Rejily Soriano holds high expectations for her kindergarteners at Nevada’s West Wendover Elementary. Soriano makes strong connections with her young learners, supporting them as they acquire new skills and grow both academically and socially throughout the year. Literacy plays a large part in her classroom. Soriano helps students create their own books, a favorite activity. Most of her students are reading by the end of each year, and in May 2022, 89% reached grade level or above on MAP assessments in both math and ELA.
A teacher leader at West Wendover Elementary, Soriano is the school’s Leader in Me coordinator, sits on the school improvement committee, and designs professional development for the building. She is the lead teacher for kindergarten, mentors new teachers, and is a leader for the school’s social-emotional learning efforts.
Soriano started her career in education in Elko County School District’s “Grow Your Own” teacher recruitment program, working with preschool students in the Head Start program before moving up to kindergarten. She builds strong relationships with students and families and communicates with parents often in both English and Spanish, keeping an “open door” policy for discussions about all aspects of students’ school experiences. Her unwavering dedication to her job and students is clear as she works towards successful outcomes for every child.
Soriano is a graduate of Western Governors University, earning a bachelor’s in elementary education in 2017 and a master’s in curriculum and instruction in 2020.
Press release: Nevada Teacher Rejily Soriano Receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award in West Wendover
"I couldn't be the teacher I am without people..." (read more)
2020 M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, Western Govenors University
2018 B.S., Elementary Education: Interdisciplinary Education K-8, Western Govenors University
