By Suleika Soto
When I think of the phrase “it takes a village,” I think of the most important people in a child’s life and upbringing: After parents, that would be teachers. And when I think of my own teachers, I think of Mrs. Fuentes.
When I was an elementary school student in Boston Public Schools in the late 1990s, this Panamanian Afro-Latina teacher played such an important role and made such a special impact in my life. Not only did Mrs. Fuentes help me learn English, she also helped me build the confidence I needed to navigate being Afro-Latina within a community that did not always understand me.
I truly believe that teachers can make a huge difference in children’s lives, beyond teaching them academics. Now that I am a parent with students of my own in Boston schools — my daughters Jazmyn (11) and Mykaela (13) — I have seen their teachers make that same special impact I experienced when I was their age.
Not only did Mrs. Fuentes help me learn English, she also helped me build the confidence I needed to navigate being Afro-Latina within a community that did not always understand me.
Throughout the years, all of their teachers have contributed tremendously not only to their education, but also to the respect and empathy they have for others, the confidence they have built, their leadership qualities and outgoing personalities.
One teacher who has made and continues to make a difference in my children’s lives is Mrs. Navarro, at Blackstone Elementary School. Throughout my nine years as a Blackstone parent, Mrs. Navarro has been a wonderful presence in the community. She always has time to say “como estás” or “how are you” with a smile to every parent and student she runs into. As my children’s teacher, she was always available to answer questions and understood the importance of communication between teachers, parents and their students.
I really appreciate how they go above and beyond to support my family.
There have been times when teachers have been my biggest support system; As a single parent I really appreciate how they go above and beyond to support my family. One winter, I fractured my wrist after a fall in the snow, and I couldn’t do my daughters’ hair. I did what I could, and used headbands and scarves to cover their heads, but I was embarrassed — and though they did not show it because they didn’t want to make me feel bad, I think the girls were embarrassed, too. Mrs. Navarro noticed the situation and asked what was going on. When Mykaela explained that I had a broken wrist, Mrs. Navarro took it upon herself to do my girls’ hair herself.
I am so grateful for these gestures, small and large, from my own teachers and from my children’s teachers. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and teachers play such important roles in that village.
Republished with permission from AFT Voices.
About the Author
Suleika Soto is a parent of two children in Boston.
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