Ms. Altimira, 6th and 7th Grade HGM English

Hello! My name is Ms. Altamira, and I have the joy of teaching 6th and 7th grade English at Portola Highly Gifted Magnet. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree and Teaching Credential from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2009. After graduating, I spent two unforgettable years teaching English abroad in South Korea, where I discovered the power that language has to connect people across cultures and the importance of curiosity and empathy in education.

I have been lovingly involved in education for over 15 years, and I can truly say that there is no profession with a greater reward than there is with teaching. I joined the Portola HGM family in 2020, and every year, I continue to be inspired by the creativity, insight, and passion my students bring to the classroom. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that “Mistakes are proof you’re learning.” I want my students to understand that growth comes from perseverance, reflection, and a willingness to try again—and that each challenge is an opportunity to discover something new about themselves and the world around them.

Outside of teaching, I love traveling and dancing. I think the world is a rich place filled with beautiful people, cultures, and food that deserve to be explored and experienced. Whether I’m wandering through a new country, learning a new rhythm, or sharing a good story, I try to bring that same sense of wonder and joy into my classroom every day.