Aldine Educators Honored for Excellence in Bilingual Education at SHABE Banquet

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One of the five educators will advance to the TABE Teachers of the Year program; SHABE bestowed scholarships to four students from La Promesa.

Several Aldine ISD educators were recognized for excellence in bilingual and multilingual education during the recent banquet hosted by the Suburban Houston Association of Bilingual Educators (SHABE).

The annual event celebrates teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment toward supporting multilingual learners and advancing bilingual education across the Houston region.

“In Aldine ISD, we believe all means all,” Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney said. “Our multilingual learners bring incredible strengths, perspectives, and potential to our classrooms. These educators are helping ensure every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed — and that is the heart of the #AldineStory.”

Gold Distinction Honoree

When Fama Sarr arrived in the United States at 18, she was learning a new language and finding her voice. Today, she is helping Aldine ISD students do the same. Sarr, an ESL teacher at Plummer Middle School, earned Gold Distinction as SHABE’s Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year. With the recognition, she will represent Aldine ISD at the state level through the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) Teacher of the Year competition.

Originally from Senegal, Sarr arrived at 18 and quickly learned that language offers access to opportunity and a sense of belonging.

“My path into education was driven by a desire to be the teacher I once needed,” Sarr said. “I wanted to create classrooms where students would never feel ashamed of their language, culture, or background.”

Now fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Sarr emphasizes supporting multilingual learners as they develop academic language. Watching students gain confidence reinforces her commitment to teaching.

“Students who speak multiple languages are not behind — they are building something complex and valuable,” Sarr said.

Silver Distinction Honorees

Other Aldine educators also received recognition for their dedication to emergent bilingual students.

Mirna Orellana, a second-grade dual language teacher at Thompson Elementary School, received Silver Distinction as SHABE’s Bilingual Teacher of the Year.

“This recognition is a meaningful honor that reflects the dedication, perseverance, and strengths of my students,” Orellana said. “It represents the work happening in our classroom where bilingualism is celebrated, and students are encouraged to grow academically in two languages.”

Orellana highlighted how rewarding it is to see students realize bilingualism as a strength.

“Multilingual learners bring rich cultural experiences, determination, and unique perspectives to the classroom,” Orellana said. “Watching them grow in confidence as they develop language and academic skills in two languages is incredibly rewarding.”

Paisley Jack, an ESL kindergarten teacher at García-Leza EC/PreK/K School, also earned Silver Distinction as SHABE’s Elementary ESL Teacher of the Year.

“The SHABE recognition means a great deal to me because it reflects the heart, dedication, and intentional work I put into my classroom each day,” Jack said. “I strive to create a supportive environment where my students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.”

Jack said she enjoys watching students become more confident in their English skills.

“It is incredibly rewarding to support them as they learn to communicate, participate, and succeed in the classroom,” Jack said.

Also receiving Silver Distinction was Maria Shelton, a Spanish teacher at Aldine Middle School, who was recognized as SHABE’s Language Other Than English (LOTE) Teacher of the Year.

Shelton noted the recognition reflects both her students’ growth and her journey as an educator.

“This recognition is very meaningful to me because it reflects the work and growth happening in my classroom every day,” Shelton said. “Many of my students come from multilingual backgrounds, and I strive to honor their identities while holding them to high expectations.”

After years of teaching history, Shelton’s first year as a Spanish teacher deepened her commitment to learning.

“What I love most is the cultural richness and resilience our students bring to the classroom,” Shelton said. “In Aldine ISD, multilingual learners are not defined by challenges but by strengths, and it is a privilege to help them recognize the power and value of the languages they carry.”

She incorporates culturally relevant lessons and structured support to help students build confidence and academic skills.

“By combining high expectations with meaningful cultural connections, students develop pride in their identity while strengthening their communication and critical thinking skills,” Shelton said.

Bronze Distinction

Breanna Jagodzinski, an ESL teacher at Victory Early College High School, received Bronze Distinction as SHABE’s Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year.

Jagodzinski said the award reflects her passion for literacy and empowering students.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from SHABE for doing what I love each day,” Jagodzinski said. “As a high school literacy educator, I look forward to watching the next generation of empowered readers, writers, and thinkers change the world.”

At Victory Early College High School, Jagodzinski works with many first-generation college-bound students and said literacy plays a critical role in opening doors for multilingual learners.

“Once students gain confidence, literacy becomes a tool for self-advocacy, opportunity, and empowerment beyond the classroom,” she said. “Literacy gives our multilingual students a voice in spaces that may have once been inaccessible to them.”

Jagodzinski previously earned district recognition as Aldine ISD’s 2021 Elementary Teacher of the Year while teaching at Houston Academy and was also named a Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year finalist that year.

La Promesa Students Earn Scholarships

The SHABE banquet also celebrated Aldine students. Four students from La Promesa High School received $500 scholarships for their academic achievement and commitment to bilingualism:

• Ariadna Padrón Báez
• Mai Hong Giang Hoang
• Norma Erazo León
• Amairany Sánchez Silva

SHABE works to promote bilingual education and support educators serving multilingual learners across the Houston region.

Sarr will now advance to represent Aldine ISD in the TABE Teacher of the Year program, where educators from across Texas are recognized for their leadership and advocacy in bilingual and ESL education.

The recognition highlights the impact Aldine educators are making to ensure multilingual students succeed academically while embracing their language and culture — a commitment aligned with the district’s Accelerate strategic plan and the district’s ongoing #AldineStory of preparing globally connected learners.