As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, campuses sent us names of teachers who go above and beyond. Most teachers work hard daily to inspire the young minds in their care and should be recognized here. This is only a sample of the good at Southside ISD. [Freebies & Discounts for Southside ISD Teachers]
- Southside High School history teacher Ms. Priscilla Mota: Ms. Mota raised more than $7,000 to take 82 11th grade U.S. History students to Dallas on May 2 to see the blockbuster Broadway Musical “Hamilton.” Ms. Mota’s application was selected out of hundreds. However, it was not the first time she applied to the Gilder Lehrman History Society for the honor. She nominated Southside High School twice before and was denied each time. But she is persistent when it comes to helping her students and as a teacher does not take no for an answer. She applied again and was selected. She practices what she teaches telling her students to “never give up.” Some of our students had never been outside of San Antonio. The trip was life-changing for some. Ms. Mota is a native of El Paso and has been teaching her entire career at Southside High School for the past 14 years.
- Gallardo Elementary first grade teacher Ms. Geneva Rodriguez:
Mrs. Rodriguez consistently supports the district and the campus in a variety of ways. She works with the Education Foundation at the district level and on campus has taken on leadership roles which has enabled her to work in a variety of settings. She volunteers to support the Percussion and Choir groups and has overseen the campus Talent Show. Mrs. Rodriguez has donated her time to support our fifth grade students during intervention and is currently on a variety of committees at the campus and district level.
- Menchaca Early Childhood Center kindergarten teacher Ms. Tiffany Fuentes:
Tiffany Fuentes is an exceptional teacher who is innovative, incorporates technology in her lessons, and engages her students by making everything hands-on and learning fun.
- Heritage Elementary 5th grade teacher Ms. Belinda Jasso:
Ms. Jasso is in her 22nd year of teaching. She serves as our Gifted and Talented Facilitator for the campus. For seven years, Ms. Jasso has been the sponsor of our Robotics program. She founded this after school club. The students use the LEGO Robotics kits on a weekly basis under the supervision and guidance of Ms. Jasso. In August of 2018, Ms. Jasso was a recipient of a grant from the Southside ISD Education Foundation. She received $4,650.00 to purchase new LEGO Robotics kits so she can serve more students after school. Ms. Jasso is truly an outstanding teacher. On any given day, you can walk in to her classroom and observe an engaging lesson. She has high expectations for her students and for the parents and guardians. Her colleagues rely on her for support because of her knowledge and experience. She teaches with passion and heart. She is able to combine a loving but firm structure to her classroom. She has an excellent rapport with her students. Her students are happy, eager, and always engaged in the learning activities planned and carried out in the classroom. She also tutors after school and on Saturdays. She has missed only 1 day of work in the past five school years. - Freedom Elementary special education teacher Katherine Driscoll:
Mrs. Driscoll has gone above and beyond this school year. When one of the grade level teachers was out on maternity leave for 3 months, she helped to developlesson plans for the class and collaborated closely with the substitute. She also took the lead sponsor role for our school Patrols which included 1st-5th grade students.She is here every morning before 7:00 a.m. to meet with the Patrols to ensure that they deliver the breakfast wagons to the classes. In addition, she is the sponsorfor our Special Olympics and has attended the practices and games with the students! She is full of energy, always has a positive attitude, and serves our kids with a love and smile! She is an example of what a dedicated teacher should be like!
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