Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I believe in the transformative power of education. My experiences with inspiring teachers, like my Spanish teacher who taught me to love reading and my math teacher, Francisco Ospina, who provided individualized support, shaped my teaching philosophy. I strive to create a positive learning environment, teach Spanish, and be a catalyst for change, helping students discover their potential and love for learning.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my most memorable teaching experiences occurred during my time at Kennemer Middle School. I was teaching an introductory Spanish class to middle school students who had never been exposed to a foreign language in a classroom setting. One student had taken the introductory class the previous year and expressed a strong desire to advance to Spanish While her fluency was not strong, her comprehension and ability to form basic sentences were evident.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would enhance my teaching and support students’ learning. I’d invest in educational technology, like headphones with microphones, for interpretative assessments. I’d create engaging lesson materials using platforms like Duolingo and Quizlet. Attending professional development workshops would help bring innovative strategies to my classroom. Additionally, I’d organize cultural events, such as Hispanic Heritage Month, to promote cultural awareness and enrich students’ experiences.