(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – December 17, 2024) — On Monday, December 16, El Paso ISD proudly welcomed a new cohort of talented teachers as part of the University of Texas at El Paso’s Miner Teacher Residency program. This partnership, designed to develop highly skilled and dedicated educators, provides candidates with immersive, hands-on teaching experiences in local schools. Among the selected candidates are Ana Cristina Munetones and Fernanda Morales, both of whom bring unique perspectives and a passion for education that align with El Paso ISD’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.
A Perfect Match at Don Haskins PK-8
Ana Cristina Munetones, whose concentration spans early childhood through 12th grade with a focus on special education, was selected to complete her residency at Don Haskins PK-8. For Munetones, joining El Paso ISD feels like coming home.
“I’m so excited,” Munetones said. “I was happy and nervous to see who my match was, but in the end, I got what I wanted, which was El Paso ISD.”
Having already observed classrooms at Don Haskins PK-8, Munetones feels prepared to take on this next chapter. “It was the perfect match for me,” she said. “El Paso ISD is the only district where I’ve done observations, so I’m already familiar with working with the district, and it feels good.”
Munetones expressed her enthusiasm for the journey ahead. “I’m ready for this next step. I’m ready to learn and to observe everything they have for me,” she said. “I want to become a teacher because it comes naturally to me, and it is something that I really enjoy.”
Embracing New Challenges at Douglass Elementary
Fernanda Morales will complete her residency at Douglass Elementary School, teaching fifth grade—a challenge she’s eager to embrace.
“I am excited that I got the district that I chose,” Morales said. “I mainly wanted to teach the lower grade levels, but I’m still excited for the challenge this will bring.”
As a first-generation college student, Morales views this opportunity as a significant milestone. “Being a first-generation student means so much for my parents and for myself,” she said. “I’m one step closer to becoming a teacher, and I know that it will be an amazing experience with the students and staff.”
Morales’s passion for helping others has been a lifelong pursuit, inspired by her family’s commitment to community service. “Since day one, I’ve been around helping my community whenever I can,” she said. “It has given me a purpose in life to help others, to see how others can change, and to impart my knowledge to them.”
Morales also recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities of working within El Paso ISD. “I know there are a lot of changes happening at the district, but I believe that as a community, we can all come together to face those challenges for the betterment of our students,” she said.
Her bilingual background has shaped her approach to education and inspired her to support her students in overcoming language barriers. “I grew up in a bilingual community, but my parents’ first language was Spanish,” Morales said. “It was a challenge for me at first, but I know if I can do it, then my students can do it as well. I want my students to know that this isn’t a challenge but an opportunity to grow and be successful in life.”
Fostering the Next Generation of Educators
The Miner Teacher Residency program reflects El Paso ISD’s dedication to cultivating future educators who are prepared to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms. Through this partnership with UTEP, the district continues to invest in the professional development of teachers who will inspire and guide the next generation of learners.
While Munetones and Morales represent just two of the talented candidates selected for El Paso ISD, each future educator brings a unique perspective and skill set to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for students across the district. Their journeys embody the passion and dedication that define great educators, marking the beginning of what promises to be impactful careers.