Have you ever had a teacher who made you feel like you could do anything? That’s the kind of teacher Sima Javaheri is. With a calm voice, a kind smile and a lot of energy, she helps students feel safe, confident and ready to learn.
Before joining MCHS, Mrs. Javaheri worked at Garden Grove Unified School District, where she taught for several years and made a big impact on her students there too. Now, Javaheri is working here at MCHS teaching algebra 1 to freshmen.Her goal is not only to teach algebra but also to inspire a love for learning and problem-solving that students can carry with them beyond her classroom.
“I never imagined I’d be standing in front of a classroom in Santa Ana,” Javaheri said. “With my kind smile and calm energy, it’s easy to see why students already feel comfortable around me. Teaching, for me, isn’t just a career, it’s a lifelong dream come true.”
Javaheri expresses her gratitude and excitement.
“For me, teaching isn’t just a job,” Javaheri said. “It’s a promise to my students. I want them to look at me and see that anything is possible. I want them to see themselves in me and know that they can reach their goals, too.”
When you step into Mrs. Javaheri’s classroom, you’ll immediately notice the warmth, structure and energy she brings to the space. She believes that students learn best when they feel both comfortable and challenged.
“My strength is that I engage students,” Javaheri said. “I always try to create lessons that are interesting and fun. I also have a strong routine in class. Students know what to expect every day, and that helps them feel confident and focused.”
Her love for organization isn’t just about neat desks or color-coded plans, it’s about making sure every student knows they belong.
“When students walk into my room, I don’t want them to feel lost,” Javaheri said. “I want them to feel like they’re part of a team that’s learning together.”
Like many teachers, Javaheri has faced challenges in her career. One of the toughest, she admits, is motivating students who feel discouraged or unsupported.
“Sometimes, I struggle with unmotivated students or parents who aren’t very involved,” Javaheri said. “It can be hard, but I always remind myself that every child can learn. I just have to find the right way to reach them.”
Javaheri also places great importance on collaboration—with both colleagues and parents. She often shares strategies, resources and encouragement with fellow teachers, believing that teamwork leads to better learning for everyone.
“When teachers support each other, our students feel that unity,” Javaheri said. “We’re all here for the same reason—to help our kids grow.”
She also works closely with Special Education and English learner students, groups she feels especially passionate about helping.
“Sometimes kids say, ‘I’m in Special ED, I can’t do it,’” Javaheri said. “But I always tell them, yes, you can. Everyone learns differently, and that’s okay.”
To help her students believe in themselves, she uses a simple but powerful example.
“When babies learn to walk, they fall so many times,” Javaheri said. “If they gave up after the first fall, none of us would ever walk! So I tell my students, don’t give up after one failure, keep trying. You’re learning every time you get back up.”
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Javaheri leads an inspiring life filled with learning, family and balance. She’s a proud mother of two successful sons, one who graduated from UCLA and another from USC and a grandmother to two grandchildren, ages 4 years and 4 months.
“They’re the joy of my life,” Javaheri said. “Whenever I see them, I feel so happy and thankful.”
Her love of learning doesn’t stop with teaching. She’s an avid reader, especially of books about psychology and self-improvement.
“I love understanding how people think and how we can all become better versions of ourselves,” Javaheri said.
To keep her energy high, she follows a daily wellness routine.
“In the mornings, I go swimming or do yoga,” Javaheri said. “It clears my mind and gives me energy for the day. Then I come to class ready to give my best.”
When asked what she loves most about working at our school, Javaheri’s face lights up.
“This school is my dream,” Javaheri said. “The students here are motivated. They want to learn. And that makes me so excited to teach every day.”
Looking ahead, Javaheri hopes to continue inspiring her students to dream big and to embrace every challenge as a step toward success. She plans to integrate more project-based learning and creative activities that encourage critical thinking and collaboration.
“I want my students to leave my class not only smarter, but more confident and compassionate,” Javaheri said. “If they walk away believing in their own potential, then I’ve done my job.”
Her dedication and positivity make a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Students say she’s patient, kind and always ready to help them understand a lesson, no matter how long it takes.
For Javaheri, success isn’t measured by grades alone, it’s about growth.
“I want my students to feel proud of their progress,” Javaheri said. “Even small steps forward are worth celebrating. Every little bit counts.”
As she settles into her new classroom in MCHS, it’s clear that Javaheri brings more than just lessons and homework. She brings hope, encouragement and a deep belief that every student can succeed.
“I love this school,” Javaheri said. “And I love my students. Every day I walk into this classroom, I feel like I’m right where I’m meant to be.”
The school community welcomes Javaheri, a teacher who believes in hard work, kindness and never giving up.
