As a young girl growing up in Mexico, Noelia Garcia always knew she wanted to help people, but what she didn’t know, is that she would have the opportunity to help students while paying tribute to her background.
Garcia is a second grade bilingual teacher at Crockett Elementary School, and sees students each day that remind her of childhood experiences, she said. After moving to the United States at the age of seven, she had difficulty picking up English, but when she did, there was nothing that could stop her from following her passion, which is helping others succeed.
“I saw other people who were in the same situation and always wanted to help out,” said Garcia. “It was a great feeling to be able to help them learn and explain what was going on. I was always the person who was asked by the teacher to assist others.”
Her desire to help people finds its way into her classroom each day as she strives to help her students in any way she can. With her background, she finds that it helps her connect with some of her students, she said.
Along with interacting with the students, she strives to provide her students with something new every day. She finds that it is essential for her to research new class methods for her to keep her students engaged. Their drive for new information is something she sees as one of the best qualities of the students she’s had.
“Students are always hungry to learn more,” said Garcia. “They are always ready to learn. Sometimes it will keep me up at night, and I’ll research new activities for the classroom. I need to be ready for them, ready for them to learn.”
Garcia has been teaching for six years, and throughout that time, she’s been able to see her students’ progress academically. Each year, she gains joy out of seeing them succeed, but as summer approaches she realizes its time to see them off and welcome a new class of students.
“You see how far they get from the first day of school until the end,” said Garcia. “It’s always a bittersweet experience, but I’m happy to see them succeed at the next level. They always take a piece of me with them.”
When not in her classroom, she dedicates her time to her family and making sure her two children are ready for whatever the day may bring.
Well deserved, Ms. Garcia! It is a privilege and a pleasure to work with you.
One of the best teachers I know and proud to call her my best friend too!!! Way to go Noelia :)