Ms. Hernandez, 2nd Grade Teacher
Educational Background and Teaching Philosophy
After growing up in San Antonio, I attended the University of Texas to pursue my dream of becoming an elementary teacher. I graduated with honors from U.T. in 1996 with a degree in Applied Learning and Development while also earning my credentials in special education instruction. I have taught third, fourth, and fifth grades, and have been teaching here at Forest Trail, the school I consider the greatest in the world, since 1999. With all the time I spend at school, FTE is my home-away-from-home, and I take tremendous pride in all the wonderful things that happen around my school and within my classroom each day.
Since I was in elementary school myself, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. While most teachers throughout my life gave me good grades, encouraged my quiet kindness, and appreciated my easygoing nature, my favorite teacher noticed talents within me that were different, unique. She liked my quirky side more than my quiet side, and she could see deep thoughts hidden behind a shy smile. She asked for my opinions; she put me in leadership roles even though she knew that would be way out of my comfort zone; she encouraged me to imagine, create, and color outside the lines; and she ignited new passions and curiosities within me. She trusted me as a tutor, made me a mentor, and gave me real responsibilities. And with each accomplishment and misstep I took in her class, she applauded me for my bravery, my learning, and resilience. Her class was magical for me because my teacher noticed what made me come alive and she nudged me in those directions. Now that I have my own classroom, I try to model my teaching style after hers: I love learning about my kids, challenging them in fun and exciting ways, and nurturing everyone as well as she nurtured me.
Second Grade at FTE
Second grade here at Forest Trail is filled with a lot of love, a lot of life lessons, and a myriad of amazing achievements that take place on a daily basis. I'm so proud of being a part of the very talented second grade team of teachers and being able to make a positive difference in the lives of my students at such an influential age. As a teacher, I take responsibility for helping everyone master our set curriculum, of course, but I feel the greatest impact I make is helping my little ones recognize their unlimited potential for being critical thinkers, heroic citizens, confident achievers, and community leaders. I truly hope to provide my students with lasting, positive experiences that will inspire them to continue exploring their world, their talents, and their hopes and dreams.
After growing up in San Antonio, I attended the University of Texas to pursue my dream of becoming an elementary teacher. I graduated with honors from U.T. in 1996 with a degree in Applied Learning and Development while also earning my credentials in special education instruction. I have taught third, fourth, and fifth grades, and have been teaching here at Forest Trail, the school I consider the greatest in the world, since 1999. With all the time I spend at school, FTE is my home-away-from-home, and I take tremendous pride in all the wonderful things that happen around my school and within my classroom each day.
Since I was in elementary school myself, I wanted to be an elementary school teacher. While most teachers throughout my life gave me good grades, encouraged my quiet kindness, and appreciated my easygoing nature, my favorite teacher noticed talents within me that were different, unique. She liked my quirky side more than my quiet side, and she could see deep thoughts hidden behind a shy smile. She asked for my opinions; she put me in leadership roles even though she knew that would be way out of my comfort zone; she encouraged me to imagine, create, and color outside the lines; and she ignited new passions and curiosities within me. She trusted me as a tutor, made me a mentor, and gave me real responsibilities. And with each accomplishment and misstep I took in her class, she applauded me for my bravery, my learning, and resilience. Her class was magical for me because my teacher noticed what made me come alive and she nudged me in those directions. Now that I have my own classroom, I try to model my teaching style after hers: I love learning about my kids, challenging them in fun and exciting ways, and nurturing everyone as well as she nurtured me.
Second Grade at FTE
Second grade here at Forest Trail is filled with a lot of love, a lot of life lessons, and a myriad of amazing achievements that take place on a daily basis. I'm so proud of being a part of the very talented second grade team of teachers and being able to make a positive difference in the lives of my students at such an influential age. As a teacher, I take responsibility for helping everyone master our set curriculum, of course, but I feel the greatest impact I make is helping my little ones recognize their unlimited potential for being critical thinkers, heroic citizens, confident achievers, and community leaders. I truly hope to provide my students with lasting, positive experiences that will inspire them to continue exploring their world, their talents, and their hopes and dreams.