Leading the Way to the Skies & Space: Meet Mr. Albright
Did you know that Santa Clarita Valley International (SCVi) Charter School is launching a new Aerospace Pathway at our tuition-free TK-12th grade public school?
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, our focus on aviation and aerospace learning will be given a boost with a new career-connected learning pathway. We can’t wait to further bring STEAM to life through immersive, hands-on projects for all grade levels.
Leading this program is Mr. Justin Albright! Already involved in the iLEAD community, Mr. Justin is excited to join SCVi and learn all about us. Read on to learn about him and our new program.
Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at SCVi.
I have been in education for the past seven years all of which I have spent within the iLEAD network, supporting learners in subjects such as geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and physics. I recently obtained my BS in astronomical and planetary sciences from Arizona State University. I plan on beginning a MS in space systems engineering this upcoming fall at the University of New Mexico. I also used to work at Virgin Galactic as a material handler, which gave me the opportunity to work on spaceships! I heard about the opening here at SCVi in the aerospace program and felt I was the ideal candidate The program, although new, is going to be a very fun and modern way of learning that I feel is not like anything currently at SCVi. I am very proud of this program, and I am putting my all into creating this. I would recommend any learner to join who is even somewhat curious about aerospace/aviation.
What’s the best part about your role at SCVi? What’s the biggest challenge?
The best part about my role is that I am able to handcraft this program from the ground up. The sky is the limit, and I have huge ambitions of what this will look like in the future. This, in turn, is also one of the challenges. Creating something new does seem daunting, but I have a great team behind me to offer assistance whenever needed.
There are great social-emotional learning activities at SCVi. What’s something you like to practice?
Habit #7, Sharpen the Saw, is my favorite habit (in the Leader in Me program’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that we use at SCVi), and I personally use this philosophy. Having time to step back and to recharge after a strenuous work week is crucial to prevent midyear burnout. I like to spend time on the weekend to relax and enjoy my time off in order to put my best foot forward the following Monday.
Who was your favorite teacher and why?
In high school I had a teacher named Ms. Kent, and she was always very nice to me and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time. She has helped me out so much in my personal and professional life, and I am very grateful!
In your opinion, what makes a great leader? How do you teach leadership?
A great leader is someone who can acknowledge their faults and look past one’s self-interests in order to reach a collective common goal.
Five fun fast facts about Mr. Justin:
- I love playing video games, preferably fighting games. When I have time, I compete across the country in Super Smash Bros. Melee! Thanks to this game, I have had the opportunity to travel to thirteen different states and two different countries!
- I just recently picked up playing tennis. The game is very fast-paced and exciting. Although I am an amateur, I look forward to getting better later down the road.
- I enjoy reading books about philosophy. Even if I don’t have the time to sit down and read, I love listening to audiobooks during car rides.
- I don’t know how to swim.
- My favorite type of music is hip-hop/rap. I listen to a wide range of artists from the ’80s to present.
We are so excited about our new Aerospace Pathway program with Mr. Justin leading the way! The Aerospace Pathway at SCVi focuses on aviation, space, and coding. Learners will have the opportunity to study the principles of flight and aircraft design, building a foundation for careers in the aviation industry. In learning about space, they will explore the challenges and technologies of space travel, engaging in projects that foster innovation and a deeper understanding of the cosmos. Opportunities for coding will help learners develop essential programming skills, enabling them to someday create and control aerospace systems. These focus areas of the pathway collectively provide learners with a comprehensive skill set, preparing them for diverse and dynamic careers in the aerospace sector. Our tuition-free TK-12th grade charter school is enrolling now so you can join us to take advantage of this out-of-this-world opportunity.
About SCVi:
Santa Clarita Valley International School (SCVi) is a free public charter school empowering TK-12th graders to become conscientious, compassionate, and responsible citizens of the world. We use project-based and social-emotional learning concepts to inspire and motivate lifelong learners with the skills they need to lead in the 21st century. We incorporate technology into every component of our curriculum, and we value and encourage development of leadership skills by inspiring confidence and character in each of our unique learners. Join our innovative school today!
