As Maria Iglesias posed for photos in her classroom at Scarborough Elementary School to celebrate her selection as the Associate Teacher of the Month for March, several of her kindergarten students stood by quietly hoping to get a photo with their favorite associate teacher.

“I just come here and I know they need so much help, especially now because of the pandemic,” Iglesias said. “I know I can help them, push them forward, however I can make a difference in their lives.”

Repeatedly referring to them as “my kids,” Iglesias has long had a passion for teaching. She became a part-time associate teacher when she retired as a full-time HISD teacher with the district, where she taught for 16 years.

It’s a dedication that Scarborough Principal Miriam Medina said has been ever-present since she first started with the school last year.

“Maria Iglesias has become an integral part of the Scarborough Team,” Medina said. “She is always willing to help and go the extra mile in her daily classroom duties.”

At Stevens Elementary School in Oak Forest, Marcos Gonzalez Rivero was surprised just as the school was beginning for the day. As the A180 Dedicated Associate Teacher of the Month, he goes “above and beyond daily,” according to Principal Erin Trent.

“He supports students, teachers, parents, and staff in any area,” Trent said. “I could not think of a better employee campus-wide to celebrate. He is our hardest worker.”

And—according to his co-workers—it’s classic form for Mr. Gonzalez Rivero to try and share credit for his hard work.

“It’s not only for me, it is for this fantastic team,” Gonzalez Rivero said. “For me, it’s just a pleasure to be a part of Stevens Elementary.”

The two recognition programs are sponsored by Raising Cane’s. Each selected teacher receives a gift basket filled with merchant gift cards and promotional items. To nominate an Associate or Achieve 180 Dedicated Associated Teacher of the Month, click here.