This week, we’re featuring hardworking and caring Special Needs Teacher Mrs Catharine Salazar from Eagar, Arizona. A graduate of Arizona State University, Mrs Salazar taught 2nd grade in Phoenix before she and her husband moved to the White Mountains of Arizona, where they both grew up. She took a short break to become a stay at home mother to her daughters, but returned to teaching in 2011, this time in a special needs capacity at Round Valley Elementary, teaching special needs students in several grades over the years.

And to further prove how hardworking and dedicated she is, while teaching, raising her three daughters and maintaining a home, Mrs Salazar also earned her master’s degree in Special Needs Education. Awesome! In the words of her nominator, “Mrs Salazar is a teacher who exemplifies the values we expect to see in those who help shape our children’s lives. She is a leader in the teaching community, organizes school wide programs, teaches summer school, coordinates the Veteran’s Day Program and spearheads the Red for Ed efforts in our community.”

Now in Mrs. Salazar’s own words:

1. How long have you been teaching? I have taught for almost 10 years. The first year was in a 2nd grade general education classroom, and the last nine years in special education with kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd graders.

2. Why did you want to be a teacher? I wanted to be a teacher because I loved working with kids and wanted to make a difference.

3. What do you love most about teaching? Or how rewarding is it? There are so many rewarding things about teaching. I love seeing those A-HA moments when students work and work and finally achieve their goals. I love the students and their cute little personalities. Being a teacher is similar to being a celebrity, especially when a student sees you at the grocery store and yells your name and runs over for a hug.

4. What is the hardest part about being a teacher? One of the hardest parts of being a teacher is watching students who work so hard to achieve their goals yet continue to struggle. It’s all about boosting their self confidence and trying different techniques to help them make progress. The other hard part of being a teacher is knowing each of the sweet children do not have an equal chance at life because of their home environment. Some of these students have struggled more in their few years of life than any person ever should. Yet they come to school usually with a smile and just want to be loved and made to feel special.

5. A little about yourself – where are you from? Are you married with children? Do you have pets? I was born in Phoenix AZ and raised in a small town called Round Valley where I now live. I am married with 3 amazing daughters who keep life busy!

6. What do you like to do for fun? I like to spend time with family and friends. I like to relax, camp, spend time on the lake, family vacations, garden, prank people, and you will find me most days/nights at whatever field or court where my girls are playing their sport. Whatever I do, I like to have fun and laugh while doing it!

7. What is one unique thing about you that kids might think is funny? I love to dress up and be silly. My favorite times at school are our spirit days and competitions. It’s hard to embarrass me.

She sounds like a wonderful, FUN, dedicated and caring Teacher. Thank you, Mrs. Salazar, for caring as much as you do and dedicating your life to these special students.

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