Educators can have an impact on students' lives, and Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to say “thank you” to those who not only shaped our children's hearts, but may also influence their future success. It's time.
Teacher Appreciation Week runs from Monday, May 6th to Friday, May 10th. More than 70 years ago, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt originated the idea for her week to honor her teachers.
“Teachers are the heart and soul of our country,” President Biden said in a May 3 statement. “Teachers care about our nation's students, pass on knowledge to the next generation, and inspire children to dream of new possibilities for the future.”
Here are the outstanding educators selected by the El Paso and Socorro Independent School Districts.
Socorro ISD
Anna Nicole Guevara, Cactus Trails Elementary School
Anna Nicole Guevara is in her 12th year of teaching and is a fourth grade teacher. She also participates in her school's UIL events and the annual Math Bee competition. She tells her students, “You got this, and I got you, too,” reaffirming that they can accomplish difficult tasks.
Jonathan Martinez, James P. Butler Elementary School
Jonathan Martinez is a fourth grade bilingual teacher who has been teaching for three and a half years. He is also a member of the School Safety Committee, Technical Committee, Instructional Coalition Team, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team. He always reminds his students to believe in themselves.
Jamie D. Rivas, Purple Heart Elementary School
Jamie D. Rivas has been a teacher for four years and currently teaches fifth grade. She sponsors UIL Social Studies, the Harry Potter Book Club, the Digital Readers Academy, and the UTEP Teacher Residency Program. Her philosophy in the classroom is to “see everyone as a human being before seeing them as students or teachers.”
Veronica Collier, Elfida P. Chavez Elementary School
Veronica Collier is a fourth grade teacher who has been teaching for 23 years. She also serves as the Yearbook Coordinator, UIL Coordinator, Literary Anthology Coordinator, UIL Coach, and Cheerleading Coach. Ms. Collier teaches her students about the “Power of Yet.” This will help you incorporate a growth mindset that will help you understand seemingly difficult concepts quickly.
Jacob H. Ramirez, El Dorado High School
Jacob H. Ramirez has been an educator for six years and currently serves as a leadership teacher and director of student activities. He is also a student council advisor, National Honor Society advisor, and a leader for a new technology networking site. He advises his students to “do something today for a better tomorrow” to show them that simple actions can help shape a brighter future.
Angela Rose Hernandez, Salvador H. Sanchez Middle School
Angela Rose Hernandez is a physical education and health teacher who has been teaching for six years. She is a volleyball coach, 8th grade class sponsor, Destination Imagination coach, UIL-ready writing coach, and Healthy Body, Strong Mind facilitator. She tells her students to challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zone, believe in themselves, and have a positive growth mindset.
Christopher J. Martin, Colonel John O. Ensor Secondary School
Christopher J. Martin has been a teacher for 23 years and is an educator in the special education PAS unit. He has supported Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, Spanish Club, UIL, and Destination Imagination. He coaches cross country track and field and football and is a member of the campus improvement team and attendance committee.
Drew Dungan, Mission Early College High School
Drew Dungan has been teaching dual credit speech and leadership for 17 years. He sponsors Student Council, Academic Decathlon, UIL Journalism, Broadcasting, High-Q, Class of 2024 and his Class of 2026, and Crochet Club. His classroom motto is “Everyone has a story” and emphasizes the need for everyone to listen and value the talents of every student.
EPISD
Dora Esquivel, Archie Duran Elementary School Coach
Dora Esquivel was recently named EPISD's Elementary School Teacher of the Year. She has three years of experience teaching special education from first grade to fifth grade with her coach Archie Duran.
Nicole Schuster, Lundy Elementary School
Nicole Schuster is a passionate educator with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a graduate program in Special Education.
Isela Lopez, Cielo Vista Elementary School
Isela Lopez is an educator with 22 years of experience in special education at Cielo Vista.
Lisa K. Gary, Mesita Elementary School
Lisa K. Gary has 17 years of experience as a librarian and has taught grades 2-5 at Mesita Elementary School.
Beatrice Palomino, Hart Elementary School
Beatrice Palomino has six years of teaching experience at Hart Elementary School.
Florangella Calderon, HE Charles Junior High School
Florangella Calderon has worked as a middle school librarian at Charles University for 22 years, reflecting her commitment to education. After she immigrated from Nicaragua as a political refugee, her experience with the education system inspired her to become an educator.
Jayne Chapman, Irvine High School
Jayne Chapman has 19 years of experience teaching English language arts to second graders at Irvine High School.
Frank Hernandez, Franklin High School
Frank Hernandez has 12 years of experience teaching science at Franklin High School. As a mentor, coach and department head at OnRamps, he has spearheaded new programs, embraced challenges and fostered a culture of growth and learning within the department.
Rashad Pritchett, Andres High School
Rashad Pritchett has been teaching special education at Andres High School for six years.
Abraham Monteros, Bowie High School
Abraham Monteros is an educator with eight years of experience at Bowie High School.
USA Today contributed to this report.
