Devin Anavitarte’s main goal as an educator to be the teacher he never had. Anavitarte currently teaches English and theatre classes at North Tampa Christian Academy. Rather than just seeing him as a teacher, he wants students to view him as a trusted advocate. Anavitarte has been teaching for nine years, and in that time, he has tried to form a relationship with every student who steps into his classroom.
“Learning is all about relationships. My philosophy is that learning thrives the more a relationship is fostered,” Anavitarte said.
Building relationships with students enhances the teaching experience and the learning experience, especially when it comes to subjects like theatre that have a performance aspect. As passionate as he is about his career now, teaching wasn’t always Anavitarte’s dream. As a child growing up in Keene, Texas, he was sure he would someday be a gameshow host.
In his hometown, Anavitarte attended Southwestern Adventist University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English. He then went on to Andrews University in southwest Michigan, where he graduated with a master’s in divinity. Soon after graduation, Anavitarte discovered his love of teaching and started on his current career path.
The most rewarding part of teaching for Anavitarte is watching nervous, insecure students blossom and thrive on stage after months of working hard to put together a theatrical production. While he watches these students grow, he encourages them by letting them know he’s someone they can come to when they need him. Anavitarte hopes that all the students who attend his English and theatre classes see the love of Jesus in him.
While teaching is Anavitarte’s passion, he also finds joy in writing, swimming, playing tennis and reading. His favorite book he’s read so far is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. When he has time off, Anavitarte likes to travel, and his favorite place he’s been to is Athens, Greece. The Mediterranean would be a great place for him to travel because if he had to choose one food to eat for the rest of his life, his choice would be hummus and falafel.
Get to Know Devin Anavitarte
What’s your favorite Bible verse? Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you choose? Lucille Ball; Jesus; and Joseph, son of Jacob.
If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would do? Pay off all my debt.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Flying
“Learning is all about relationships. My philosophy is that learning thrives the more a relationship is fostered.”
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