Mark Afram
Meet Mark
A longtime beloved educator in South Pasadena, Mark sets the upcoming generations off on the right foot, providing excellence in learning as well as his caring spirit and acceptance, qualities aligned with the best of South Pasadena’s values.
About the Legend
Introduce yourself!
I'm a teacher at South Pasadena High School. I can hardly believe I'm writing this, but this is my twentieth year in education! I started as an ESL, English, math, and history teacher at South Pasadena Middle School. (That was a full job!) I've since moved to the High School, and now I teach AP English and ELD.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of four siblings. While I don't have a family of my own, I enjoy participating in the lives of my nieces and nephews. I'm grateful that much of my family is in Southern California, specifically the Pasadena area.
What are you passionate about? What do you love about what you do?
I love running, and I while I no longer run the mileage of my 20s, I still jog five or six times a week. Obviously, as an English teacher, I'm also a big reader, and I'm always in the midst of a book or three. (I just finished Celeste Ng's latest.) I'm also a budding writer, and I'm working on a book manuscript. I'm currently in revisions. Hopefully you'll see it in print one day!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I was named one of the Top 16 Teachers of the Year in LA County in 2009. I did not expect to receive that honor. Fourteen years later, I still try to be worthy of that award.
What inspires you?
My students and coworkers inspire me. Their energy, curiosity, and humor motivate me to work harder and be a better, more compassionate person.
What is something on your bucket list?
I'd like to get my book published!
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
In terms of teaching, I think I'm a lifer. Education in South Pas has been a good fit for me. Hopefully my book is published. And a dog--I really want to get a dog!
What is something interesting about yourself that most people don't know about you?
I dabble in real estate.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
I try to live by the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. I sometimes fail at this, but this principal is my North Star.
Your South Pasadena Story
Tell us your South Pasadena story! How did you come to live or work in this community?
I was hired by South Pasadena Unified in February of 2003. The funny thing is that I'd never even HEARD of South Pasadena. I knew about Pasadena, San Marino, and La Canada--I had family and friends in those communities--but South Pas wasn't on my radar. A friend of mine recommended me for a job, so I went to the interview on a whim. When I met the three teachers on the interview panel, I instantly knew, this is it.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Nearly 20 years! I left to teach in the Bay Area and La Canada for two years, but I quickly returned!
What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word "HOME"?
Comfortable, safe, relaxing, and familiar
What are some of your favorite restaurants or businesses in South Pasadena?
The YMCA, Kaldi, Mike and Anne's, Mission Wine, and Heirloom
What is your go-to "happy place" in South Pasadena?
Honestly, I love walking on tree-lined streets.
What local landmark, business, organization, etc. feels to you like it captures the South Pasadena spirit?
The South Pasadena Educational Foundation! It's a group of dedicated parent volunteers who want to provide enriching educational experiences for our students. They are tireless in their efforts, and I'm grateful for their support.
What is your favorite community event or social outing in South Pasadena?
I love the Tiger Run! I just ran it this year, in fact!
What are your hopes and dreams for our community?
I am concerned about housing affordability. In order to maintain our character, diversity, and eclectic nature, we need to ensure that people from all walks of life can afford to live in our special community.
What do you think makes South Pasadena so special?
Relationships and a sense of community!
Some Fun Stuff!
What is the last show you binged? What show(s) are you hooked on right now?
I really enjoy "Succession," but I had to take a break because it was getting too dark for me!
What are your top three favorite MOVIES?
I just watched "Decision to Leave," and I loved it! Great story-telling, character development, and it was a beautiful homage to Hitchcock's "Vertigo."
What are your top three favorite SONGS?
This is embarrassing, but I've been enjoying Miley Cyrus' "Flowers."
What is your favorite band? What is your favorite album?
N/A
What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season? Or even a favorite date in general?
Christmas is special to me--as a Christian, I love how the pregnancy of an unwed mother inspires hope, joy, and gift-giving.
Who is your favorite artist? What kind of visual art inspires you?
I love the paintings of Grant Wood and Andrew Wyeth. So deep, beautiful, and smart.
Help spread the word and celebrate our Legend! Download the images below to share as posts and/or stories on social media and congratulate our Legend and share their story with our community! Be sure to tag @LegendsofSouthPasadena so that we can give you a shout-out on our social media.
