Third-grade teacher Rogelio Garcia plays a dual role at James Bonham Elementary in Dallas, TX, as both an educator and role model. To combat obesity and resulting diabetes in his community, for example, he helps students with diet and exercise, while tying the lessons to mathematics instruction. Garcia even helped a diabetic student shed 30 pounds in one month using encouragement and clever integration of weight-related concepts in his math class.
A model of bilingual instruction, Garcia integrates small and large group discussion and phenomenological awareness to teach literacy. Under his tutelage, his school—now one of the premier-performing low-income schools in Texas—has transformed. It posted 100 percent in third-grade reading compared to the state average of 92 percent, and 96 percent in math compared to the state average of 86 percent. His students read at higher levels in both English and Spanish, and with a 94 percent minority population (91 percent qualify for free and reduced-price lunches), Garcia’s efforts have propelled increased student achievement.
Outside the classroom, Garcia is a leader in the district bilingual program. He also contributes his time and talent to other school and district initiatives. As Campus Improvement Leadership Team bilingual representative, he analyzes data and drafts improvement plans. As New Teacher Support Team mentor, he helps new instructors transition into their jobs. Garcia also gives bilingual presentations to parents, staff and volunteers in various capacities outside of school.
