LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Erin De Los Santos was nominated by her former principal, Lea Bellon.

Ms. Bellon had the pleasure of serving as the principal who actively recruited Ms. De Los Santos to teach at 28th Street Elementary. Ms. De Los Santos,  a Gulfport High School graduate, had just graduated from college and was ready for the classroom. When Ms. Bellon called to offer her a job in a high poverty school, Ms. De Los Santos told her that she had already received an offer from a high performing, Blue Ribbon School, which routinely ranks number one in the state.

"My heart sank, although I was extremely pleased she would be in Gulfport, I knew that we needed teachers like Erin to help increase student achievement in areas where teachers are often difficult to recruit and retain," Bellon said. "Much to my surprise, Erin called me later to accept the job at 28th Street Elementary. She felt that she was needed there and was prepared to do whatever was needed to help the students reach their fullest potential."

As a new teacher, Ms. De Los Santos knew there would be challenges that she may not know how to handle, but she was willing to work hard and commit herself to serving the students at 28th Street Elementary. Her first year as a third grade teacher, she had a student who was deaf. An interpreter was provided for this student, but Erin took it upon herself to register for sign language classes so she could communicate with her student and teach her other students to communicate with her as well.

"It was a beautiful act of kindness and professionalism that speaks volumes about her personal commitment to meeting the needs of her students. Throughout the year, she routinely went above and beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of all the learners in her classroom," Bellon said. "She put in extra hours, volunteered for additional duties, went on home visits, built strong relationships with students and staff, and continuously sought out ways to grow her own craft."

As a first year teacher, Ms. De Los Santos' students performed as well or higher in some areas as the students in other classrooms. She could have taken another route, but she chose to teach at 28th Street, and she made a difference. She has exhibited leadership skills by seeking out ways to share her experiences and best teaching practices with others. This summer she volunteered to be involved with new and novice teachers. As are result, she presented a district level professional development session where she shared her first year experience and offered guidance on how to make their first year as incredible as hers. She also presented a session at a district wide back to school professional development conference where she “wowed” everyone with her presentation. Her high level of energy, commitment, and grit is inspirational and allows her to make a difference in the lives of others.

"I am thrilled she made the choice she did and feel she is an excellent candidate for the LifeChanger of the Year Award," Bellon said.