Edna A. Perez, a dedicated bilingual second-grade teacher at A.T. Dovalina Elementary has been awarded the 2024 Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher of the Year. Perez was recognized during the third annual Unidos para Texas Bilingual Conference held at Texas A&M International University recently.
A dedicated and passionate educator with 12 years of experience in both teaching and tutoring, Perez has made a profound and lasting impact on her students through her unwavering commitment to bilingual education and innovative teaching practices. Drawing inspiration from her personal experiences of facing prejudice as a Hispanic woman, she has become a tireless advocate for language minority students, ensuring that they have access to a high-quality bilingual education.
One of her standout achievements includes leading a project where her second graders wrote and published their own books. This culminated in a celebrated "Meet the Author" event, which garnered praise from local media and allowed her students to showcase their talents and language skills in both English and Spanish.
In addition to her role as a teacher, Perez also serves as a mentor to her peers, offering guidance and support to fellow educators. She is an active sponsor of the school’s cheerleading team and a consistent recipient of the Teacher of the Month honors, a testament to her ongoing dedication and excellence in teaching.
Reflecting on the honor, Perez said, "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Texas A&M International University, Unidos para Texas, and their committee for naming me the 2024 Bilingual Teacher of the Year. It is a profound honor to receive this accolade. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of Laredo Independent School District’s Bilingual Department, my School Principal Jamie Cantu Vargas, the administration team, and my peers. My work with bilingual students has not only enabled me to help them thrive in both languages, but also to create enduring opportunities for their future. Thank you for this incredible opportunity to represent Unidos para Texas.”
Perez graduated from Texas A&M International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, with an emphasis on Bilingual Education, and is an active member of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE). Her dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom as she continues to provide culturally responsive education that honors the diverse needs of her emergent bilingual students.
"I had the honor of witnessing Ms. Edna A. Perez being recognized as the Bilingual Teacher of the Year during the Third annual Unidos Para Texas Bilingual Conference at TAMIU. She is a proud second-grade bilingual certified teacher at Dovalina Elementary, servicing our emergent bilinguals with much dedication, commitment, and respect towards their culturally diverse needs and their academic success," said Dr. Carmen Pompa, LISD Director of the Bilingual and ESL Programs. "Mil Gracias y felicidades una vez más, a Ms. Perez por toda su dedicación a nuestra comunidad bilingüe!"
Laredo ISD congratulates Perez on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the continued success and positive influence she will bring to her students, colleagues, and the bilingual education community.