Omar is a Two Way Dual Language teacher at McLoughlin and a Dual Language facilitator for Pasco School District. He is a respected dual language expert in his region and across the state. Omar’s earliest inspiration to become a teacher was his father – a teacher who taught him education was the ticket to a better life. His path to teaching was a bit rocky. As a new immigrant, Omar struggled with the language barrier and frequently moved. He became part of a gang, but thanks to some caring adults who encouraged him, Omar returned to his original dream of teaching. He now believes his primary role is to help his students realize their own potential.
Omar is the kind of teacher who is always doing an extra bit here and there for his students. He offered an extra Spanish class at the middle school to ensure elementary dual language students would have a class to keep up their language skills once they got to middle school. He teaches a GED class at the local community center. He has been a volunteer athletic club coach for over two decades. Students relate to Omar and his story. They know he understands their struggles because he has lived them himself. This also makes it easier for him to ask for and get their best effort.
Omar believes we must make recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers should be a top priority. Omar says teachers have a responsibility to collaborate as professionals and support each other as people. He affirms that teaching is a wonderful profession, but can be emotionally draining and great colleagues know how to support each other in and out of the classroom. Omar challenges educators to step up and tell the story of their kids, schools, and communities. Only then, with the public have a full and accurate picture of the state of education in America.
“If you talk to parents, colleagues, students, or community members that have had the privilege of work or collaborating with Omar, you will hear that he is positive, engaging, hardworking, and dedicated to children,” says administrator and parent Diana Cissne. “I admire his ability to be a positive instructional leader who strives to create a collaborative learning community, using best practices to maximize the potential of each student. He truly represents the heart of teaching. His level of commitment and compassion for educating our youth make him an excellent role model for all teachers.”
