(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Jan. 14, 2026) — Walking the halls of El Paso High School looks a little different for Sofia Delgado these days. Once a student there herself, Delgado has returned to campus in a new role, as a substitute teacher, discovering firsthand what it means to stand on the other side of the classroom.
“Being a substitute teacher is kind of weird after being a student,” Delgado said with a smile. “Especially going back to my alma mater. Having to call myself Ms. Delgado in front of teachers who once taught me — that definitely took some getting used to.”
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Delgado is spending her gap year between undergraduate studies and graduate school gaining classroom experience through substitute teaching across El Paso ISD. With a long-term goal of becoming a full-time teacher, she saw substituting as the perfect way to learn, grow, and stay connected to education.
“It’s like an adventure every single day,” Delgado said. “Every campus, every classroom is different, and I really like that.”
A proud graduate of El Paso High School, Delgado credits EPISD teachers for preparing her for college and beyond. She remembers educators who were firm yet supportive and teachers who knew when to push students while still offering kindness and encouragement.
“They really helped prepare me for the next level,” she said. “They challenged me, but they cared.”
Teaching runs deep in Delgado’s family. With both parents in education, she represents a fourth generation of teachers, making her path feel both natural and meaningful. One of her favorite parts of the day happens before school even begins.
“My dad used to drive me and my sister to school when we were younger,” Delgado said. “Now he drives us again and he drops my sister off at UTEP and then takes me to whichever school I’m subbing at. It’s really sweet, and I know he loves it.”
As she continues her journey through EPISD classrooms, Delgado is gaining valuable insight into the profession she hopes to dedicate her future to —guided by family, inspired by her former teachers, and driven by a genuine love for learning and students.
For Delgado, returning to EPISD isn’t just about filling in for a day, it’s about stepping into a legacy and discovering her own place within it.