2001 Puerto Rico Teacher of the Year
Ms. Pérez Díaz is an English teacher at Hato Nuevo School in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. She has been teaching for thirty-one years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"I understand that I am the vehicle from which my students gain the knowledge they need to become good citizens. Teaching brings great satisfaction into my life."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I use new and different strategies that facilitate ways for my students to learn."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest teaching accomplishment is working with a bilingual project called 'Brighten up English'. This project begins when the students are in kindergarten and continues into their first grade."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"The most critical issue for educators today is student absenteeism and discipline. One way to address these issues would be to give teachers new strategies for motivating their students – such as new classroom materials and technology. As well, parents need to take more responsibility for their child's progress and homework. This may be resolved by involving parents with their child's learning."

Inspirational thought:
"Find inspiration in those around you."