Teaching journey starts in high school for new teacher

Newly certified teacher Ruby Patino’s journey to her current position as a bilingual teacher at Buckner Terrace Montessori began a few miles away at Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy. 

She graduated in 2022 not only with a high school diploma but also an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree through the high school's P-TECH education pathway. A key part of her journey was receiving a letter of intent from the district’s Human Capital Management, which guaranteed her a teaching position upon certification.

“Securing that guaranteed teaching position provided tremendous peace of mind,” she said. “It allowed me to focus entirely on my studies without the stress of an active job search and seamlessly transition into my home at Buckner Terrace.”

Patino didn’t wait until she was certified to pursue her goal of becoming a teacher. The fall after graduating from high school, she stepped back into Dallas ISD classrooms as a substitute teacher and teacher assistant at Edwin J. Kiest Elementary School and Buckner Terrace. While gaining hands-on experience, she worked on her bachelor's degree at Texas Woman’s University, where she also served as president of the college’s Bilingual Education Student Organization.

“Stepping into substitute teaching and teacher assistant roles immediately after high school was pivotal to both my academic success and professional confidence,” Ruby said. “It gave me a practical preview of classroom management that complemented my studies at TWU and helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.”

As she prepares to pursue her master's degree, the accomplishment carries deep personal significance for the first-generation college graduate.

 “Leading my own classroom in the district that helped raise me professionally represents the fulfillment of my parents' sacrifices,” Patino said. “My dream of becoming a teacher has always been driven by the mentors who guided me, and I am grateful for the journey.”  

Her impact is already felt across the campus community.

“Her journey from substitute teacher to teacher assistant and now certified bilingual teacher is a powerful example of perseverance, purpose, and professional growth,” said Ebonie Lewis, principal of Buckner Terrace. ““We had the privilege of witnessing Ruby develop her skills while building meaningful relationships with our students, families, and staff. She brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to ensuring that every child feels valued and supported. Ruby’s story demonstrates what is possible when Dallas ISD invests in its students, develops aspiring educators, and creates pathways for them to return and serve their communities.”

To learn more about the education pathway program and the Letter of Intent teaching promise, visit the Dallas ISD Teacher Education Pathways webpage and follow us on social media @dallasisdfutureteachers.