Professional Qualifications

My professional qualifications extend across multiple fields, though not primarily within education or academia. My first postsecondary degree was an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. As part of my program, I completed an internship at a law firm in Phoenix, Arizona. The attorney I worked with was ultimately disbarred and lost his legal practice. This experience significantly influenced my decision not to pursue a legal career. Although not all attorneys at the firm engaged in unethical practices, the lack of professional leadership left a lasting impression.

I later earned a second associate degree from LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah. While there, I primarily completed general education courses, along with coursework in marketing and business principles. This experience helped me develop foundational academic and professional skills, as well as a greater capacity for learning.

Following this, I attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities, majoring in Spanish with a minor in Communications. My initial goal was to become a seminary teacher; although I struggled in that role, the experience confirmed my passion for working with youth and introduced me to the joy of teaching.

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Education from Grand Canyon University, which I anticipate completing in Fall 2025.

Professionally, I have five years of experience teaching in public schools. I am also fluent in Spanish—speaking, reading, and writing at the college level—and am one of only two individuals in my district certified to provide professional-level Spanish translations for both documents and conversations.

In terms of professional development, I have participated in multiple Kagan Cooperative Learning trainings in Phoenix, which have enhanced my skills in classroom engagement and management.

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy can be summarized as “work hard and play hard.” I believe that students thrive when they recognize their own capacity for growth and achievement. Setting high expectations and affirming students’ potential are essential to cultivating success. When students are told they are capable and intelligent, they rise to the challenge. Conversely, negative labels often become self-fulfilling.

In my classroom, I foster accountability and teamwork through a system of class competitions. Misbehavior or failure to follow rules results in points, and the class with the fewest points at the end of each quarter earns a party of their choice. Past rewards have included watching a movie during lunch. At the end of the school year, the class with the best overall behavior chooses my haircut and helps cut my hair, which I wear for the final week of school. This tradition builds community, encourages positive behavior, and makes learning enjoyable.

Personal Background

I have worked in a wide range of professional fields, including pizza delivery, auto parts sales, personal banking in Salt Lake City, custodial work, construction, and limousine driving. These experiences provided valuable perspectives; however, none have been as fulfilling as teaching. Being in the classroom has brought me the greatest joy and sense of purpose.

Outside of work, my interests include spending time with my family, playing sports, and enjoying good music.

Achievements and Recognition

Volunteer of the Year, Eagar–Springerville Chamber of Commerce.
Elementary School Honor Roll (2023–2024 academic year).
School Spirit Award, received in both 2021 (my first year of teaching) and 2025.

While I have not yet published scholarly work, I hope to pursue opportunities in the future.

Fun Fact or Personal Motto

An interesting fact about me is that I genuinely value sleep. With my schedule—balancing teaching, graduate studies, city council service, coaching my daughter’s soccer team, church responsibilities, and family life—spare time is rare. When I do have a free moment, I enjoy a long, restorative nap.

Most importantly, my role as a husband and father remains my greatest and most meaningful responsibility.

Our classroom motto is simple but powerful. Each day, students and I repeat affirmations designed to strengthen self-worth and resilience:

I am good enough.
I am smart enough.
I can do hard things.
I am beautiful.
Mr. Lozoya loves me.

Many students lack consistent affirmation at home. By repeating these words, I hope to help every child recognize their value, their capability, and the fact that someone cares deeply about them.

Round Valley Elementary School

Slade Morgan

April Eagar

Amy Leeds - 5th Grade Teacher

Mylea Grover - 5th Grade Teacher

Florencio Lozoya - 5th Grade Teacher

Sunshine S - 5th Grade Teacher

Ameilia Ramsay - 4th Grade Teacher

Amy Ray - 4th Grade Teacher

Stephanie Prochnow - 4th Grade Teacher

Kelcie Fuller - 4th Grade Teacher

Heather Kortan - 3rd Grade Teacher

Ali Dundee - 3rd Grade Teacher

Lanae Redgrave - 3rd Grade Teacher

Christa Clouse - 3rd Grade Teacher

Rynda Shumway - Music Teacher

Andrea Sutton - Librarian Teacher

Haile Nicolds - Computer Teacher

Addie Mindar - P.E. Teacher

Crystal Workman - Title Math Teacher

Lindsey Lieninger -Title Reading Teacher

Claudia Schley - Sp.Ed. Behavior Specialist

Shannon Adams - Sp.Ed. Teacher

Stephanie Hogle - Sp.Ed. Teacher