8 Hispanic Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together Through Teaching

For more than 50 years, Americans have been observing National Hispanic Heritage Month, a thirty-day celebration of contributions made by achievers of Caribbean, Central American, Mexican, South American, and Spanish heritage. 

The September 15 start date marks the independence anniversaries of Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Days later, Mexico and Chile gained their independence. Hence, the significance of the mid-September launch to the month-long celebration. 

This year's theme is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," which is a reminder that our beloved country benefits greatly from the contributions made by visionaries of Hispanic and Latinx descent whose insights, culture and values propel America forward economically, politically, and socially. 

Among these visionaries are teachers who advance the future by helping new generations of young people thrive academically and personally. They’ve experienced the impact of exceptional educators in their lives and seek to pay forward their good fortune through teaching. They work tirelessly to drive students to prosperous and empowered futures that enable them to build on America's progress.

These educators are not only committed to serving our youth as teachers, but they are also committed to being role models, providing representation and high-quality education to students of all backgrounds. Many of their lived experiences reflect the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data indicating that Latinx students are among the least likely in the United States to have a teacher who looks like them. As teachers, they are actively working to change this statistic one classroom at a time. 

Rutgers Alternate Route proudly presents eight teachers making a difference in school districts in our state. Learn about their commitment to driving prosperity, power, and progress in America through teaching. 
 

Elisa Estrella-Tavarez, Social Studies Teacher

I’ve always been passionate about cultures, languages, and history. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic until I was twelve, I developed an early fascination with other cultures through visits to the U.S. and observing tourists at resorts. A brief stay in Paterson, NJ at age nine exposed me to classmates from diverse backgrounds, sparking a lifelong interest. Back home, I loved reading my father’s world almanac, and after an inspiring 9th-grade history class, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to studying and possibly teaching history. In the past year, I've visited eight countries, each encounter deepening my appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures. 

Back home, my father's world almanac became my constant companion. I devoured its pages, captivated by the descriptions of different cultures and countries. Returning to the United States, I immersed myself in interacting with classmates from various backgrounds and languages. I initiated conversations, conducted online research, explored foreign music, and watched television shows in different languages. I had a great fun history teacher in 9th grade, after I took his class I was sure I loved history and that I wanted to spend my life learning about history and possibly teaching it.  I firmly believe that passion is contagious and can inspire students to pursue their own interests with unwavering determination in an effort to experience the same feeling they witnessed their teacher having. 

My greatest joy is exploring the world, encountering diverse people, and delving into their cultures and histories. Having visited eight countries in the past year alone, I experience a sense of wonder and excitement akin to a child receiving a new toy or discovering a magical world like Alice in Wonderland.

Raquel Ledesma, English as a Second Language Teacher
 

I’m an Alternate Route bilingual push-in teacher in Passaic. Before teaching, I spent over 20 years managing Marriott and Hilton hotels. I have a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. I loved working in the hospitality industry—meeting new people and running beautiful hotels was something I really enjoyed. During COVID-19, when most hotels closed, I had to keep working despite having very few guests. 

As we all know, students were moved to virtual classes during the pandemic. I have three children: two were in school, and the youngest was too young for school. While virtual learning was manageable for my oldest (11 and in seventh grade), it was quite a challenge for my middle child (eight and in third grade). She struggled to focus and couldn’t handle staring at a computer screen all day. I decided to resign from my job to spend more time helping her. I turned my home office into a mini classroom and started teaching my four-year-old son as well. After about a year and a half at home, I realized teaching methods had changed a lot since I was in school, and I was struggling to keep up. In hopes of further supporting my kids and re-entering the workforce, I decided to become a substitute teacher. 

I began substituting in September 2022 at three different schools. One of the schools initially asked me to stay for the month, and soon after, the principal requested that I remain for the entire year due to a teacher being on extended leave. Even though I didn’t have a teaching background, my passion and desire to give my best drove me forward. While substituting, other teachers even thought I was a certified educator! I loved working with my students and colleagues. The administration and fellow teachers were incredibly supportive, and my job satisfaction grew every day. Seeing the positive impact I was making on my students was so rewarding. Believing I could make a difference, I accepted the position—and here I am!       

As a middle school teacher, I want to create an environment that supports academic growth, while also promoting emotional intelligence, social awareness, and ethical responsibility. I firmly believe in creating a learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported. I’m committed to recognizing and celebrating the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives each student brings to the classroom. I’m dedicated to supporting my students with empathy, compassion, and a genuine commitment to their development inside and outside the classroom.

Jose Lirano, Social Studies Teacher
 

Teaching wasn’t my original career path, but the more I immersed myself in it, the more it captivated me. My first year as a permanent substitute provided invaluable exposure to the classroom environment, its strengths, and its challenges. Guiding students and investing time in their growth offered a profound sense of fulfillment unlike any other. While my first year was marked by obstacles and setbacks, the lessons learned have significantly enriched my first official teaching position, making it more rewarding, yet equally, if not more, fulfilling. 

Before embarking on a teaching career, I was dedicated to screenwriting, focusing on conveying the emotional realities of youth. Teaching has become an alternate vehicle to pursue this passion. I aspire to integrate a strong emphasis on emotional development into my lessons, addressing students' emotional challenges and states. I want to appear to the students as a human first and connect with them on a human level. Despite the constraints of curriculum pacing guides, I believe that education is ultimately about guiding young adults toward their next steps, whether that be further education or entering the workforce. 

My purpose in life is to serve the youth, and teaching is the primary vehicle I have chosen to do so. I am a person who wears my heart on my sleeve, and I want the students to know that I appreciate them as human beings and more than just a name on a roster or a grade in a gradebook. Building relationships with students and potentially making a difference in someone’s life is one of the most rewarding experiences a human being can have. The purpose of education is twofold; to arm the students with the skills to compete in the adult world and with the confidence and mentorship to believe that they can achieve all they desire. Teaching high school students is greater than just content; it is the emotional development that provides the most impact. As an educator, it is essential to guide students towards mastery and development. The most impactful teachers throughout my life had immense knowledge of the content but were also able to guide my development not only as a student but also as a person. I believe that the role of an educator is monumental to the growth and prosperity of the nation. 
 

Ryan Martin, Comprehensive Business Teacher
 

The question "Why do you want to teach?" is one every teacher has to answer before starting their journey. Before becoming a teacher, I worked in retail management, where I learned valuable lessons about leadership and expectations. During this time, I also pursued higher education, earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Business Administration. Education has always been a priority for me, driving my passion to teach and inspire others.

My passion for teaching grew from my experience coaching youth sports and spending time with my children, Rowan and Reegan. I began volunteering for t-ball due to a shortage of coaches, and after Rowan’s first season, I became a certified coach. As Rowan got involved in multiple sports, I expanded into coaching football for his age group, eventually becoming President of the Bergenfield Junior Football program. Coaching enabled me to teach valuable life lessons to the kids on my teams, as well as to my own children. I helped them learn about teamwork, following directions, pushing through challenges, and interacting with diverse individuals.

Coaching and interacting with local kids inspired me to educate beyond the field and ultimately led me to Roy W. Brown Middle School in Bergenfield, New Jersey, where I entered the education profession as a paraprofessional.

In December 2019, I received my certification in Elementary Education and Comprehensive Business and currently teach Business at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson. My life experiences and cultural connections allow me to communicate openly with my students, many of whom share a similar background with me. In addition to a shared background, my music choices and sneaker collection help me connect with students and relate to them.

Teachers do more than just facilitate learning; they also help students develop essential skills like teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. As a teacher I draw from my coaching experience to motivate my students, creating playbooks to plan lessons strategically, using dry-erase boards to demonstrate concepts, and showing videos to capture students’ attention and keep them engaged. In the classroom, I use a mix of teaching methods and I work tirelessly to equip students with skills they can use in real-life situations and future careers.

Rogelio Martinez, Chemistry Teacher
 

My name is Rogelio Martinez, and I hold a Master's in Organic Chemistry, currently pursuing alternative certification to become a teacher. Along with my academic background, I am a trauma-informed yoga instructor with over 50 hours of clinical experience working with adolescents in government-run facilities. My understanding of trauma shapes my approach to science education, enabling me to create a supportive learning environment. 

Having immigrated to the U.S. in first grade, I bring a unique perspective on growing up in a multicultural household. I aim to show students the possibilities education can unlock by using adaptable teaching methods, including visual aids, reading comprehension, and practical math applications to make science engaging. As a yoga instructor, I prioritize a safe, welcoming classroom that celebrates individual differences and fosters a judgment-free space for students to reach their potential.

As a Pharmaceutical Scientist with a passion for serving the multilingual community, I am committed to addressing the critical need for Spanish-speaking science teachers in the Trenton School District. I am passionate about sharing my love of science and chemistry with underserved communities, which often experience high rates of trauma. The critical shortage of bilingual science teachers in Trenton inspired me to pursue alternative certification. My personal experience growing up in the community, combined with my professional qualifications, uniquely positions me to support student success and help raise children who are equipped to thrive in today’s world and contribute to the betterment of society.   

My personal experience growing up in the community, along with my professional qualifications, uniquely positions me to support student success and prepare children to excel in today’s world. Raising my daughter in Trenton, who has become a thriving professional, has further inspired me to empower students facing significant challenges.

Yoga and meditation have been crucial for my personal growth and recovery from trauma. As a certified yoga teacher and member of ISHTA, I weave these practices into my life and teaching philosophy. I also have a passion for gardening, animal welfare, and physical fitness, which enhance my well-being and enrich my interactions with students.

My journey into teaching was inspired by my yoga training, which emphasized trauma-informed care and recovery. I believe that education is a powerful tool for healing and transformation, and I am eager to make a positive impact on the lives of Trenton students. I embrace the concept of individualized learning and employ a variety of assessment methods to understand each student's strengths and needs. By combining objective and subjective assessments, I can effectively measure student progress and provide tailored support. I approach each day in the classroom with enthusiasm and a commitment to guiding my students on their learning journeys. 

Dianna Ortiz, English Teacher
 

Teaching wasn’t my first choice in a career. However, after stepping into it, I can’t see myself in any other field. I am a 7th/8th grade bilingual teacher for English Language Arts and Social Studies in Newark Public Schools. Two influential figures in my life –my mother and my pastor–inspired me to become a teacher. My mother was a teaching assistant for over 20 years, and I admired the love and respect her students had for her. She has witnessed countless students get married and build their own families. My pastor, also an educator, encouraged me to pursue teaching and has been a valuable mentor.

My role as an educator is to become the teacher that a specific group of students needs. Not all classes respond to the same teaching style. My goal is to meet the academic and socio-emotional needs of my students and empower them to become resourceful by providing them with the necessary tools to complete tasks and overcome challenges. As a bilingual educator for many years, I have developed a deep understanding of the diverse student population I teach and can foster the confidence and courage my students need to face any challenges they encounter.  I approach my role knowing that the purpose of education is not only to teach basic math and reading skills in a classroom but also to help students grow as individuals. Education develops social and cognitive skills to solve problems.

Because of my own experiences as a child of immigrant parents and a bilingual student, I believe the key to helping bilingual students succeed is building trust among students so they can support their peers who are struggling. I am convinced that students learn from each other and can relate to one another more effectively. As an educator, I have to facilitate those learning exchanges while working to differentiate or modify instruction accordingly for each student.

In addition to building a strong community with students, I also build stronger relationships with their families and have learned valuable lessons from other educators about effective parent interactions. 

Balancing the needs of individual students and the class as a whole can be challenging at times. It’s been important for me to build stronger relationships with my students’ families and collaborate with colleagues, especially during my first year of teaching, and lean on my faith. My faith has been the cornerstone of my ability to successfully, though not perfectly, fulfill my role as an educator. It keeps me grounded and hopeful.

Kaurys Polanco, English as a Second Language Teacher
 

Teaching has always been my love language. As the eldest of four, my parents instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility for my siblings' success. I have always shown my love by guiding others, and this naturally translated into a passion for teaching. Throughout school, when asked about my future career goals, I would vaguely respond with something like, "I don't know, but I'll probably end up teaching." 

As I explored my academic interests, I fell in love with math and science. I pursued a degree in engineering, believing it would be a practical application of my skills. However, the demanding work conditions conflicted with my desire for a family life. After experiencing a miscarriage that took a toll on my well-being, I made the difficult decision to leave my well-paying engineering job in 2019. 

I pivoted my career path and obtained my real estate licenses. Together with my husband, we embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close our small business. To secure a more consistent income, I began teaching real estate courses to adults in 2021. This experience solidified my passion for teaching. 

I feel empowered when I can empower others. It is a beautiful reward to see a student feel like they can even after feeling like they couldn’t for so long. It brings me immense joy to witness students gain confidence and overcome challenges. I am grateful for the opportunity to spark inspiration and success in my students. Their laughter and enjoyment during lessons motivate me to continuously improve my teaching methods and keep students engaged. 

 

Guillermo Zumaran-Alayo, Mathematics Teacher
 

"Teaching wasn't my original career path. I  attended university to earn an engineering degree. I spent several years designing irrigation structures to transport water to arid regions in the northern part of Peru - the country where I was born.  Later, I had the opportunity to immigrate to the United States with my family through the visa lottery. I became certified to teach middle and high school math thanks to my engineering background. Now, I currently work as a bilingual math teacher in Paterson.

I actively engage with the subject matter I teach, even studying mathematics in my free time. Personally, I'm analytical and believe I have a knack for explaining complex concepts in simple terms, making them accessible to others. I have come to realize that teaching is an art that requires not only subject matter expertise but also knowledge of psychology, sociology, and other human sciences. I use this awareness to enable the success of my students as I develop effective teaching strategies tailored to their intellectual, emotional, and experiential backgrounds.

Like any classroom, my students present different aptitudes, behaviors, and ways of thinking. I work continually to raise their self-esteem with the recognition of their participation in class and encourage them to continue doing so. As a teacher, I've observed that each of my students have different ways of thinking and some learn certain topics faster than others. That's why when students are trying to solve math problems in class or respond correctly to questions, I encourage them to continue doing it, because continuous attempts, known as practicing, help improve their learning abilities.

I use the phrase NOT YET with my students, understanding that intelligence can really be improved, especially when students have high esteem, which makes them more persistent and helps them learn from their mistakes.  I tell students often that their effort is the key to achieving and I give rewards and praise to students who try.

I consider myself a simple, friendly, and somewhat fun person, eager to learn about the diverse world around us. My parents instilled in me core values like honesty, respect, and the importance of education, which I still uphold today.  For me, education is a ladder, where the next step depends on the previous step. Taking a good step ensures taking the next step more surely.