Position: Teacher
School: Bishop Elementary School
School District: Sunnyvale School District
City, State: Sunnyvale, CA
Jocelyn Hernandez was nominated anonymously.
Ms. Hernandez creates a classroom where every student feels safe, valued, and capable of succeeding. She builds strong relationships by getting to know each student, celebrating their growth, and creating routines that promote respect, responsibility, and collaboration.
Ms. Hernandez sets high expectations while providing the support students need to meet them through differentiated instruction, small group learning, and positive reinforcement. She encourages students to take academic risks, learn from mistakes, and support one another so that every child feels a sense of belonging.
When students know they are respected and their voices matter, they become more engaged, confident, and motivated to learn.