JOEL STEWART Award of Excellence

JOEL STEWART Award of Excellence

Maria Garcia

People often find The Westview School in unexpected ways. Maria Garcia first heard of Westview from her boyfriend, Hector. Hector is a long-time contract employee of The Westview School, managing all the landscaping and lawn maintenance for the school grounds. Maria remembers Hector telling her about Westview, "This is a very special place. I think it would be perfect for you."

Maria started substitute teaching at Westview, and after a year of subbing in an Upper Elementary class, an assistant teaching job in prekindergarten became available. Maria was offered the position, and "of course," she said, "Yes!" "Just like Hector predicted, it was 'perfect' for me," said Maria.

This coming school year marks Maria's sixth year as an instructional assistant at Westview. Working with children has been a lifelong commitment for Maria. As a young mother, Maria ran a daycare in her home. She babysat for children ages six weeks to five years old daily for about 3.5 years. "Kids have always been my thing," she said.

Her education experience began working with special needs students in Alief ISD. "I was a receptionist for the alternative school in Alief ISD," said Maria, "because I was bilingual, I was often asked to sit in as an interpreter for ARDs."

Maria says she learned a lot sitting with families and helping them understand their children's education options. This led her to a position as an assistant in a special needs classroom. While in Alief, she worked with students with learning disabilities and emotionally disturbed students in a 1:1 setting. It was a very fulfilling time for Maria; she felt like she was making a difference in her students' lives.

"I spent 14 years in Alief ISD, mainly with high school students," said Maria. "But my heart is with the littlest kids. They are just so sweet."

In August 2017, Maria began working full-time at The Westview School as an assistant teacher in prekindergarten. Aside from being a full-time prekindergarten assistant, Maria is also part of Westview's extended day program staff.

Maria is well-loved by her co-workers. One coworker said, "It is easy to see how Maria goes above and beyond to do her very best job in every task she takes on. Maria is committed to her own personal growth and development and is always looking for more ways to support the students and teachers."

Another co-worker calls Maria "an angel." "She is so dedicated to her job and extended day. She never fails to show up for you when needed and is always present and dedicated with the children."

Maria is also loved by the students with whom she works, and the feeling is mutual. "This is such a beautiful job for me," said Maria. "[My students] have such a special soul. They are innocent and pure, and Westview is such a happy place for them." You can tell the pride she takes in caring for her kids. "I love to see students arrive at school with a smile on their faces," said Maria, "And they are always excited to come back the next day, 'see you tomorrow!' they will say."

She's a ray of sunshine and treats all her students with kindness.

The Joel Stewart Award of Excellence is awarded each year to the teaching assistant who exemplifies the attributes of commitment, care, loyalty, and helpfulness. Westview feels tremendous gratitude for the exemplary service provided to Westview by Maria. Westview is delighted to have awarded Maria Garcia the 2021-2022 Joel Stewart Award of Excellence for Teacher Assistant of the Year.