Administration

Gustavo Baptista graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Portland in 2006 before beginning his teaching career in the Pacific Northwest. He started as a 3rd grade teacher and eventually moved to Arizona where he branched into middle school and gained his highly qualified certifications in Middle Grades Math and Science. Regardless of grade level or subject, Mr. Baptista taught exclusively in Title 1 communities, where he feels his passion for growing and developing young minds can be most impactful. 

After a 10-year teaching career in both public and charter schools, and one season of working with the Phoenix Suns Front Office, Mr. Baptista enlisted in the United States Army in order to pursue his master’s degree, gain leadership experience, and serve his country. While serving, he earned numerous military honors, including Soldier Leader of the Cycle in Basic Training, Honor Graduate of the Cycle in Advanced Individual Training, and Distinguished Leader of the Cycle in the Army’s Basic Leadership Course. Mr. Baptista left the Army in July of 2021 as a Noncommissioned Officer with the rank of Sergeant, upon honorable completion of his military contract.

Mr. Baptista also served as Interim Assistant Principal at St. Xavier Catholic School while he was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas, as part of his master’s degree program requirements. After graduating from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Education in Educational Administration in November, 2020, Mr. Baptista spent the second semester of the school year continuing to fill the Assistant Principal position in a full time capacity through a special allowance in the Army’s Career Skills Program. 

Mr. Baptista is excited to bring his leadership and educational experience with him to the Academy of Math and Science Network. He looks forward to building productive and genuine relationships with the AMS staff, its families, and all its promising scholars!