Texas Teachers | Alternative Teacher Certification Program : Success Story by Ignacio Barrera

Success Stories

Where are you originally from?

San Andres Island (Colombia)
Where did you go to college and what did you study?

Texas Southern University - Environmental Engineering Technology
Do you have children?

Two boys
Do you remember your favorite teacher? What made them special to you?

Ms. Archibol. She told me that I could do or be whatever I wanted.
What did you do before teaching?

Research in transportation studies.
Why did you get into teaching?

I loved working with students in a summer program—teaching was for me.
What surprised you the most when you started teaching?

That I could use all that I was and knew in the classroom.
What is the biggest challenge for new teachers?

Getting rid of the nervousness.
How long do you think it takes for a new teacher to really get their hands around teaching?

Just be yourself, man! And do what Texas Teachers tells you.
What do the kids teach you?

To not give up and that every child can learn!
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you in the classroom?

The moment when students realized I was not a veteran teacher—we all laughed.
Why did you choose the Texas Teachers program?

Fast, friendly—they work with you and are always there.
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