EL PASO, TEXAS — An Ysleta High School educator who overcame challenges early in life is being recognized for his dedication to his students and the example he sets inside and outside the classroom.
English teacher Jacob Pineda was named the Region 19 Secondary Teacher of the Year last week, but his duties extend beyond the classroom. He also serves as a coach.
Pineda, who once attended Ysleta High School himself, said his path to becoming an educator was shaped by the difficulties and choices he faced when he was younger.
“I was in the military after high school due to my poor choices, so my options were” limited, Pineda said.
Pineda served in the U.S. Navy before returning to El Paso, where he pursued a degree in education after finding inspiration in other educators. His journey eventually brought him back to Ysleta High School — this time as a teacher.
“I believe that there are certain things in life that guide us in certain directions, and my path led me back here,” Pineda said. “I think all the troubled youth and all the experiences and the negative things that we might have been involved with actually shape us and harden us if we’re smart enough to use those experiences for their advantage and the benefits.”
His students say Pineda’s impact extends beyond academics.
“Mr. Pineda made a difference in teaching because he connects,” student Jose Guadian said.
Student Sophia Trejo said Pineda has also encouraged students to look beyond their schoolwork.
“He reminded us that there’s just more to life than school, that we need to live life as well,” Trejo said.
Pineda said he hopes his experiences and continued personal growth can show students what they are capable of achieving.
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“If I have done this already in my life, you know, I’m 36 years old and only the past couple years have I truly started to invest in my own growth of what I preach, what else can I do?” Pineda said. “What else am I capable of? And how else can we help you along that way?”
Pineda will represent the El Paso area as he moves forward in the Texas Teacher of the Year program.
Region 19 also named Dr. Nancy Torres of the Canutillo Independent School District as Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Pineda appeared in our School Spotlight segment on July 13.
You can read her full story by clicking her story here.
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