Two standout educators from the El Paso Independent School District are setting their sights on the Region 19 Teacher of the Year honors taking place tomorrow at the Starlight Event Center. Sandra Iglesias from Cielo Vista Elementary and Mary Bejarano of Hornedo Middle School will be representing their district amongst a gathering of the area's finest teaching professionals, a nod to their commitment to shaping young lives in the classroom.
Iglesias, the district's Elementary Teacher of the Year, is praised for her imaginative approach that merges creativity with practical learning to address the multifaceted needs of students. She's been acknowledged for nurturing curiosity and confidence among her pupils, creating a classroom that is both a sanctuary and a crucible of discovery. El Paso ISD notes that her teaching style "fosters curiosity, confidence, and a love for discovery in every student she teaches."
Similarly, "Miss B," as Bejarano is fondly known by her students, makes waves as Secondary Teacher of the Year for her energetic teaching methods and her ability to create an inclusive space for all voices in her reading classes. Her philosophy, "Everybody has a VOICE because everybody MATTERS," echoes through her work, supporting students' self-belief and underscoring the power literacy holds in their everyday lives, as obtained by El Paso ISD.
Just earlier this week, Iglesias and Bejarano mingled with other nominees at the Region 19 Teacher of the Year Meet and Greet. As per El Paso ISD, they exchanged ideas and insights championing the teaching profession's pivotal role. The program aims to spotlight educators who lead by example and are able to motivate students from various backgrounds and abilities. The victors of this event will advance to compete at the Texas Teacher of the Year competition.
