Today we’d like to introduce you to Liseth Meléndez.
Hi Liseth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Here I am today, 11 years into teaching across two different school districts. I have a Masters in Education and I have taught many grade levels, including Kindergarten, first grade, third grade, and sixth grade. I also received my Administrative Credential, intending to be a school principal one day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been smooth sailing, but the people I surround myself with have made the process more enjoyable. To begin with, my parents have always supported me, continually encouraging me to pursue my goals and never to give up. They’ve sacrificed a great deal for my future, and for that I will always be thankful. During my first year of teaching, I suffered a ruptured appendix and continued teaching despite it. One day, my body couldn’t take any more, and I was rushed to the hospital. After a month and a half there, I’m a walking miracle. Upon returning to school, I was showered with love and support from my students, families, colleagues, friends, and the community. I will never forget this.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a bilingual elementary school teacher, I strive to create meaningful connections with my students and their families to foster genuine and lasting relationships. I recognize that we are all in this together, and to work toward my goal of providing my students the best learning experience, I believe I must work as part of a team.
In my classroom, I strive to foster an environment where every student feels welcome and respected. This can be seen in my curriculum and pedagogy. I make it a point to connect all learning to real-world situations, integrating 21st-century learning skills whenever possible. I also make sure that the content of each lesson addresses the diverse learning needs of each student I teach.
I believe my dedication to fostering authentic connections with my students, as well as my passion for learning, is what sets me apart as an educator.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I am very energetic and passionate about teaching. I consider myself a lifelong learner and always try to attend professional learning opportunities that are offered both locally and afar, including conferences such as CABE and NABE. I communicate with parents on a daily basis and ask questions about my students to learn more about them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maestramelendez/
