recognize Mr. Robert Burgess as one of the Teachers of the Month for October. Born and raised in Minnesota, Mr. Burgess played football at Bemidji State University before moving to California to begin his teaching career. He started as a P.E. teacher at Kranz Intermediate School, then taught at Mountain View High School for a year before joining South El Monte High School when it first opened in 1992. Over the years, he has made a lasting impact on the school community, not only through his teaching but also through his dedication as a coach and mentor to countless students and athletes.
Mr. Burgess has coached a wide range of sports, including varsity basketball, varsity and freshman football, girls JV softball, cross country, and both boys and girls tennis. His leadership, patience, and enthusiasm have inspired generations of Eagles to work hard and strive for excellence both on and off the field. Outside of school, Mr. Burgess enjoys spending time with his wife—whom he met at South El Monte—and their four children. When he’s not cheering on his teams, you can often find him at the gym or on the golf course. His commitment to his students, colleagues, and community truly embodies the spirit of South El Monte High School.
The other teacher of the month is Mr. Noe Almendariz. With 15 years of teaching experience, Mr. Almendariz brings passion, dedication, and heart to his classroom every day. His personal motto, “Teach as if your children were in the room,” reflects his belief in treating every student with care and respect. A lifelong reader himself, Mr. Almendariz hopes to inspire his students to discover their own love for reading and learning. He finds joy in watching his students “connect the dots” and reach new milestones, especially when they overcome difficult challenges through hard work and perseverance.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Almendariz stays active as both a wrestling and track and field coach, helping students develop discipline and teamwork. When he’s not coaching, he enjoys traveling with his family to his children’s wrestling tournaments, where they share a love for competition and growth. For Mr. Almendariz, the most rewarding part of his job is watching students grow—not just as learners and athletes—but as confident, compassionate individuals who become positive forces in their communities. His commitment to teaching and mentoring truly makes him a role model at South El Monte High School.
The certificated staff of the month is Martha Heredia. For decades, Ms. Heredia has been a cornerstone of the campus community, known for her hard work, reliability, and warm personality. As a custodian, she takes great pride in keeping the school clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff alike. Her dedication goes far beyond her daily responsibilities—she brings kindness, positivity, and care to everything she does. Students and teachers alike often describe her as someone who makes South El Monte feel like home.
