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Juan Pablo Duarte – José Julián Martí School No. 28
Teacher of the Year

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Ms. Zulay Aponte
Third Grade Bilingual Teacher
Becoming a teacher has been a lifelong calling for me, rooted in a deep-seated passion for helping others. From an early age, my parents instilled in me the importance of education, viewing it as a stepping-stone to realizing my life ambitions. This fundamental belief, joined with my innate desire to make a positive impact on society, led me to choose teaching as a vocation. The opportunity to shape the lives of elementary students and foster their relationship with a good education has been a driving force behind my dedication to my profession as an educator. Through my experiences, I have conveyed to students the importance of education, positive life values, and the invaluable role of a teacher or mentor in guiding one's path. I emphasize the belief that education is the first step towards becoming a responsible and contributing citizen. In summary, my journey as an educator has been guided by a passion for helping others, a belief in the transformative power of education, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Teaching, to me, transcends being a mere profession; it embodies a commitment to cultivating a dynamic learning environment where students are empowered to freely express themselves, think critically, and develop confidence. I believe that outstanding teaching is grounded in fostering an inclusive and respectful classroom culture. I distinguish myself through the implementation of learning centers that facilitate discussion, diverse idea-sharing, peer tutoring, and the cultivation of mutual respect. These centers serve not only to promote academic growth but also to nurture crucial social skills. By encouraging students to take on various responsibilities and assigning classroom jobs, I foster independent thinking and leadership, establishing a strong link between individual actions and their impact on the broader classroom community.
To ensure my students stay connected to the lessons and the world around them, I embrace the "power of 3" concept, wherein students take care of themselves, the classroom, and others. The classroom job chart becomes a microcosm of the larger world, imparting the importance of individual responsibility and its collective impact on the community. Learning centers, reflecting diverse cultural backgrounds, instill respect for differences, and under my guidance, students become autonomous and independent within their roles. This approach yields evidence not only in academic achievements but also in the development of critical life skills. By creating an empowering environment where students express themselves, assume responsibilities, and appreciate diverse perspectives, I contribute to shaping individuals who are academically proficient, socially adept, and globally aware.
Educational Service Professional of the Year

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Ms. Elva Pazos
Bilingual Classroom Assistant
My love for education, love literature, and my passion for teaching influenced my decision to choose this profession. I believe that through education, students are empowered to discover the world. Education allows students develop their different skills- mental, physical, and social. Another factor that influenced this decision was the example my parents and elders set for. My family always placed a high important on education, and taught me the value of learning. My extracurricular activities also showed me how important educators are; with all the sports and activities I did growing up, I witnessed how much these could influence the formation of student's lives, and these activities are led by none other than teachers and coaches. Lastly, but most important, my love for God influenced this decision. I believe educators help students learn values and how to work hard, which is something I am passionate about.
My work responsibilities as a kindergarten teacher assistant are many. My top priority is always to ensure the welfare of the children, I care about them very much. I am always aware of their necessities so they can be happy, calm, safe, and to avoid accidents. In doing this, I hope to make sure they have a great day in a healthy environment. I also work actively in teams with my fellow teachers. My favorite responsibility is working one on one with the kids- teaching them Language arts and Math. I teach them with a lot of patience, love, and empathy- doing my best to help them understand. I also motivate them to take care of themselves to be able to take care of others, be responsible, respect their parents, and to be generally well students. Lastly, I work with the kids to make sure the classroom looks clean and tidy, organizing the bulletin board and decorating. I participate in all school activities.