LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Eric Rodriguez was nominated by his spouse, Maritza Rodriguez.

When Mr. Rodriguez was asked the question, “What else would you do if you couldn't teach," his only response was, “I don’t know. For as long as I can remember, I have only wanted to have my own classroom and teach kids.”

"Eric is the most passionate, dedicated teacher I have ever known," said Mrs. Rodriguez. "Eric is my best friend in life, my husband, a loving father, and a dedicated and committed educator. Before we were engaged, he wanted me to know that he would devote his life to helping others. He mentioned that his vocation and calling was to be a teacher. He has been successfully living out his promise to help others, and to elevate those who come into his life as thanks to those who made his learning and life possible. Throughout our years together, I have come to know the extent of Eric’s passion and commitment to his students and those he serves. It wasn't until I learned about a former student of his which prompted me to recognize him as a LifeChanger. He should know how loved he is and how thankful we are to him for the work that he is doing."

Mr. Rodriguez has taught joyfully for over 17 years, with a focus on teaching math to students in grades 4-8. He enjoys teaching middle school classrooms the most. When he began teaching eighth grade math in a high needs campus, he faced many challenges. He quickly learned lessons that served him well throughout his career. One year, after the first few weeks of school, he came to a realization about the kids he taught. He was struck by a phrase commonly attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Mr. Rodriguez realized he needed to fill his students' hearts before he could fill their minds. He started to build a culture of mutual respect, kindness, and love in his classroom. He offered his room to students who needed a safe space before, during, and after school. In addition to tutorials, he scheduled club activities and student group meetings with snacks and drinks. He found out that many students did not have dinner, so he would send them home with lots of fruit.

During a faculty meeting, a former principal asked the question, “How much is enough to give to students and their education?” With great conviction and self-assurance, Mr. Rodriguez replied that, “there is never enough. 100% is only the beginning.” This is the extent of Mr. Rodriguez's passionate dedication and conviction to be a LifeChanger for his students.

"I enjoy the moments when Eric is spotted by current and former students," said Mrs. Rodriguez. "They will inevitably stop him and recount their favorite memory while being in his class. The memories that stand out to me are the descriptions of how much fun his students had while learning. They describe learning inside and outside the classroom, in the halls, and in the school gym and cafeteria. They recount the UIL math competitions and team practices in preparation. His students loved how he used technology in class. We used our own money to buy a few iPads for his classroom. The kids loved learning with them. Before parting ways, they usually express that they found their love of math in his class and wish they could still have him as a teacher."

Mr. Rodriguez enjoys telling the story of several former teachers who had a hand in inspiring him to enter the profession. He makes a point to highlight the magic he witnessed at the hands of masterful teachers during his youth. The art of teaching takes on many different forms which have similar characteristics. For example, Mr. Rodriguez describes one of his favorite teachers as loving, dedicated, patient and compassionate.

Mr. Rodriguez has succeeded in emulating the teachers who influenced him most and is living out their fine example in his career. The best way to describe his approach to teaching and learning is in the words of one of his former students.

“Mr. Rodriguez is more than a teacher to us," said the student. "He is the father who many of us never had. For me, I know that Mr. Rodriguez will always support me in life and throughout my education. He reminds us that even when we have graduated from his class, we are still his students, and he is still our teacher. He is the first teacher I've ever had make a life-long commitment like that.”

Mr. Rodriguez takes ownership of the children he is given to teach. The relationships he makes are for life, and he has a personal stake in the successes and failures of his students. Over the years, there have been many letters and notes from students. He keeps them all and takes them out once in a while to gain reassurance that he is on the correct path. One of his students sent the following letter after he moved away a few summers ago:

“I remember that day, and I will remember if for the rest of my life. At this point, I owe you just that, my life. This past year was hard, the hardest it has ever been. People just wouldn't leave me alone. It’s been that way for a long time now. You told us a story about your experience in middle school, that you were bullied constantly, and it was the hardest time in your life. It made me realize a couple of things. First, you said that we are never alone, that there are people like you who truly care for us and will always struggle to make sure we are safe. Second, you mentioned a phrase from Lincoln that, 'this too shall pass.' It gave me hope that what I am going through will not be forever. Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. I know you care about me. Thank you for your little stories and life lessons. I hope to pass along your advice to my kids one day."

Mr. Rodriguez's work does not stop at the bell, nor after he leaves the classroom. In an effort to provide support for his community outside school, he has offered to travel to students’ homes to meet with parents and students to tutor them in preparation for the next grade or for the SAT.  He wants to continually inspire his students. A strong philosophy he holds dear is to model for your students what you want them to learn, and for them to adopt the mindset of a life-long learner. In an effort to be the best he can be for the teachers he supports and the students he works with, Mr. Rodriguez recently completed the program requirements for his PhD. program in education. He was awarded the degree in November 2019, and he specialized in educational technology. He will continue to support the integration and best practices of technology in his school district as a digital learning coach. Mr. Rodriguez says that his work gives him tremendous satisfaction and excitement on a daily basis. He works closely with teachers and students to provide options for sound instructional practices with educational technology.

Working with teachers as a digital learning coach for the last five years, Mr. Rodriguez has provided professional development in all grade levels and content areas. Most notably, he has been invited to present at regional conferences and district events in the Central Texas area. His passion and enthusiasm for education is palpable, and teachers have benefited greatly from him experience and resources. He enjoys presenting as a Google certified trainer. He believes strongly that technology literacy in all grade levels is essential in preparing students for the future. Mr. Rodriguez also knows that technology can be an important resource to increase effectiveness and efficiency in an ever-demanding profession. His philosophy of educational technology integration is that the teacher-student relationship is the most important aspect of the educational process, and technology can assist in communication and access.

Mr. Rodriguez has been recognized by his alma mater, Sul Ross State University, as a distinguished young alumnus for his work and continuing the tradition of excellence after graduation. He was nominated by faculty and given the Outstanding Alumni Award during his work as a graduate student for supporting his colleagues and for the exemplary work in the Master of Science, Curriculum, instruction, and Assessment Program at Walden University.

"Eric has touched the lives of many of his students, and I know that we are all better people due in large part to the kindness and love that he has shown to us," said Mrs. Rodriguez. "On behalf of Eric’s students, I would like to recognize him for his work as someone who has impacted our hearts and has truly changed lives."