Yolanda Sanchez of Judson ISD was surprised with the KENS 5 EXCEL Award and a $2,000 check from Credit Human.
SAN ANTONIO — A first-grade bilingual teacher at Spring Meadow Elementary School was surprised with a KENS 5 EXCEL Award, and her students’ reaction said it all.
When Yolanda Sanchez walked into what she thought was a routine pickup from music class, she was instead greeted with cheers, applause and tears as students and staff revealed the surprise honor.
Sanchez, who has been teaching for 18 years, is known for her passion for education and her deep connection with her students. As a former second-language learner herself, she understands the challenges many of her students face and works to create a supportive classroom environment.
“To me, teaching is an act of love,” EXCEL Award winner, Yolanda Sanchez said.
That approach has earned her the nickname “school mom” among colleagues and students, and serves as her daily motivation.
“I’ve gone through some hardships, very, very hard things,” Sanchez said. “But I know that at the end of the day, it’s just a cycle you go through, and then you continue. Tomorrow is another day I have more life to impact.”
Sanchez currently serves as a lead teacher and heritage committee chair at Spring Meadow Elementary School. Colleagues say her dedication is evident not only in her energy, but also in the academic and emotional growth of her students throughout the year.
“If they know they’re coming to school and have a loving, supportive environment, then they’re ready to learn,” said Daniela Freeman, instructional bilingual coach in Judson ISD. “That’s the foundation of a great classroom, and that’s exactly what she does for them.”
Sanchez said she hopes to help all of her students reach their full potential.
As part of the EXCEL Award, she received a $2,000 gift from Credit Human. She plans to use the funds to purchase classroom equipment like a microphone and speaker system to better engage her students, and possibly a new phone for her.