Jennifer Ramirez
Jennifer grew up here in San Antonio and went on to pursue higher education at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She says she always knew she would come back and teach at Stafford Elementary, the campus that holds a special place in her heart. "My mother was a product of Edgewood. She grew up on 39th Street and went to Stafford Elementary when she was young. So when I applied, it meant so much that I got the call." Jennifer started out as a permanent substitute teacher and then was hired to teach full time. She has been teaching in EISD for 14 years and says her reason or why for teaching is to make a difference with her students. "I've been teaching for so long because I want to inspire and motivate my students. Every morning I get up and say let's do this, it's a new day and let's see how I can make a difference," she said. "The world out there is changing on them and we have to get them ready. I want them to have that feeling of ‘hey I can do it', I want to motivate and encourage them to have that empowerment." As for her distinguished title of Teacher of the Year, Jennifer says she felt humbled and appreciated. "I feel honored because we have a lot of great teachers. I hope that throughout the year I can continue to show whatever characteristics it was that they saw in me. My mom has since passed away and I always think about if I'm making her proud, I hope that is happening too."