I will never forget how one teacher’s words—“Chelly, you are full of potential and are bound for greatness!"--changed my life. My teacher had planted a seed in my heart and it blossomed into passion.
How could one sentence have such a major impact on my life? It is simple really. It was sincere! I needed to hear that someone believed in me, someone cared, someone looked at me with their heart, and that someone was my teacher who pushed me to be the best I could be. I knew from that moment that I wanted to be a teacher—a sower of seeds.
Today, I am an English Language Arts & Composition teacher. My teaching experience began at Silva Health Magnet then solidified at the Center for Career and Technology Education, and now, for the first time, I am officially, and proudly, a mighty Chapin Husky. Although my experiences have spanned three very different campuses, each has helped me to grow as an educator and person.
I graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with Cum Laude honors when I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English American Literature / British Literature. I also hold a state certification in English as a Second Language, and am currently pursuing a Master’s in the Arts of Teaching English. I was awarded a scholarship from UTEP based on an essay I wrote to use towards my Masters, and I was awarded with the EPISD Dual-Credit Scholarship that will also aid my educational endeavors.
Outside of school, I provide Basic Life Support and First Aid Courses to the community as a certified CPR instructor through American Heart Association (since 2001) and EPCC. On the volleyball court, my girls—Lady Rattlers—call me Coach Herrera. At home, my babies call me mom, and my husband calls me Chell.
I wear many hats. I am a mother, a wife, a counselor, a coach, a teacher, a friend, a motivator, an instigator, a guide, a cheerleader, a secretary, a taxi, a banker, daughter, a sister, a student, an employee, an aunt, a godmother, an instructor, a boss, a child of God, and a believer. My passion stems from love, and I love what I do! I am a sower of seeds.
What Classes do I teach?
1.American Literature (English III)
2. AP English Language & Composition (AP English III)
3. British Literature (English IV)
I was the first CCTE English Teacher to receive an impact grant from the Classroom Fund. I used the funds to order new books, classroom supplies, and other valuable resources that are still used today. This is just another example of how English Language Arts is applied beyond the classroom.
Certified Independent Instructor through AHA since 2001