The energy of Abril Orozco is hard to miss when entering her classroom at Omaha South.
For Orozco, a Spanish teacher, teaching isn’t just about lessons and tests; it’s about creating a safe and positive environment where students can feel free to be themselves. Having an early job at the Salvation Army where working with youth was essential made her realize that she wanted to have a future working with children.
One of Orozco’s favorite parts of teaching is being able to have the opportunity to learn about each of her students. While Orozco is the teacher, she also is able to learn new things from her students every year.
“I think it’s very interesting being able to listen to the different stories students have every year,” Orozco added.
Like other teachers, Orozco faces different challenges such as making sure that every student feels supported throughout the year. One of the biggest challenges she has faced is teaching students with different skill levels.
Orozco wants to assist struggling learners while keeping everyone engaged at all times. Different ways that Orozco has found success with this challenge are by mixing up table groups, encouraging group work and finding ways everyone can enjoy the activities.
Orozco said she has clear goals for students that are far more than just memorizing vocabulary. While she hopes that she can help her students improve their speaking and writing skills, she also wants them to make connections with what they learn in class.
“I want to be that teacher that students remember once they graduate,” Orozco added.
With the passion Orozco has for teaching and the dedication she has to her students, she turns every lesson into a learning experience. She inspires students to take a risk, have a voice and also see learning as a journey.
