District Elementary Teacher of the Year

Ms. Kim Cortez makes her students her top priority, fostering growth academically, socially, and emotionally. She creates a comfortable learning environment where students are challenged to think critically, collaborate, show empathy, and develop lifelong skills, all while being supported and cared for as if they were her own children.Through her high expectations and nurturing approach, she ensures every student feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential — and that is the mark of a truly extraordinary teacher.