J.L. Long Middle School’s Ana Barbosa Named 2006-2007 Teacher Assistant Of The Year

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Ana Barbosa was named Dallas Independent School District Teacher Assistant of the Year during a reception held Thursday, Nov. 16, in the DISD School Administration Building.

Members of the Board of Trustees offered congratulations, and Superintendent Michael Hinojosa presented Barbosa with the award and a check for $1,000.

Barbosa, a bilingual teacher assistant at J.L. Long Middle School, has served at that school for the past three years. Having completed an associate’s degree in Arts and Sciences from El Centro Community College, she is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree.

J.L. Long Middle School Principal Desiree Arias says, “Ana Barbosa is a person who shares an enthusiasm and passion for learning with students, and has the ability to motivate and inspire others.” Students praise Barbosa for tutoring them in math that has been beneficial to them when taking the math TAKS test.

Fellow educators say that Barbosa is able to take a leadership role while making others comfortable. They say she has been successful with several students when others have had a difficult time reaching them. Teacher Linda Poston says she admires Barbosa’s “determination to succeed and to make a difference in people’s lives.”

The help she received during her own high school years taught Barbosa the value of mentoring and its long-term impact. She credits her Woodrow Wilson High School teachers whose actions motivated her to choose education as a career field.

Barbosa’s responsibilities include coaching, translating, and tutoring; her goal is to complete her degree and continue to share her gifts and talents with others. “I believe the attitudes and ethics adults exhibit speak louder than words to the students of our district,” said Barbosa, “and that to be successful in education I must be both a teacher and a student every day of my life.”

The Dallas ISD Teacher Assistant of the Year is chosen from among the Area Teacher Assistants of the Year on the basis of their teaching philosophy, professional background and their interaction with students, parents and members of the community. The selection committee is composed of representatives from the Dallas ISD Teen Board, the Dallas Council of PTAs, teachers, administrators and employee organizations.

Finalists received engraved awards and $200 each, along with gift baskets presented by Alliance/AFT.

The other finalists

Area 1 – Linda Paris, Seagoville Elementary School, 12 years experience

Paris’ responsibilities include helping second graders improve academic skills and recruiting community members’ involvement to support student success. A believer in life-long learning, Paris carries a notebook to jot down ideas that work, modeling for students that adults still have things to learn.

Area 2 – Brenda King, H.S. Thompson Learning Center, nine years experience

Known among her colleagues as a creative person who can get things done, King opened a school salon and clothes closet for students in need of a little help. King finds that taking time to talk to students and assist them in establishing their own daily goals helps them stay on track with appropriate classroom behavior

Area 4 – Nellie Sheehan, David G. Burnet Elementary School, 26 years experience

When confronted with a challenge, Sheehan looks for creative solutions whether working on academics or with scouts, drill team, or folklorico dancers. Taking projects “beyond the manual,” Sheehan believes life is an adventure and strives to make learning exciting for her students-and at times, their parents.

Area 5 – Griselda Hidalgo, Martin Weiss Elementary School, two years experience

As a paraprofessional in the Home Instruction Program for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, Hidalgo gained skills as a liaison between parents and teachers. Now as a Teacher Assistant, in addition to tutoring, her responsibilities include organizing cultural programs known for their creative success and benefit to students.

Area 6 – Maria Christina Rivas, Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School, 30 years experience

Working in a school in her own community for more than two decades, Rivas’s responsibilities include tutoring and enrichment as well as textbook coordination. Known for her smiles and positive manner, Rivas believes she personally benefits from being part of students’ academic and personal success.

Alternative Schools – Ruth Ortiz, Alternative Placement Center at Village Fair, nine years experience

Ortiz credits a Roosevelt High School science teacher with inspiring her to believe she could contribute to the world in a positive way. Now parents of her Alternative Education Center students say she inspires them to work through their own tough periods toward success and graduation.

The winner, Barbosa, represents Dallas ISD Area 3 schools.

Source: DISD