Fast forward to her first job at Houston Elementary School in Lancaster ISD, where Sanguino started working as a night custodian. She knew hard work would ultimately help her reach her goal of becoming a classroom teacher. Her strong work ethic did not go unnoticed, and she was soon moved to the day shift. After three years of working hard and improving her English, Sanguino took the next step toward her dream: she applied for and became a teacher’s aide. She didn’t stop there because her dream had yet to come true, so Sanguino took two more giant steps towards her dream by earning her associate’s degree from Dallas Community College, and then her Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies in Education from University of North Texas at Dallas. Quite an amazing accomplishment, since Sanguino was going to college full time and working full time, all the while being a mother, wife, sister, and friend. Today, you will find Sanguino teaching math, reading, writing, science, and social studies to second graders at, you guessed it, Houston Elementary School. A true believer that all
students can learn, she tries to put herself in her students’ shoes, so she can identify and meet their specific needs. By making these connections with her students, she ensures every student is engaged and excited to participate in learning. She also fosters the love of learning outside of her classroom. Just like her parents years ago, Sanguino wants her students to know they can reach out to their community and reciprocate by giving back. Having her students participate in Career Day introduces them to a variety of organizations, programs, and of course, people who may someday employ them. “My goal is to get a master’s degree and become a principal one day and even have my own school someday,” Sanguino said. Sanguino has served Lancaster ISD in many ways for 20 years and counting. One of her dreams has come true, and she is already looking forward to the future. It’s what she does and it’s what she wants for her students, so she encourages them daily. She wants each of them to have a dream and the skills to make it come true. Yes, it can be done.
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