Third Grade Bilingual Teacher

My journey to becoming a teacher was shaped by my love for learning, the influence of remarkable educators, and a realization that teaching as my passion. Inspired by exceptional teachers during my childhood, I developed a deep appreciation for education. This sparked my desire to impart knowledge and mold young minds.

Entering college, I was drawn to the prospect of guiding future generations. However, I soon discovered that teaching is more than just sharing information—it's about instilling a love for learning. Reflecting on the impact of my own teachers, I recognized my true calling: to inspire a passion for learning in others.

Now, as an educator, I strive to motivate students to embrace learning and overcome challenges. My goal is to cultivate curious minds that constantly seek knowledge. Teaching isn't merely a profession for me; it's a vocation driven by genuine passion and talent.

I firmly believe that being an outstanding teacher means prioritizing service to others instead of seeking personal success. By creating student-centered environments focused on collaboration and respect, I aim to provide every learner with an optimal educational experience. Through this commitment to both students and the teaching profession, I strive to make a positive impact on every student in my classroom.

As a teacher, I understand the importance of developing leaders who will make an impact beyond the classroom setting. My view of teaching is rooted in the principle that a teacher is a leader who has a deep desire to serve others. My purpose as a teacher goes beyond my interests and accomplishments. Being an educator has redefined the once-accepted teacher-centered classroom, to a classroom of independent individual learners that form a community.

Over my two-decade career, I've embraced the role of a teacher as a leader dedicated to nurturing future community leaders. In my classroom, I prioritize creating an inclusive learning environment where every student's voice is valued. I foster a culture of collaboration and respect, encouraging students to learn from one another and embrace their unique strengths. Through project-based activities, I ensure students develop essential real-world skills while maintaining a sense of engagement and excitement for learning.

School Nurse

I knew I wanted to become a nurse from an early age. When I was in grammar school, I would spend time at my best friend’s house, whose mother was a labor and delivery nurse. I always admired her and found it amazing that besides taking care of her own twelve children, she dedicated her life to providing care for others. She was kind, compassionate, and loving to all those whom she interacted with, and I knew even then that I wanted to make people feel the way she made me feel. As I got older, I became intrigued with learning about the human body and how it functioned. I discovered that one’s physical/mental health was the most important determining factor in how one functions in personal relationships and in society. A guiding factor in my personal life was watching my father suffer from chronic back pain. I often took on the caregiver role to provide him support, comfort, and rehabilitation. I decided then that I wanted to be a part of making a change in people’s lives by helping them achieve good outcomes through education and care. It is a true privilege for me to be able to provide these services to the families of the community I grew up in.

As a school nurse, I strive to maintain a therapeutic and welcoming environment for my students and staff to feel at ease. I pride myself on developing a positive rapport with students, parents, teachers, staff and administration. My ability to translate in both Portuguese and Spanish is an advantage when I collaborate with my student’s families as I support and assist them with their medical needs. My attention to detail and meticulous record keeping allows me to provide valuable support to fellow staff members when collaborating on student goals. I’m often utilized to cover the medical needs in other district schools and do not hesitate to provide support where needed. My many years of experience working in the Public Health system have provided me with a wide range of fundamental competences that I apply in my daily school nursing practice. I’m often called upon for advice by other nurses in the district due to my knowledge base as it pertains to community health. I love to share my personal experience with school nursing not only with my fellow colleagues, but also with the Rutgers nursing students who complete their clinical coursework through their partnership with the district. I take on a leadership role when it comes to the health and safety of my building. It is an honor to be recognized for all my hard work and dedication.