Bernadette Holguin, a kindergarten teacher at César Chávez Elementary and an educator for 38 years in Santa Fe, is the first Teachers' Monthly SFPS Star. Holguin was nominated by fellow educator, Molly Mysliwiec, who called her a "gem."
"She and her assistant, Ms. Dora--who is also a star--work with the kids in their classroom in small groups throughout the day, day after day. Their students come out not only knowing their ABCs, and counting, but many can read and write CVC words and beyond. They will most definitely be ready for first grade. Organized, structured, calm, kind and very knowledgeable, (Bernadette Holguin is) an amazing teacher," said Mysliwiec.
At the beginning of her career, Holguin taught at parochial schools and then five years later joined SFPS as a kindergarten teacher.
“Back in those days, kindergarten was still part-time, so I was at Larragoite Elementary half-day and Piñon Elementary the second half,” Holguin said. “I taught at Larragoite Elementary, Piñon Elementary, Salazar Elementary and Sweeney Elementary [for five years]. César Chávez Elementary has been my home for the last 28 years.”
Holguin was a part of the original staff when César Chávez Elementary opened its doors in 1996 and is the only original staff member still working at the school.
“This is my community school,” Holguin said. “We’re like a family here. I’m already getting students who are the children of my former students. It’s been pretty awesome!”
While at César Chávez Elementary, Holguin has taught kindergarten for 27 years and first grade for just one year, which was a year she followed a group of kindergarteners to the next grade.
When asked why she has continued teaching kindergarten for three decades, Holguin said that witnessing students’ ah-ha moments that has kept her coming back.
“They always tell me they can’t read, and I say, ‘You can’t read now but you will be reading someday!’ and I have them tap out the word and I’ll say, ‘You just read a word!” Holguin said. “Kindergarten is the foundation of everything. I believe that in kindergarten you have to build those blocks and get them ready.”
Truly the heart of César Chávez Elementary, Holguin has organized and led the school’s afterschool program for 26 years, has been the PAX partner for the school and organizes a weekly employee appreciation initiative called Tootles.
“Staff submit their Tootles and I create a sheet where we can read all the great, wonderful things about our colleagues and what they’ve done to help others and what they are doing wonderfully in our school,” Holguin said. “I think it brings up the morale. Sometimes it’s just a page long, sometimes it’s four pages long on a week. I always aspire to share the good things my colleagues are doing and spread the love here.”
Much to the dismay of many parents, Holguin plans to retire from education after next year and spend time relaxing with her family.
Want to nominate an SFPS Star? Send us a message: tmelton@sfps.k12.nm.us