Music that Describes Larissa
Larissa Talamantes was nominated by her colleague, Jaime Clemens.
"Larissa is one of those people you meet in life who instantly changes your life for the better. I have know her for 22 years as a colleague and friend," said Clemens. "She is a leader in every way possible. She is a leader in her physical education department. Her department head relies on her for every meeting. She is the best physical education teacher in the district. She is an amazing teacher for the students, but she also fosters their mental and physical well-being. Larissa is great with every kind of student, no matter what their issues are. She received a grant so every teacher on campus would receive a calm box with sensory self-soothing toys. She knows every person on campus by name and is always willing to sign up for anything needed on campus. Larissa also helps the staff with mindfulness activities like yoga, etc. She has run assemblies, created master schedules, and even served as a fifth grade team lead because her skills are so impressive. Larissa is the poster woman for LifeChanger of the Year!"
Larissa is an exceptional teacher & role model. She is devoted to seeing students maximize their potential. She is a educational treasure. In a world that is so intense at times, Larissa provides the encouragement students need to succeed & flourish! Retired Hon. Michael D. Hintze “Mike”
I am so pleased to see Larissa recognized for hard work, dedication, and innovation in the school system. She is truly a bright light and phenomenal mentor. What a wonderful nomination.
Larissa uses her interpersonal communication skills to effectively relate to children as well as adults. When speaking with Larissa, she is fully present in the conversation. Larissa is attentive, caring, loving, and passionate, this all translates into Larissa being an awesome teacher, coworker, mother and friend. A true life changer.
Larissa is a strong, relationship builder with students, families, and staff. She goes above and beyond to meeting the needs of her students and school. Larissa is always a team player and is value added to the school community. A school is lucky to have her.
Larissa is a very helpful and considerate person. She cares deeply as a teacher, Mother and friend. Larissa is also not one to do things for adoration, it's just her nature to help any way she can. What a well rounded individual!
As a fellow staff member at Edison, Mrs. T is a wonderful teammate and physical education teacher. She engages with every student and truly listens to each and every one. She shows empathy and cares for students and fellow educators. She is the one who often steps in and steps up when it comes to helping, problem-solving, and the hard work that is so needed in education. I am overjoyed to see that she has been nominated! It takes a village and I am glad she is part of mine!
Larissa is so deserving of this award. She is an amazing PE teacher, always so positive even with the most difficult situations. She is such an asset to our campus and we are so lucky to have her. Kindergarten PE is probably not the easiest at the beginning of the year, but with her management skills, she makes it look very easy.
I have know Larrisa since she was a little girl. She has grown into a beautiful women who is caring to her children, husband and extended family. Her love for her family reflects to her larger family at school, all her students. I can only imagine how she can make a difference in their lives and put a positive stamp into their character. There are some teachers that can make a lasting difference in some of their students lives, Larrisa is that teacher!
I am a new teacher and new to MPS. I can not tell you how patient and understanding Larissa has been with my mistakes and challenges I have had in my early start to my teaching career at Edison. Just yesterday I was sick with pneumonia, was operating on fumes and Larissa in her usual fashion was kind enough to walk all the way up to my room and remind me that my kiddos were suppose to be in PE. I have been able to at time oversee how Larissa runs a classroom and I take mental notes with intensity on how she performs. In my opinion she is a true artist at her profession. I am almost sixty years old...., had a decades of a successful run in corporate sales BUT IF I CAN BE HALF AS GOOD AS Larissa I will consider my teaching career to be a success. She is truly a remarkable educator!!
I remember when Larissa was student teaching here at Edison she was amazing! We were all sorry when she left Edison, but I'm so happy that she is back! She continues to be amazing with our students.
Larissa is so deserving of this nomination! She is always so positive with all of the students. Kindergarten PE isn't always the easiest at the beginning of the year, but her management skills are so amazing that she makes it look easy. The students love her, the staff loves her. She is amazing!
I’m not surprised at all by Larissa’s nomination. She’s always been a shining example of a dedicated educator who goes above and beyond!
Mrs. T. is amazing! She communicates her expectations clearly and creates such a fun environment. The students line up with their eyes focused on her, and they listen to every instruction she provides. It is obvious that the students respect Mrs. T. and enjoy their physical education time spent with her. Also, she really does know each students name...including prior students that come to the school to support their younger siblings.
Larissa is an amazing P.E. teacher and a wonderful person. She cares for all of the children that are in our lives. She goes above and beyond to help kids become healthier and kinder. Our school is a better place with her here.
I know Larissa as a coworker as my children's teacher. She is amazing in both categories. She sends home positive comments about my kids when they do well. She also is positive and happy to help with whatever we need help with. During covid, doing online PE was difficult, but she did an amazing job. Larissa is a wonderful teacher!
She's simply the best. She motivates my students to live healthy lifestyles!! Such an excellent example of a kind person. No one deserves this more than her!
Larissa is the most dedicated and conscientious teacher I've ever known. She inspires others to do their best and the staff and students absolutely love her! Whether she's planning and implementing Field Day, teaching PE classes, or making videos, she does so with the most positive attitude and the biggest smile. From the first day I met her, Larissa has impressed me with her friendliness and professionalism. I consider it an honor to work with her.
Larissa has really become the heart of our school! She gives students confidence and the skills they need to do their best!
Larissa is always ready to be there for her students and fellow staff members. I really look up to her and admire her for passion and compassion! Thank you Larissa for everything you do...you deserve this and much more!
My nickname for Larissa is, "Larissa the Great"! I am so thrilled to know that she is being recognized for her greatness!
School visitations and observations of teachers, in my content area, were requirements of my student teaching program many, many years ago. I was lucky enough to be assigned to observe Larissa, and that was the day I discovered the definition of superb teaching. She was most certainly a master of her craft. She didn't stop for a second, she was constantly "working the room" and engaging her students... all of them. She had innovative ideas, which built excitement while kids learned new skills, and her classroom management was unbelievably positive and productive. I left inspired.
Fast forward a few years later and imagine my delight when I was assigned as a traveler to teach at Larissa's school. Larissa and I shared an office and a gym and worked together for 3 years. Not only did I acquire a dear friend out of the placement, but my teaching improved dramatically with the influence she provided. She was never too busy when I sought her help and advice about the curriculum, or the handling of behavioral issues. She was always at the ready to offer tips and tricks of the trade. She actually turned out to be an amazing mentor as well as a colleague, all the while empowering me to be the best teacher I could be. And to this day, I find myself putting into practice many of the teaching and management techniques I learned from her.
Her work ethic and dedication are to be admired. During the pandemic, when our teaching world was turned upside down, Larissa worked tirelessly around the clock to learn the new on-line system that our department would be using for our virtual classrooms. She took it upon herself to become an expert so that she could train the rest of us, the entire department, and she made herself available for one-on-one help too. She was a lifesaver at a very stressful time, giving us the skills necessary to lead our classes in unchartered territory.
This nomination is so deserving. Larissa changes lives for the better every single day.
I had the pleasure of working with Larissa for 9 years. She is amazing! She goes above and beyond for students, staff and families. Larissa has high expectations for her students and is very supportive and positive. She dedicates herself to helping her students be the best they can be.
Larissa’s entire life has always been centered around helping others. Her selfless attitude and actions are what enables her to impact so many people on a daily basis. She exemplifies the true meaning of a team leader. Larissa earns the admiration of everyone she comes in contact with. Her family, friends, students, and peers are all impacted by her positive ongoing encouragement and unwavering commitment. Larissa naturally responds to others’ needs fueled by her honest desire to assist them in achieving their goals. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does. Larissa’s outstanding dedication to her career as an educator, makes her most deserving of the Life Changer of the Year Award.
Larissa is a dynamic educator and pours heart into her students, school, and community. Her attitude is contagious and the students lock into her lessons as she teaches. She is definitely a "LifeChanger" has she has touched so many students over the years and I have had the pleasure of watching her in action. She is an inspiration!
Larissa is one of those truly dedicated educators. She works with students of all ranges and abilities and focuses on building their strengths. She reinforces teamwork, sharing, and good sportsmanship for her students in her classes. She not only runs her program but pitches in to help in our cafeteria for student supervision and clean up each day. She also runs after school sport teams so that our students can get to play on competitive teams and learn the rules and fundamentals for sports that they can enjoy for a lifetime. She hosts evening PE events to share her curriculum with parents and shows how healthy lifestyles can become a lifetime habit. We have been fortunate to work with her and our students and community benefit from her dedication and effort.
I've had the privilege of working with Larissa several years ago and she's been a colleague of mine for years. When I began to teach at the school that she was at, I didn't know any one there because I was new to the school. She found out that my wife was pregnant and planned and organized a baby shower for our family. The staff came together and were a huge support to me and my family. This was one of the many selfless acts that Larissa demonstrated throughout the years that I've known her. Whenever there's a project that needs to be done, she volunteers her time and talent to help others succeed. So has been the case with our elementary PE department. She's spent countless hours gathering important information and training others to help them succeed. When COVID first hit, Larissa became a pro at learning the intricacies of online teaching and training others. Most of the elementary schools in our district received the title of "America's Healthiest Schools" due to her analyzing the application and mentoring several teachers to help them complete their applications. Larissa is selfless, a team player, kind, and compassionate. Please consider her for "Lifechanger of the Year."
Larissa Talamantes is one of those educators who are one in a million. she is amazing and inspirational in every way possible her students and staff love her so much she deserves this and so much more!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!
I so agree with this nomination of Larissa !!!
She has always gone the extra mile for not only her students but adults & any child that she can. One of the best ways to teach is to simply care, be willing to help, pass on her skills & knowledge to others with a smile !!!
She leads by example & I believe everyone of her students benefits from her commitment & willingness she puts forth in her life !!!
I have known Larissa for 22 years and taught along side her for 7. She is truly a jack of all trades when it comes to education. She steps in wherever she is needed, from leading student council, organizing school wide events and assemblies, and assisting classroom teachers with anything for classroom management to standards; Larissa is always more than willing to step up and do it all. In addition, she always helps out with a smile. No matter how difficult the situation or person is to work with, Larissa always helps out with patience and grace. There is not a person I would recommend more for such an award.
I was fortunate to be Larissa’s principal for 8 years. You will not find a better teacher! Larissa holds herself to a whole new level. She is smart, hardworking, and kind. She catches a vision and gets fully behind it, supporting it in anyway necessary.
One year at our school, we were raising math scores and getting creative with our math interventions. Larissa was the pe teacher and she had some extra time in her schedule. She volunteered to teach math to a group of 5th graders. Because she was not a classroom teacher, the state of Arizona required her to have a math endorsement. This meant passing a very rigorous math test, one that many teachers struggle to pass. Larissa studied and passed that test. She went above and beyond as we set out to ensure success for all students. That is Larissa. She will do whatever it takes.
Larissa is a strong leader. Staff looks to her for answers and direction. She has a high moral compass and is highly trusted.
Students love”Mrs. T.” She has a high energy level and a positivity that make her a definite favorite teacher on campus. She is a great role model.
Larissa takes a strong interest in kids. She notices their ups and downs. She is the teacher who is tuned into what’s really going on with kids. Many times she has been the teacher who pointed out an issue with a student, assisting support staff in getting the help these students needed.
Larissa Talamantes is truly the best teacher I have ever had the privilege to work with. She brings about change by. being smart enough to identify problems and solutions. She has the work ethic necessary to bring forth change, and she has the respect of her colleagues which makes her a great leader!
Larissa is amazing!!! I had the privilege of teaching with her several years ago and the main thing that comes to mind when I think of her is selfless. Larissa is always thinking of others and putting others needs above her own. When I had started teaching at her school, I didn't know anyone there. She found out that my wife was expecting and coordinated a baby shower for us. Many teachers and others from the school came together to support us with gifts for the baby. Staff and students love her. She is kind, compassionate, selfless and an overall great person!!
Larissa is devoted and passionate teacher. She has taught at a number of schools in Mesa, AZ and has been a colleague of mine for about 20 years. She goes above and beyond to help students learn and excel in many areas. She is deserving of this award!
Larissa is a fabulous teacher and person! She is the first to lend another teacher help, always sharing ideas and encouraging others to be better. Her expertise is invaluable. I am absolutely blessed to get to work alongside her in the P.E. department!
Nobody outworks Larissa. Mesa Physical Education Teachers are known for going above and beyond, and even among Mesa P.E. teachers no one goes as high above or as far beyond as Larissa Talamantes.
Larissa is a tremendous asset to her school community, cleaning tables before class and putting on special events in addition to her regular duties.
She has always contributed to her professional group by assisting in the professional development of new P.E. teachers. She teaches lessons and assists them in learning management techniques.
During the Covid-19 quarantine, Larissa created an entire online curriculum for Mesa, and then took the teachers step by step through the process of making the curriculum assessable to tens of thousands of Mesa students at a time when they desperately needed it.
There is no one more qualified for this award.
In reading what colleagues have wrote about Larissa- I agree with all. I have known Larissa since college and she is an exceptional example of what a master teacher looks like, always putting students first.
I have had the privilege of knowing Larissa for over 20 years. She is and has always been an inspiring leader, someone who truly cares about what she does and the positive change she can bring to her students and colleagues. She is passionate about helping her students learn and lead a healthy and active lifestyle, and I know she brings that same passion with her staff members as well. Larissa is an energetic, helpful, kind, and knowledgeable educator who has always had my respect and I can honestly say that I admire the amazing person that she is. She is truly deserving of this award.
When I was an intern teacher 8 years ago, I was able to observe Larissa and I was amazed how awesome she was! I learned many things from her, things I still use today 8 years later. She's always smiling, always moving and knows the lessons back and front. Larissa has helped me in so many ways, ways she doesn't even know. Helps the entire Physical Education department with ANYTHING! She is more than deserving of this award! You're awesome Larissa!
You cannot go wrong with Larissa! She is an all-around winner. She helped the entire Mesa Public Schools PE Department when Covid helped. She took a lot of time in organizing our lessons so that we could ensure that all students received quality PE. She is always smiling and willing to help anywhere, anytime. You will not find a better colleague.
I am in awe of Larissa Talamantes. Her dedication to her profession is seen in how she interacts with colleagues and most importantly kids. When I watch her teach I can feel the passion and love she has for teaching and she is always wanting to improve and make PE class even better for her students. She has come to my aid on several occasions when I have needed help with technology, teaching ideas, and just a listening ear. She has influenced me as teacher and does the teaching profession proud. She is a trailblazer and even though she would shy away from recognition, she needs to be recognized for all she does. Larissa is the best in the business.
Wow, what a great choice for this nomination. I have taught with Larissa for the past 4 years and couldn't be more proud to work with such a dedicated educator. She has a true passion for teaching and makes every period count with her students. Larissa has a tremendous sense of awareness for detail in her lessons and also when planning school functions. Track and field days at our school go off without any problems because of her planning. She has inspired me to be the best teacher I can be and I have learned many great ideas from her when dealing with my own students. Such a positive person and fun to be around. This is probably my last year for teaching and I'm so glad to have spent it with her....
I was fortunate to be Larissa’s principal for 8 years. You will not find a better teacher! Larissa holds herself to a whole new level. She is smart, hardworking, and kind. She catches a vision and gets fully behind it, supporting it in anyway necessary.
One year at our school, we were raising math scores and getting creative with our math interventions. Larissa was the pe teacher and she had some extra time in her schedule. She volunteered to teach math to a group of 5th graders. Because she was not a classroom teacher, the state of Arizona required her to have a math endorsement. This meant passing a very rigorous math test, one that many teachers struggle to pass. Larissa studied and passed that test. She went above and beyond as we set out to ensure success for all students. That is Larissa. She will do whatever it takes.
Larissa is a strong leader. Staff looks to her for answers and direction. She has a high moral compass and is highly trusted.
Students love”Mrs. T.” She has a high energy level and a positivity that make her a definite favorite teacher on campus. She is a great role model.
Larissa takes a strong interest in kids. She notices their ups and downs. She is the teacher who is tuned into what’s really going on with kids. Many times she has been the teacher who pointed out an issue with a student, assisting support staff in getting the help these students needed.
Larissa Talamantes is truly the best teacher I have ever had the privilege to work with. She brings about change by. being smart enough to identify problems and solutions. She has the work ethic necessary to bring forth change, and she has the respect of her colleagues which makes her a great leader!
Larissa is one in a million!! So deserving of this award!!!!!
Larissa Talamantes is a one of those amazing educators who we are all fortunate to have in our schools. I have known Mrs. Talamantes for two decades. She has taught in a number of schools with in Mesa Public Schools. In those schools, she was officially called a physical education specialist. In reality, She is a mom, a warrior, a saint, and a friend. She shares that motherly compassion with her students in good times and difficult ones. As a staff member, Larissa is the teammate or physical education teacher you want on your campus. She cares deeply about the educators! She is the educator who steps in and steps up when it comes to helping, problem solving, and the hard work that is so needed in education.
I am overjoyed to see that Larissa Talamantes has been nominated for an award that meets exactly who she is, a life changer!
Larissa has been a colleague of mine for over 20 years and has been going above and beyond from the beginning. I cannot think of someone who deserves this recognition more than she does!!!
Larissa has been a colleague of mine for over 20 years and has been going above and beyond from the beginning. I cannot think of someone who deserves this recognition more than she does!!!
When I think of great teachers that I have had, I remember them going the extra mile for their students, I remember them having a genuine nature, leading by example, and having a sense of enjoyment in teaching. Larissa has these characteristics, which is why I would expect all of her students to consider her as one of their favorite teachers!
I have worked with Larrisa for six years and I’ve known her for over ten. She is one of those people that goes up and beyond. When I worked with her she was a student council advisor and always went up and beyond with her students including taking them to the yearly State Capital field trip. A typical day on campus would include her taking time to help all students not only the students in her class. This also includes helping staff with her wealth of knowledge and commitment to following rules. She is a great example to our students and employees.
When I think of great teachers that I have had, I remember them going the extra mile for their students, I remember them having a genuine nature, leading by example, and having a sense of enjoyment in teaching. Larissa has these characteristics, which is why I would expect all of her students to consider her as one of their favorite teachers!
Larissa has been devoted to athletics since childhood. Growing up, she competed in swim, softball, basketball and volleyball. She was always active - even doing crunches during commercials while “relaxing”. In college, Larissa’s love for sports and fitness found a new home in a passion for teaching. From the moment she started the program to become a physical education teacher, Larissa invested herself in the belief that every child deserved to have a solid foundation in lifelong activity and health. Larissa not only showed this dedication in every aspect of her schooling and student teaching, but also through her 22 year high energy, enthusiastic career. Larissa demonstrates a tireless dedication to her students, peers, and family. She is self-less, genuine and compassionate. Known best as “Mrs. T”, Larissa is an exemplary teacher and most worthy of the Life Changer of the Year award.
