CUSD 50 Staff Spotlight: Sharon Velazquez Flores, ESL Teacher at Jefferson Elementary
"I am a proud Puerto Rican! Before Harvard, I lived my entire life in a small town called Aguas Buenas, about 30 minutes from the capital. I attended a private Catholic school in a neighboring town from PreK through 12th grade. I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico’s main campus in Rio Piedras, and a couple of years ago, I completed my master’s degree online through the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico."
"I joined D50 in 2019 right after college, but my journey as an educator started much earlier. Starting in middle school we had to complete community service hours in order to graduate. While many peers chose to work with senior citizens, or animals, or help clean parks and beaches, I was drawn to the classroom- and that’s where I discovered my passion for teaching. I was inspired by many incredible educators who supported and shaped me growing up, and that continues to motivate me today. Since arriving in D50, I’ve been at Jefferson Elementary, where I’ve learned so much and been inspired by all my colleagues. One of my biggest role models has been my mentor, Michele Rosales, who has guided me since day one. I aspire to be even a fraction as impactful and phenomenal as she is."
"What I love most about being an educator is building meaningful relationships. I take great pride in forming strong, authentic relationships with everyone in the school community- students, staff and families. Relationships are the foundation for everything we do; they create trust, a sense of belonging, and a space where students feel safe to take risks and grow. Seeing students feel supported and confident is what makes this work so rewarding."
"What I love the most about D50 is that even though it is a smaller district, it is packed with a lot of heart and acceptance. Our community is incredibly diverse and I am especially proud of the great Hispanic representation, and can only hope we continue to elevate those voices. It is important to me to be part of a place where different cultures are seen, valued and celebrated."
"If you want to spread more positivity in your own life or your workplace, you should focus on small but meaningful gestures and actions. Choose kindness in your words and reactions, celebrate the small wins, and always lift others up."