Melanie Flores

Susan Parsons-Lopez

I attended College of the Holy Cross for my undergraduate degree and received my M.A. in Spanish Literature at the University of Houston. I have taught for 20 years to share my passion with my students. Spanish is part of my daily life. After studying in Spain during my junior year abroad, I decided I wanted to help others learn Spanish so that they too could travel to foreign countries and speak to individuals in the United States who were not able to speak English. In addition to teaching those beginners, I also work with Native Speakers to encourage them to maintain their native language and to see that it is a gift to speak two languages in a large city like Houston. Globalization has changed our world and today speaking one language is simply not enough. All students should be encouraged to speak at least one additional language. I hope my students leave my class with a more open mind not only about foreign languages but also different cultures.

Melanie Flores

Gloria Rendon

Teacher

My name is Gloria Zavala, and I am an eighth grade science teacher at Pershing Middle School. I have been teaching for five years and love learning about all students. I am looking forward to a new year and engaging students in science.

Raquel Aguilar

Spanish as a Foreign Language Teacher

I am a Spanish teacher at Pershing Middle School in Houston, Texas, and also lead educational tours to show my students the world through engagement in cultures, languages and history. We are asking for funds in providing a unique, unforgettable experience for a project that includes 1.) an efriend/pen-pal student exchange, 2.) an ecology and environmental project which includes a priority species-the cork tree, and 3.) educational opportunities for students in Texas and rural Spain. Our funds will be used to offset the cost of some of the supplies and fees to better assist the students participate and learn in a variety of language and cultural exchange enrichment activities with students in rural towns of Extremadura region. Funds raised will by used in purchasing trees and supplies for our tree-planting service project, (25 trees will be planted), an ecology project, e-tablets, provide a lunch and activity for students and their e-pals, journals for documenting data, and other fees to enhance our experience abroad. The Spanish schools we are collaborating with are from remote, rural areas of Badajoz, Spain and they have limited funds to participate in such culturally enriching opportunities, and in participating in video chats with their e-friends. At present we have begun with a bake sale to begin raising money in order to provide the Spanish schools with etablets, such as ipads, so that we can have video chats and lessons in real time feed; however, we do need much more funding. Please help me, by supporting our students to enrich their learning through real world experiences and emersion with their Spanish friends. Gracias por su apoyo y ayuda.

Elizabeth Howe

8th Grade Science Teacher

Hi, I am an 8th grade teacher looking for an iPad to use in my classroom. The iPad is a very helpful tool for monitoring student behavior, grades and attendance while keeping students actively engaged.

Andrea Rogers

Mentorship Committee Chair

Middle School Teacher who saw the need for a mentorship program to support and develop young ladies in HISD, starting with Pershing Middle School. I have seen the success of it in Norfolk, VA, and even got an Inspirational Reward for my role in its success. I am not seeking another award, just to help ensure our future mothers and/or citizens are a positive, strong force for shaping our world.

Debbie Broadhead

drama teacher

We are a Fine Arts Magnet public school. I am a theatre teacher. I have been at Pershing Middle School for 16 years. We have a tradition of doing musicals. Last year we did Legally Blonde. This year we are doing Mary Poppins! Past productions include Hairspray, Oklahoma, Grease, Working, Into the Woods and Guys and Dolls.

Dalila Posada Mansur

Youth Specialist

I am a bilingual certified school counselor, and I work with middle school students. I have been counseling for ten years now and I enjoy teaching kids making the right choices for their lives.

Donna Logsdon

6th grade English teacher

Hello! I am a 6th grade English teacher at Pershing Middle School in Houston, Texas. This is my 11th year here; I've been teaching for 15 years. I teach middle school because they need encouragement, praise, and support in a special way.

Jimmy DeRouen

Special Education Teacher

I am currently a special education teacher, teaching social skills, behavioral support techniques, ELA, Math, Social Studies and Science. My class is small but a handful. My students are some of the hardest working students I have encountered in years.

Christina Carter

7th Grade Reading Teacher

I'm a 7th grade Reading teacher and Reading coordinator.

Peihow Chin

Teacher

I teach Geometry and Algebra (both are high school credited classes) at Houston ISD Pershing Middle School, a Title I school.

Lindsey Brewer-Munoz

Teacher

Teaching is truly my life. After working at Disney World, I became a teacher. Everyday, I do my best to infuse a little bit of Disney magic into every lesson. In order to be the most effective teacher possible, school should be a place students want to be. A smiling student is a receptive student.

Mark Wurtzel

Music Teacher

I teach middle school orchestra and music production at a fine arts magnet school in Houston, TX.

Joaquin Ortiz

Physical Education Teacher/ Soccer Coach

I have been Pershing's soccer coach since 2011. I enjoy running the program and try my best to make it a program the kids can be proud of. Our athletic programs do not get a budget so we raise funds every year so that we can have decent equipment and gear. My kids work hard not only in practice but in raising money as well. My goal is to raise enough money every year to have a working budget without placing any financial burden on my kids.

Gary Kansas

7th grade teacher

My name is Gary Kansas and I have been a teacher in Houston for 24 years! I currently teach 7th grade science at Pershing Middle School. I am a member of TOEA, which is Texas Outdoor Education Association.