Raul Hernandez
My name is Raul Hernandez and I’m a Paraprofessional Educator at Riverside Elementary in Ysleta ISD. I have been a member of the Ysleta Teachers Association (YTA) for seven years. When someone enters the profession, I try to recruit and advise them to join the Association. The association gives them support and peace of mind knowing that they are protected at all times. I let them know that the association has a support group for beginning teachers that will guide them through their first year, and I give them words of encouragement and invite them to meetings where they can voice their concerns.
During my time with YTA, I have also represented members with issues that they have encountered. My association is a great organization that has helped me become a better leader and advocate for the members at my campus and throughout the district. I am a proud member and will continue to help build a stronger relationship between the Ysleta ISD and the YTA.
My involvement in YTA has made me aware of the laws that protect me as a teacher as well as important upcoming events and changes that affect me and my profession. I take this information to my fellow members/teachers who are having issues or are in need of advice.
As an ESP, I help and support my students on a daily basis in and out of the classroom. I keep them safe and help ensure they have a good day of learning. I greet students with a smile in the drop off area, helping or direct them in the hallways to make sure they get to class on time. In the cafeteria, I make sure they eat their meals and have a full stomach. During P.E., we enjoy dancing and can be silly, and then I help after school when it’s time to say goodbye until tomorrow.
I am also involved in my church, where I donate my time and monetary help in any way I can to assist parishioners. On Sundays, I help with the cafeteria breakfast, and I am a part of the VIRTUS programs that supports the Church in being a safe haven for children and a messenger for preventing child sexual abuse within the Church and society in general. I also help with the annual bazaar.
Whether giving encouragement and support to my students and colleagues at school, or serving others through my church, I am grateful for what I have and what I do. I believe that I make a difference every day at my campus and in my community, and believe that every one of us can make a difference, too, if we join together for the good of our students, our schools, and our communities.