Estie Cuellar

William Handlin

Spring Woods High School

 

 

 

 

 

...During my thirty years in education, I have had the opportunity to observe excellence in countless teachers. Many of these teachers exhibited excellence in the classroom with the ways in which they motivated their students to reach heights that the students didn't even know possible. Other teachers found new and innovative ways to help the school through their work with students groups. These groups gave students a place to belong, a connection to the school that enhanced their overall growth. I have been blessed to know teachers who make an amazing difference through their service on district committees. These committees and their work set a positive course that empowered both students and teachers. Estie Cuellar is a teacher who embodies all of these teachers in one. She is that excellent teacher who is at the top of my list.

               

Years ago, I had the great fortune of floating into Estie’s computer lab to teach Multimedia. Estie made me feel welcome from day one. I was thoroughly inspired by the organization of her lab, but also in the forward thinking of the curriculum that she was implementing. Her students benefit from Estie as she consistently uses new and innovative techniques and curricula. These qualities become evident in her students as well, because she making her students feel comfortable with taking chances. This enables a depth and growth in her students that is second to none.

               

Pride in her school is evident in the excellence she expects out of her students, both in her class and in her Junior Achievement chapter. Estie has built the Spring Woods Junior Achievement chapter from the ground up. It has been a labor of love. This depth of caring for her students increases their engagement and supports them in learning to work together in teams to achieve great honor for the school. The Junior Achievement chapter has also found many ways to bring financial capital into the school. This capital has enabled our library to continue to provide many needed opportunities for our students.

             

I have been greatly moved by the opportunity to teach with Estie Cuellar. She has made me a better educator through her example. Estie will be a great loss for Spring Woods High School and a great gain for your school and district. This is not a person to allow to get away -this is a person who will enhance the educational opportunities for everyone she meets. We are all fortunate to work with people who are the best at what they do and through their example make everyone better. Estie Cuellar is one of those people. Estie goes with my highest recommendation.