Resident surfer John Croft joins the SLOHS team this year. Photo courtesy of Government teacher John Croft.
Every year San Luis Obispo High School welcomes new staff to the community. This year, John Croft has started as the new Government teacher for twelfth grade students. Moving to San Luis Obispo from the San Diego area, where he taught and coached over the past five years was a big shift but he’s excited to get involved with our community at SLOHS!
Expressions contacted Croft for an interview to introduce him to the school and learn more about his journey leading up to teaching here!
Expressions: How’d you originally get into teaching/what do you like about teaching government?
Government teacher John Croft: I got into teaching around 2020, having graduated from UCLA in 2017, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do, so I moved back home. I grew up in the Bay Area, and I decided to go become an EMT. I really enjoyed working as an EMT for a few years, but I had some friends that were into teaching, and I knew my uncle was a teacher. I always connected with my patients as an EMT but the opportunity to connect through small, and consistent interactions over a long period of time drew me to teaching. I’m very grateful for daily opportunities to help students and connect with them better.
Expressions: What was your educational background leading up to teaching?
Croft: I got my bachelor’s from UCLA in 2017, and my teaching credential from San Diego State University, and the greater San Diego area is where I ended up teaching for the past five years in various capacities. First at Canyon Crest academy, then Rancho Minerva Middle School, and then the last two years I was at La Costa Canyon High School.
Expressions: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Croft: I love to do graphic design, and I do a lot of it on the side. I’m also kind of into surfboard shaping. I’ve only shaped two surfboards, but I’d eventually like to try and start a surfboard shaping club here. I really enjoy surfing and anything that gets me outdoors, as well as hanging out with my cats and my fiance.
Expressions: Previously, you mentioned enjoying coaching, what do you like to coach/would you consider coaching a team here?
Croft: I grew up playing baseball and football, I coached football for the last two years at La Costa Canyon High School, as the freshman head coach last year and the freshman DB coach before that. As a student teacher in 2020 I also acted as assistant coach for freshman baseball, so being involved in either of those sports would be awesome.
Expressions: How do you feel about the community at SLOHS?
Croft: So far it’s been a really welcoming experience, my dad and my uncle went to Cal Poly and I’ve only ever heard amazing things about SLO in general. I’ve been here for about five weeks now and everyone’s made me feel so welcome, and it’s a beautiful place to live. I’m getting married in October and this is definitely the kind of place where I hope to settle down and eventually raise my own family. I certainly feel like I landed where I was supposed to, and I’m grateful for that.
SLOHS welcomes Croft to campus and looks forward to a great year ahead! Make sure to carry positive SLO vibes throughout your day, tigers, just like Croft!