By Eduardo Villa

Paredes Middle School teacher Kiara Dailey scored the Teacher of the Match recognition at an Austin FC match Wednesday night. 

Soccer fans cheered Dailey during a special halftime announcement, recognizing her for creating safe environments for the LGBTQIA+ community in her classroom and school.

“I am incredibly grateful to have the work my students and I are doing recognized beyond just the district but also the greater Austin community,” Dailey said.

Dailey immediately jumped on the opportunity when asked to serve as the Texas Gender and Sexuality Alliance teacher sponsor last school year. Through her service in the role, she provided students with spaces where they could be themselves.

“I trust who they tell me they are –– I listen to what the students have to say, ask them questions, and allow them to teach each other about things that they didn’t know about,” Dailey said.

As Teacher of the Match, Dailey and her family received a behind-the-scenes stadium tour, enjoyed complimentary admission to the soccer game, and were gifted an Austin FC fan pack with a scarf and a t-shirt.

Dailey teaches seventh-grade special education math at Paredes Middle School, where she attended as a student.

“Her knowledge and experience made her want to give back to her school community in a positive way,” said Vicente Salazar, Paredes Middle School principal. “She is very passionate and continues to go above and beyond for not only her students, but families and staff as well. She is a true inspiration and continues to lead by example!"