Linda Bustamante Padron

Growing up, I saw the impact my mother made as a Pre-K & Kindergarten teacher - so many of her students still remember her today. That lasting impact, built through trust, support, & love, was deeply rooted in my heart since I was a little girl. Seeing children grow personally & academically, spread kindness & gain confidence are some of teaching's greatest gifts. I wanted to be the teacher a child remembers for inspiring their love of learning & being there every step of the way.

Teaching is filled with beautiful moments that have shaped me, a culmination of experiences rather than just one. It's the child who invites me to their graduation, the student who became a teacher because I inspired them, & the hearing-impaired child who felt accepted & loved. It's the family facing hardship who found comfort knowing their child was in good hands. These moments are the heartbeat of my classroom & why I teach - with love & gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference.

As a passionate advocate for literacy, I would use this opportunity to support initiatives that provide books & resources to children who need them most. Every child deserves access to the joy of reading. I also hope to organize author visits to inspire young readers & ensure literacy remains a doorway to opportunity for all.