A Ziploc bag full of sand, rice and small trinkets caused quite a stir in Annyanet Saturria Chavez’s fourth-grade classroom at El Dorado Elementary School recently.
Working in groups, the students tried to separate everything from the sand. They were learning about mixtures and solutions in a fun, hands-on lesson that truly excited the kids.
“I have the opportunity to create a real impact in the lives of so many students,” said Annyanet.
Annyanet is one of North East ISD’s dual language teachers who is here as part of a partnership that brings international teachers into our classrooms.
She’s from the Dominican Republic. She taught in her home country for more than 20 years, but her dream has been to teach in the U.S., And she’s been living her dream in our classrooms for the past three years.
“I have been blessed. Not all schools are the same. Not all principals and staff are the same,” said Annyanet. “I have been blessed with a support system. They are always for you. They are like, ‘We are grateful you are here,’ and they actually make me feel that they are grateful I am here.”
We are grateful she is here. When you look into her classroom, students are engaged, smiling, and talking with one another in a mix of English and Spanish, practicing a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.
Our mission in the dual language program is to develop bilingual, biliterate and bicultural students who are empowered to succeed.
“In San Antonio, with so many newcomers, students need people who can teach them in their own language and create a cultural environment in the classroom besides what they have here. I can show them my culture, celebrate theirs and create a safe environment for them.”
Annyanet is teaching our students and celebrating their cultures #theNEISDway
Learn more about our dual language programs.
