2002 Texas Teacher of the Year
Ms. Galindo teaches all subjects to first grade students at Rubin Chavira Elementary School in Del Rio, Texas. She has been teaching for twenty years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"In order to motivate a child, a teacher must make learning fun. Computers are an important part of this motivational task. I believe that hands-on learning and computers can enhance a child's learning."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I use children's literature to teach and introduce new concepts. Utilizing literature enhances a child's interest and gives him the opportunity to gain insight to the world of books."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest accomplishment is the thrill of teaching a child to read and comprehend."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"There are too many reading and math programs in the education field. A teacher often has several programs running at once in her classroom. Teachers should focus on teaching the basics in reading and decoding and children will succeed. If there is a program that works, continue to use it."

Inspirational thought:
"The greatest reward for a teacher should be teaching a new skill to a child and making a difference in that child's life."