A look at the first year: Meet the new teachers
The Beat will be following four Dallas ISD teachers in their first year with the district throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Get to know who they are and such details as what inspired them to become teachers, why they chose Dallas ISD, and what their favorite cafeteria food was growing up. We will be checking in on them every few months to chat about their experiences on the job during their first year. As part of its supports for new teachers, Dallas ISD will hold the New Teacher & Mentor Teacher Social at 5 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Dave & Buster’s, 9450 N. Central Expressway.
Rodrigo Lopez
W.W. Samuell High School
What is your professional background?
Currently I am a 11th grade U.S history teacher at W.W Samuell High School. I have a double major in political science and integrated studies with an emphasis in history, psychology and anthropology. With these skills, I have had several jobs as head of a catering department, marketing manager for the Dallas Cowboys and court clerk for a Justice of the Peace. I am extremely excited with my new career choice as part of the Dallas Independent School District, and with helping change the lives of my students.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always taken leadership roles throughout my career, but it wasn’t until I had to make a difficult choice that would end up changing my life. During the pandemic, I decided that I wanted to take a leap towards two things: law school or becoming a teacher. I know that becoming an attorney has its own privileges, but as I was assisting my godson with his homeschooling, during the pandemic, I realized that I had the aptitude that fits perfectly with being a teacher. As a first-generation immigrant student, with immigrant parents, an emerging bilingual, Mexican American from Mexico City, I am ecstatic to know that I made the right choice. I carry within me the wherewithal to empathize with my students to help them succeed.
Why did you choose Dallas ISD? Are you a Dallas ISD alum (or is anyone in your family)?
The program that I was hired into was the Latino and African American Adjunct Teacher Program, and I chose this program because of what it stands for. The program allowed for us to be assistant teachers for district schools in dire need of minority representation as we complete our Alternative Certification Program requirements. I really do feel as if Samuell really chose me because I felt right at home from the first day I stepped into the school grounds in early 2023. I graduated from North Dallas High School in 2006, so it feels amazing to be part of Dallas ISD
What are you most excited for during the new school year?
Just the memories that you begin to be part of as you go on through your year. I have amazing students and team members that I am creating a considerable number of memories with already.
What was your favorite cafeteria food when you were in school?
Definitely Frito pies and tacos during taco Tuesday.
What book that you read in school made the biggest impact on you?
“To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Friday Night Lights”
Which teacher you had made a lasting impression on you?
Mr. Bible was the best teacher that I ever had. He was my AP English III and IV teacher, and he helped me pass my assessment test and got me interested in reading. I appreciate all of his fervor.
What are some of your hobbies?
Watching anime, reading books, martial arts, going out on walks with my wife and dogs, and eating out at new places throughout the metroplex
Wade Streeter
Boude Storey Middle School
What is your professional background?
I got my bachelor of science degree from Miles College in Birmingham, Ala. I got my master’s in urban education from Langston University in Langston, Okla.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My parents inspired me to become a teacher. They were both teachers and coaches.
Why did you choose Dallas ISD? Are you a Dallas ISD alum (or is anyone in your family)?
I chose Dallas ISD to help and give back to the youth of the community that I live in. I’m originally from Birmingham, Ala.
What are you most excited for during the new school year?
The opportunity to see the growth in my students and athletes.
What was your favorite cafeteria food when you were in school?
Spaghetti was my favorite food when I was in school.
What book that you read in school made the biggest impact on you?
I would have to say my school textbooks because they were always a good resource for me and gave me great practice and knowledge for my core classes.
Which teacher you had made a lasting impression on you?
My high school science teacher and baseball coach, Mr. Steinardt. He always motivated me to do better and keep growing in school.
What are some of your hobbies?
Outside of work, I enjoy fitness, watching movies, sports and great food.
Christie Cummings
Mark Twain School for the Talented and Gifted
What is your professional background?
I have a bachelor of science in biology with a minor in chemistry from Prairie View A&M University in 2005. Six years as an educator—four years high school science, two years middle school science. Completing a second bachelor of science degree in nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington. I have 20 years as a salon small business owner in Houston.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I absolutely love it! It has filled a void in my life and been not only therapeutic, but also rewarding. There is something unique about pouring into the life of a student. Not only do you educate them academically, but as an educator, I also help cultivate and shape the individual they will become for future generations. As educators we not only teach them, but students also teach us. At times, they help us see hidden things within ourselves and learn new things, especially when it comes to the latest in technology. Teaching has been second nature for me. Having a mother who has been in education over 20 years on all grade levels, and is now a middle school counselor, contributed to my desire to teach, as well. My grandmother being a retired chemistry professor, father being a mechanical engineer, aunt who is an elementary teacher, and sister who is a robotics engineer, still only to name a few, have also helped me realize that science and education are fused into the fabric of my being.
Why did you choose Dallas ISD? Are you a Dallas ISD alum (or is anyone in your family)?
Being that I was born in Dallas and ready to make the transition from Houston back to my roots, Dallas ISD is where I wanted to be. I am also a Dallas alum, having graduated from the School for Health Professions at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. My younger sister is also a Dallas ISD alum having graduated from the School of Business at Townview. My mother was also an educator in Dallas ISD for several years.
What are you most excited for during the new school year?
Meeting, learning, and developing rapport with students and my colleagues. I’m also excited to teach science and social studies content that students don’t know yet and see how amazed they are at what they learn. I’m even more excited to take them on field trips to the Perot Museum and the Environmental Education Center!
What was your favorite cafeteria food when you were in school?
I would have to say pizza. LOL.
What book that you read in school made the biggest impact on you?
“Beauty Fades, Dumb is Forever” by Judge Judy Sheindlin
Which teacher you had made a lasting impression on you?
My band teacher at Welch Middle School, Mrs. Steigler. She was so passionate about teaching us how to play music, but at the same time she was very quirky and a hippie at heart. I liked how she wasn’t afraid to be her authentic self. I feel like I studied her as a person even more so than the music she taught me. I admired her tenacity and confidence. It was from her that I learned how to play the alto saxophone.
What are some of your hobbies?
Practicing my faith, spending time with family, gardening, being a dog-mom, and keeping up with world news and ALL things Science.
Ella Spratt-Szarzynski
Nancy J. Cochran Elementary School
What is your professional background?
I just graduated with my bachelor’s in communication from Central Michigan University in 2022. From there, I moved to Texas to begin my master’s in teaching as well as teaching full-time in the classroom with City Teaching Alliance. Before this, I held odd jobs, all having to do with kids, such as babysitting, camp counselor, teacher’s assistant, bilingual teacher’s assistant, and many more. I also worked for United Way for two summers as their community engagement coordinator, where I organized volunteer activities like creating beautiful interactive school art installations and a back-to-school drive.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to become a teacher from the lack of support I have seen for black and brown students across America. I want to be one of the change makers in making sure that they feel seen and valued no matter the space they are in. I also want to make learning as fun as possible so that students can enjoy learning while also understanding its importance for the rest of their lives. My goal is to combine learning and play to create an environment for students to see their progress and appreciate their success.
Why did you choose Dallas ISD? Are you a Dallas ISD alum (or is anyone in your family)?
I chose Dallas ISD through my program, City Teaching Alliance. But since being in Dallas ISD, I have realized just how important ACE Campuses are and the structures put in place to make sure every school in Dallas ISD succeeds and not just those with the proper resources put in place. I love how Dallas ISD takes chances on new teachers like me and gives us the opportunity to grow and learn as we go throughout our first years in teaching.
What are you most excited for during the new school year?
I am most excited to build relationships within my classroom. I am excited to create an environment that is fun, creative, and loving for my students so that we can get the most out of our learning every day.
What was your favorite cafeteria food when you were in school?
When I was in school, my favorite day in the cafeteria was always pizza day! I still crave it now.
What book that you read in school made the biggest impact on you?
I read a book called “Ella the Elegant Elephant” in school that has always stuck with me. Of course, my name is in the title, so I loved it right away. But what has stuck with me since is the kindness and compassion she showed throughout the story even when it wasn’t always granted to her. I have also always loved the message of caring for others because you never know what they are going through and kindness can always bring so much more happiness than harm.
Which teacher you had made a lasting impression on you?
My first- and second-grade teacher, Mrs. Gordon, inspired me at such a young age to take charge of my learning and never settle for less. She showed me the importance of vouching for myself and ensuring I was always pushed to my limits no matter the circumstances. She is truly my inspiration for becoming a teacher.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies include walking my dog, listening to music, exercising, driving my car, hanging out with friends, enjoying nature, sleeping, and eating.
