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Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to become an educator?

I never imagined myself as a teacher. It wasn't part of my original plan. However, I've discovered a deep passion for it. Originally, I intended to become a probation officer, driven by the challenges I witnessed our Brown kids facing. Often, they end up in the system or dropping out, mirroring my own past struggles. Raised in El Paso, Texas, by parents who emigrated from Mexico, I was motivated by my mother to pursue an education. She's my hero, my driving force. Her passing from cancer at 39, when I was 22, fueled my determination to fulfill my promise to her: to pursue education despite the limited opportunities I faced. Despite becoming a high school dropout and a parent at 16, I was unwavering in my commitment. I returned to school year-round to earn my diploma, inspired by the desire to provide my child with the opportunities I never had. Through that journey, I found another hero in my oldest son, who motivated me to strive for greatness. He's the reason I'm a fervent advocate for boys, driven to ensure they have the support and opportunities they deserve.

Q: How have you evolved as a teacher?

It was hard and I almost quit my first year. But Dr. Bernadino, our Associate Superintendent, encouraged me to stick it out. And that’s when the magic happened. I realized I could impact so many lives. I saw how our Brown boys are often misunderstood and it made me become a big advocate for an all-boys school that gives them the opportunities that they deserve.

Q: How do you keep your students motivated?

I inspire them to strive for greatness and to believe in themselves. I empathize with their struggles because I've faced similar challenges. Growing up, I lacked self-belief. I was teased for the way I spoke and for how I looked. Now, I advocate for my students, reassuring them that they can achieve anything. That’s why I do what I do. I believe education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. I want my students to explore the world and create opportunities for children who share my experiences.

Q: How do you encourage your students to discover the world?

I do a lot of project-based learning to bridge the gap between their education and their real-world experiences. Field trips are a regular part of that, allowing students to explore beyond the classroom. I also bring in guest speakers from our community who share similar backgrounds with my students. It instills a sense of hope by showing them tangible examples of success. I also take my students outside to learn. Working with Out Teach and being coached by Wendy really changed my mindset. I thought I knew how to teach outdoors. But I started the program with Out Teach and it was a game changer. My teaching is more intentional and purposeful when we’re outside. My students connect their experiences outdoors with everything we do in the classroom, and they hold onto it.

Q: What’s your dream for your students?

It would be my joy to see all my babies graduate from high school and know that they are not going to end up in the system. A lot of our Brown boys do, and it's up to us to break those barriers for them. Seeing them make it would be the most rewarding thing ever.

More from our celebration of Women's History Month: A day in the life of Wendy Kelly Out Teach instructional coach