SuperTeros

SuperTero: Robert Navarro

School/District Name: W.C. Daugherty Elementary/ Garland ISD

City/State: Garland, Texas

Subject and Grade Level: 4th Grade, Math and Science

Years in Teaching: 2

Education: Community College of the Air Force associate degree (Aviation Maintenance Technology) Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences (American Military University)

Personal Statement: After serving 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, I knew I wanted to continue to serve my country and community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. I couldn’t think of any better way to do that than to become a teacher. Growing up with a parent who only reached the fifth grade, I am motivated to help economically disadvantaged students realize that with hard work and dedication, they too can achieve their goals and dreams.

 

SuperTero: Jahana Hayes

Jahan Hayes has taught history at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, CT for a decade, and, in 2016, she was awarded the prestigious National Teacher of the Year prize. Ms. Hayes is not only a tireless educator, she is also a committed leader among her peers. In 2015, Hayes co-authored a Minority Teacher Recruitment and Retention Planning Grant to assist with attracting and retaining teachers of color in her district. In Hayes’ application for this tremendous honor, she writes, “I am most proud of the influence I have beyond the classroom… the satisfaction that comes from watching students take ownership of their community is unmatched.” The first in her family to graduate from college, Hayes knows the value of not only an education, but also the value of a supportive community for both students and peers alike.

 

 

 

SuperTero: Hawa Itayem

School/District Name: Mike Davis Elementary/ Collier County School District

City/State: Naples, Florida

Subject and Grade Level: 5th Grade

Years in Teaching: 7 Education: B.A. Social Science, M.Ed. Special Education

Honors/Awards: Award for innovative teaching, teacher of distinction (gained from time teaching abroad)

Personal Statement: As the daughter of immigrants, the importance of a good education had been stressed early on. An uncle once said that an education is something nobody could ever take away from you. My love for learning started early and blossomed into a love for teaching.

 

SuperTero: Allison Ashley

School/District Name: Becker Elementary School/Austin ISD

City/State: Austin, Texas

Subject and Grade Level: 3rd Grade, Bilingual Education

Years in Teaching: 10 Honors: 2016 Texas Teacher of the Year

Education: Harvard University Graduate School of Education – master’s degree

Personal Statement: One of the most powerful things educators can do is model for students a love of learning, an eagerness for and appreciation of feedback, a transparent sharing of goals, and the vulnerability to fail and try again. When a commitment to learning and growth mindset are explicitly modeled and taught for students in authentic ways, it contributes to a class environment where students are more willing to take risks, fail, revisit and revise work, and strive for continuous improvement.

 

SuperTero: Andrea Greene

School/District Name: Reed Elementary/ Leander ISD

City/State: Cedar Park, Texas

Subject and Grade Level: 4th Grade, General Education

Years in Teaching: 11

Honors: Leef Teacher Appreciation recipient and Teacher Consultant for Heart of Texas Writing Project

Personal Statement: I teach because … • There is no greater way to spend one’s life than in service to others, and the highest honor within that call is to raise up the next generations of difference-makers. • I was the recipient of the passion of dozens of life-changing educators, and I strive to honor them every day. • I want to be a mirror, reflecting all the hope and promise of our kids right back to them. • I want to be a window, opening a world of possibilities for all kids. • I know every child can and will learn. And I don’t want to miss it.