Guadalupe Garcia, Teacher Education Scholarship Winner, Special Summer 2011, Part B Session
The University of Scranton, in partnership with Bisk Education, Inc., proudly recognizes Guadalupe Garcia – a Science Instructional Strategist for the Grand Prairie Independent School District in Grand Prairie, Texas – as winner of the Bisk Foundation Teacher Education Scholarship for the Special Summer 2011, Part B session. The scholarship supports the professional development of outstanding teachers who are making a difference in the lives of their students.
Garcia is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Educational Administration program, and is valued by her colleagues as a compassionate, capable professional. She is deeply committed to providing the best possible educational opportunities for the at-risk students at her school and she also serves as an exemplary mentor and trainer for teachers of at-risk students. Garcia’s principal, Suzy Meyer, shares the following praise:
“Hard work and high expectations are Lupe’s typical method of operation. She has high expectations for student performance and behavior, as well as teacher performance and behavior. She exhibits much empathy for at-risk students, yet holds them to high standards despite their family economic situation.”
Garcia’s principal adds that she “excels at solving problems and overcoming obstacles to teacher and student performance.” She is known for her creativity, initiative, resourcefulness and ability to be self-directed.
Garcia has a long and impressive history as an individual who is dedicated to her family and her work. As an active grandmother of six, she is able to provide support to her family while excelling at her profession. A high school dropout, Garcia later returned to school at a local community college then won a scholarship to attend a prestigious private university. During her first year of college, she co-founded a Hispanic group, Unidos Por Fin. “During my four years there, our organization was able to introduce the campus to many non-traditional students. We sponsored several multi-cultural activities including five de may celebrations, Pow Wows, and speakers such as Jaime Escalante, the teacher from the movieStand and Deliver.”
Garcia’s organization’s name may have changed since she founded it, but it “continues to function in much the same capacity today,” she says. This was just the start of her many initiatives and accomplishments over the years. For example, she sponsored a penny drive to help start a school in Rwanda, bringing awareness to the alleged atrocities of civil war in Africa at the time. She was also a finalist for a Fulbright Scholarship to South Africa.
Garcia believes passionately in environmental awareness and helping her students and colleagues learn ways to care for our planet. With support from grants she was awarded, she created and has maintained a school garden, and also serves as the campus environmental coordinator.
Most recently, Garcia has transitioned from 18 years of classroom teaching to serving as a Science Instructional Strategist. This position, along with her coaching and mentoring experience, has been instrumental in helping her shape her future. “I grew professionally, which was the impetus I needed to decide to move forward with my career. As an administrator, I believe that I can help at-promise youth by influencing and developing more adults who work with them and strive to make a difference for all of our students.”
Together with The University of Scranton, Bisk Education is proud to salute Guadalupe Garcia – a true everyday hero who is making a difference through the gift of education.
