Perez Elementary School Teacher María Jesús Sebastián recognized for efforts made on behalf of English Language Learners

Perez Elementary School teacher María Jesús Sebastián has been recognized by the National Association for Bilingual Education as its Teacher of the Year. 

She met one of the many qualifications of distinguishing herself as an outstanding teacher and educational leader. She played an active and useful role in her community as well as in her school. 

"Bilingual education provides opportunities to communicate with our students regardless of their background," Sebastián said. "It provides a path where we can involve our families and provide opportunities for our children to grow. It helps them see the world in a different way and help them think of equity and their right to learn no matter where they come from. As a proud foreigner, I am glad to be part of a district that supports people from all over the world."

Sebastián has been with Austin ISD for 13 years as a bilingual teacher at Perez. She taught third-grade bilingual and dual-language classes for 11 years and currently teaches second-grade dual language.

AISD Executive Director of Multilingual Education David Kauffman said the recognition is an amazing accomplishment.

"Austin ISD is extremely proud to see María Jesús Sebastián recognized nationally for her strong commitment to providing emergent bilingual students with a dual language education grounded in a recognition of the tremendous linguistic, academic, and cultural gifts that her students bring to school," he said. "Ms. Sebastián promotes her students' growth by investing in her own professional development in bilingual education, technology integration, and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. We are grateful to the National Association for Bilingual Education for recognizing the difference that dedicated and skilled bilingual teachers make." 

Sebastián holds a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on bilingual education from Prairie View A&M University, graduating summa cum laude in 2000. She also holds an Associate of Arts degree from North Harris College in Houston.

About NABE
Since 1975, the National Association for Bilingual Education has been a non-profit membership organization that works to advocate for educational equity and academic excellence for bilingual/multilingual students in a global society.

NABE's priorities include:  Improving instructional programs and practices for linguistically and culturally diverse children; providing bilingual and dual language educators with high-quality professional development opportunities; securing adequate funding for quality dual language programs serving English Learners ; and keeping the rights of ELs clearly in focus as states and communities move forward with sustainable educational reforms.