What do you teach and why did you become a teacher?

Nolvia: I am a fourth and fifth grade dual language immersion teacher (Spanish) at Poplin Elementary School. When I finished high school, I started to work as an office assistant and one of my main jobs was to train people. Very often, the employees asked me if I was a teacher because of my way of explaining things, then I decided to become a teacher and got my teaching degree at Universidad Pedagógica Nacional from Honduras.

Chloe: I am the DLI English teacher for fourth and fifth grades at Poplin Elementary. This is my 22nd year of teaching with UCPS. I became a teacher to help students who struggle with reading the way I did in school. Helping students discover a love of reading is incredibly powerful for them and for me.

How do you show your school spirit?

Nolvia: I proudly wear school t-shirts. I have a strong work ethic and show my enjoyment of teaching math and literacy in Spanish. I demonstrate respect and support for teachers, staff, fellow students and visitors at my school.

Chloe: I love the Poplin community! I try to be involved as much as I can with student’s families to build a positive relationship between the community and the school. I share my love for my school with my students and encourage them to do the same. Go Patriots!

What or who inspires you?

Nolvia: My students inspire me. Children have a unique ability to bring joy and wonder to the lives of those who work with them, and their genuine expressions of affection and excitement is incredibly rewarding. 

Chloe: My inspiration is to spend every day doing what makes me happy. I am so lucky that my passion and my talent are the same thing. Spending every day, laughing and learning with children makes for a very happy career.

In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll for a day? Why?

Nolvia: If I could enroll in another teacher’s classroom for a day, I would like to be in Mrs. Meneses’ class, who is a DLI kindergarten teacher. I would like to be in this class for a day to see how the little ones are exposed for the first time to the language (Spanish). 

Chloe: I would like to enroll in STEAM class with Kristen Carey at Poplin. Students are always so excited to go to her class and always come out with amazing projects. I would love to see the step-by-step process of her instruction.

What is one of your hidden talents?

Nolvia: My co-workers will probably be surprised, but one of my hidden talents is “public speaking”, even though I am a shy and quiet person.

Chloe: My positivity is infectious. 

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?

Nolvia: If I could pass on any wisdom to my students it would be to never give up, every great effort has its reward.

Chloe: Empathy

What is a professional motto or quote that you “work” by?

Nolvia: “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” –Henry Ford

Chloe: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela

What do you enjoy most about working in Union County Public Schools?

Nolvia: I am proud to be a UCPS teacher because I love my school and the people I work with (my Poplin and DLI family) who have supported me since I started my journey to teach in the United States. I also appreciate the collaboration between the county and schools to ensure student success.

Chloe: I have most enjoyed the amazing educators I have collaborated with over the years. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Nolvia: If I had a superpower it would be X-ray vision to have the ability to see beyond the surface and gain deep insights into my students' individual learning needs and emotional states. It would be a powerful tool in tailoring my teaching approach to their specific requirements. While X-ray vision may be a fantasy, my commitment to understanding and supporting my students in the real world is a superpower in itself.

Chloe: Teleporting. I would like to travel the world and see my family whenever I wanted.

List five adjectives that describe your personality?

Nolvia: Responsible, hard worker, honest, empathic, charismatic

Chloe: Optimistic, playful, empathetic, compassionate and straight-forward.