In Elizabeth Santacruz's classroom its all about Spanish.
While she might be helping these high schoolers in Le Grand learn a valuable skill, she says they're also teaching her.
"They teach me how to be, believe it or not, responsible. They are there, they turn ion their work, they're always asking questions. Be curious I guess."
Her students are quick to tell you just how much they like Mrs. Santacruz.
"She always has time for you. When you have a question she there to answer you. She will never tell you no."
"She understands us. We can carry on a conversation for ever. I feel like I've learned a lot just from her."
In addition to inspiring a love of language, Mrs. Santacruz also spends her time with an organization she started called MECHA. It's mission, open these young people's eyes to college and the possibilities a higher education holds. Four years ago there were 15 members, today more than 50.
"Last year we took them to UC Davis. For all of them it was their first time attending a UC or university. This year I took them to Berkley and took them to Stanford."
"I love this school. It's a small school, but it has a big heart. Every single student is unique, and I just want to tell the students to find what is unique about them and polish it."
Congratulations to Elizabeth Santacruz, our KSEE24 Educator of the Week.
If you'd like to nominate someone to be our Educator of the Week, it's easy! Just click on the Community tab above, then click "Educator of the Week Nomination." Tell us why your choice should be Educator of the Week!
Every week, the Educator of the Week will receive a $124 gift certificate from GW School Supply. Their name will also be engraved on a brick on the 'Teacher and Friends of Education Honor Wall', at Fresno State's Kremen School of Education.
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