LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kelly Ruiz was nominated by an anonymous student.

"What do you want in teacher? Surely someone who is patient, kind, and understanding," said her nominator. "Mrs. Ruiz is all of that and much more. Every day, as I walk to my third hour Spanish 1 class, I am excited to see what I am going to learn that day. I am greeted at the door by the most welcoming smile and an Holá! Every day, Mrs. Ruiz shows her passion for teaching from the moment you arrive in her class to the time you leave. "

Sometimes, Mrs. Ruiz' students need a little more time to understand the information or need a respectful nudge to focus. Mrs. Ruiz handles these situations with ease and is patient and flexible throughout it all. Mrs. Ruiz also understands everyone is fighting their own battles, so she allows students to “take another night” on homework if they couldn’t get to it the night before. This helps out students who need a few extra pounds lifted off their shoulders. She helps students complete their homework the right way, without cheating or rushing through it, but by actually learning the material. She will have a discussion with a student if they're constantly "taking another night," but she is an expert in balance. 

Not all students learn the same way. Some are visual learners, aural, verbal, physical, social, and solitary. Mrs. Ruiz uses all these learning styles so students get the best out of her class. Her students take notes, sing songs, work in groups, work independently, write and read, have conversations, do hands on activities, and so much more.

"What I love about Mrs. Ruiz’ class is she works on life skills," said her nominator. "For example, in the real world, you need to be able to communicate to anyone and everyone. We talk to each other in Spanish and even in English almost every day to practice our communication skills, which we will use throughout our whole lives. We also work on determination, compromising, and being respectful."

"Mrs. Ruiz has shown me what it means to be passionate about something you care about," said her nominator. "She works so hard and is very under appreciated. The best part is she doesn’t do all of it for a reward. She does it to see her students excel and from the bottom of her heart."