My journey as an educator has been inspiring and rewarding. Education has been my calling since I was a little girl. When I arrived home from school, I would often be seen gathering my stuffed animals, baby dolls and barbies so I could have an audience to teach to. As I took roll, revised the morning message, and conducted read alouds, my family would always make the comment that I was going to be a great teacher someday. Little did I know, that would indeed become my reality.

In college I studied Early Childhood Education, but I wasn’t for certain if I wanted to take the speech language pathologist route or continue the track to become an elementary teacher. As I met with mentors and advisors, it was suggested that I consider becoming a neonatal nurse due to my caring and compassionate spirit, as well as the rewarding salary. After volunteering at the hospital and getting a glimpse of the daily duties, it was evident to me that teaching was my real calling. Even with the salary consideration, if I had to choose over again, teaching would still be my first choice.

When I made the commitment to being a teacher in Alief, I made a promise to myself to invest in my education so I can continue to give students the proper education they deserve. This means I went to various professional developments after school, on the weekend, and even over the summer. It also included gathering with fellow coworkers to better understand the TEKs, brainstorming activities to include during workstations, and collaborate ways to make small group instruction more beneficial. My passion for helping students excel and thrive independently is driven from the amazing teachers I had when I was in elementary school. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience teaching in multiple grade levels and each one has taught me something different. I have fallen in love with every grade level for different reasons. PreK taught me to be flexible, things will not always go as planned and that’s okay. Take the revised schedule as a teachable moment. Kindergarten is the grade level that taught me that growth really is possible, just trust the process. Some students had never attended an early learning center or day care, but the rapid growth helped me realize kids really are sponges. First grade was the grade level that taught me the purpose of a solid phonological and phonemic awareness foundation. This grade level is the glue that helps prepare the students for 2nd grade and beyond and is a grade level that can have a big impact on a child’s remaining years. Second grade is the grade level

where students become more independent and begin elaborating on how they solved problems or the purpose of a passage they read. I developed strategies to foster student independence and avoid micromanaging, empowering them to take more responsibility for their learning. Third grade taught me the application piece, helping students apply everything they learned in the previous years. I encouraged my students to take ownership of their learning by providing opportunities for them to identify and correct their own mistakes. Special Education has taught me the importance of differentiation and the power of spiral instruction. It solidified that every child has the potential to succeed when provided with the right support as well as proper investment in their learning and development. The beauty of teaching multiple grade levels has shown me how the TEKs are vertically aligned and helps me quickly scaffold instruction as needed.

My education journey has been a joyous experience and makes me regret ever considering being a neonatal nurse. The parent – teacher conferences, late nights of grading papers, and lesson planning is all worth it when we see our students have the confidence to explain to a peer how they solved a problem, found the text evidence, or taught themselves an easier strategy. Though our jobs as educators is to teach the curriculum, that is not possible without having a relationship with each of the students and their families. I truly believe my students put forth their best effort because they know their teacher loves and cares about them and their family, and they feel comfortable enough to ask for assistance when needed.

Educating students in a shared responsibility, it is not a solo endeavor. I am convinced that it takes a team to really make teaching impactful. I want to send a big thank you to all educators I have crossed paths with and the knowledge that has been shared with me over the years. All credit is due to my family for believing in me since I was a little girl, my amazing teachers in elementary school, the Alief community of educators who have prepared me every year for the challenges ahead, and the parents for believing in me to help their child excel. If you are truly passionate about shaping the minds of the future while providing a nurturing space and inclusive classroom community, then you know you’re in the right profession and deserve to be the next District Teacher of the Year! Thanks for making a smart choice by choosing Alief and making Ms. Choice your choice!

Teaching is truly a remarkable journey that goes far beyond the walls of any classroom. It’s a calling that challenges us and inspires us every day, pushing us to play a meaningful role in our student’s growth. As I reflect on the journey of my teaching career, it amazes me how many children's lives I have been a part of. This remarkable gift and responsibility that has been handed to me is something that I handle very gently as if it were a precious antique that has been handed down from generation to generation. This fragile gift could easily shatter into a million pieces, if not handled correctly. Teaching is something I don’t take for granted, as it has been a dream of mine since the age of 6. There have been multiple role models, mentors, and even family that have inspired me to be where I am today. As I reflect on being named Teacher of the Year, I feel a sense of gratitude and humility. This honor isn’t just a badge of achievement; it represents a shared journey filled with dedication, passion, and the constant quest for knowledge. It’s a journey that continues to shape who I am as an educator, reminding me of the impact we can have on our students’ lives. My journey to becoming a teacher was shaped by various influences that sparked my passion for education. In many ways, we are all teachers in our own right. What’s fascinating about this idea is that even our students can impart valuable lessons to us. This is something I've learned over the years, especially during my time in Alief. Being part of such a diverse district has greatly expanded my understanding of different races and backgrounds. With this knowledge, I can celebrate with my students during events such as Hispanic Cultural Month, Chinese New Year, Eid, and Black History Month. Not only can I celebrate with them, but I can also use this to cater to their interest in lessons and assignments. My goal each year is to show my students that I care about them and want to learn more about their cultures. By doing this, we as educators can help students feel valued and foster a sense of belonging. As an English teacher, I have learned that words carry significant power. My students pay close attention to everything I say, and I take that responsibility seriously. I find immense joy in sharing impactful writings and expressions that resonate with the creative minds of my students. Over the years, my classroom has evolved into a sanctuary of curiosity and creativity; a space where students feel safe to explore ideas and express their thoughts. I strive to implement teaching methods that engage and challenge my students, using a variety of strategies to cater to their diverse learning

styles, this reaffirms my passion for teaching and the positive impact I can have on my students’ lives. Reflecting on my journey as Teacher of the Year, I am reminded that this role is not merely about personal achievement; it is a commitment to nurturing the leaders, thinkers, and dreamers of tomorrow. Being an educator is an ongoing journey characterized by growth, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student. I hope my story encourages others in the field to remain dedicated to learning and growing, embracing change and innovation in our teaching approaches. I look forward to the future with optimism, knowing that each day in the classroom is an opportunity to unlock potential, inspire passion, and cultivate a love for learning. As I conclude my journey as Teacher of the Year, I want to encourage the next generation of teachers. Remember your purpose in the classroom, and take the time to get to know your students beyond the four walls. Invest in their growth and development, and plant seeds of encouragement wherever you go. Your hard work and dedication matter to every student, even if they don’t express it. By being present every day, you demonstrate that you care. So take the torch and begin your journey. Overcome the hurdles, embrace the detours, and appreciate the experiences in your district and classroom.