Position: Kindergarten Teacher
School: Lloyd M. Bensten Elementary School
School District: La Joya Independent School District
City, State: Mission, TX
Rosa Aguilar was nominated by a parent of a student, Angela Martinez.
"As a parent, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact Mrs. Aguilar has on every student she works with, including my child," said Martinez. "Mrs. Aguilar is a guide, an encourager, and a true advocate for her students. From day one, she's made it clear that her priority is her students' success and well-being. She creates a classroom environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. My child comes home talking about how much he enjoys her class, and as a parent, there's no greater reassurance than knowing your child feels safe and supported at school."
"What stands out to me about Mrs. Aguilar is how she builds a bridge between the classroom and home," said Martinez. "She is constantly communicating with me to provide updates and partner with us as parents. She doesn't notify us about challenges; she asks about changes in the home that could have triggered a challenge. As a former teacher, I know this can be overlooked, especially when you have a classroom of over 20 little ones who are full of energy. Still, Mrs. Aguilar is always communicating to find a way to help our child's learning be as organic as possible."
"One moment that will always stick with me was when my son was feeling anxious at school and started crying out of anxiety for no apparent reason," said Martinez. "Mrs. Aguilar immediately called me to notify me of the situation and said she would move his seat next to her to comfort him. Then, Mrs. Aguilar suggested I bring it up to him and discuss his day to see if he could express his feelings to me. She didn't just leave it at that; she also followed up with me to find out my son's trigger and made the necessary changes to make school better for him. It was such a thoughtful, above-and-beyond gesture that showed how much she truly cares about her students."
"Her dedication to her students doesn't stop when the school day ends. Sometimes, her day runs longer than usual. Even if it's in the evening, she takes the time to communicate with the parents and ensure each child gets what they need to thrive, whether it's extra help, a kind word, or just assurance that someone believes in them," said Martinez.
"Mrs. Aguilar isn't just changing lives; she's shaping futures. She's instilled confidence, perseverance, and a love of learning in her students, including my child," said Martinez.