Freshman PE, AVID, and Leadership teacher

Alayna Carter graduated from Tracy High School in 1993, and like many other teachers, she came back to teach at her alma mater. Even with teaching four different classes, as well as being the activities director, she still finds time to spend with her family. Quality family time is really important to her, so she spends as much time with them as she can.

What do you love about your job?

“I love working with kids. I love that opportunity to help kids get into college. I love to help plan events for the entire school while changing the culture of the campus…just trying to make everyone feel like they belong.”

What is the most difficult part about your job?

“The most difficult part is trying to balance everything. As teachers, we try to give all of ourselves to everyone. It is difficult to step back in some areas and have everyone understand. Balancing family, work, students, etc. can be very difficult.”

What do you like most about working with kids?

“I love working with kids, I always have. What I like most about teaching kids is being able to be a part of such an amazing time of their lives. I love when I can make a connection and be a part of their ‘light bulb’ moment.”

What was it like to come back and teach at your alma mater?

“It was amazing to come back to THS. I had a great time here as a student, and I wanted to help others have the same experience. The staff that was here when I first started was similar to the staff that was here when I attended. They were so supportive!”

Where did you go to college? Did you like it?

“I first attended San Joaquin Delta College, then Sacramento State. I loved the city of Sacramento.”

Did you always know what you wanted to be?

“I always knew I wanted to work with kids and be a teacher.”

What’s your favorite restaurants or places to eat? What are your favorites there?

“I really enjoy Mikasa sushi and Texas Roadhouse. At Mikasa, my favorites are the walnut prawn roll and volcano roll. At Texas Roadhouse, I love the bread and the sweet potato loaded.”

What is your favorite day of the week? Why?

“My favorite day of the week is Saturday because I love to be at home doing nothing but hanging out with my family.”

What about your family?

“I have been married to my husband, Blake, for six years. I have two children. My oldest son, Grant, is four years old, and my newborn daughter, Graycen, is two weeks old.”

What do you do in your down time?

“In my down time, I spend time with my family, crafting, decorating, and watching TV.”