2021-2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year n atal I e C u CCI a Pinkerton Elementary

Being a champion for a child is what drives Pinkerton Elementary Special Education Teacher Natalie Cuccia, the CISD 2021-2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“Fear gripped me on my first day of school,” Cuccia says. “I was only 5, but Perthes Disease had robbed me of my childhood. My full-leg brace inhibited me from doing all the things I loved to do.”

It was her kindergarten teacher, Ms. Johnston, who was Cuccia’s champion and made sharing about her disability an honor.

“At that moment, my life was transformed,” Cuccia says. “Deep inside me was a longing to impact another person’s life, just as she did for me.”

“It is with the same loving eyes that Ms. Johnston showed me, that I welcome every new student,” Cuccia continues. “I walk side by side with my learners through every rageful moment, aggressive word and act of desperation.

Looking past the behavior, I find the child.”

Cuccia says her students are successful, because everyone in her school embraces the ideology that every child has greatness.

“The support and strength at Pinkerton is unwavering,” she says. “Every day, I learn something from the interactions with our staff. There is a climate of open collaboration, acceptance, and a growth mindset.”

With all the challenges facing educators these days, Cuccia says the love and support of educators must remain constant. Her classroom is about instilling hope and encouraging her learners to rise above their present struggles.

“My kids have overcome insurmountable obstacles to lead successful and happy lives,” Cuccia says. “One boy, who was transferred to me in the first grade from a psychiatric hospital was suicidal and full of rage. Throughout our time together, I saw so much growth in him.

This young man is now enlisted in the army and is giving back to our country.”

For Cuccia, there is no greater joy than when you have impacted a child’s life. She believes schools are a sanctuary where children can learn and grow in an environment full of hope and openness.

“If teachers allow time for self-reflection, take care of our emotional needs, rely on our team and always put the needs of the child first, all of this will enable us to be the champions that all of our kids deserve.”