LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kassandra Dominguez

Position: Kindergarten/First Grade Dual Language Teacher
School: Sunset Ridge Elementary School
School District: Pendergast Elementary School District 92
City, State: Glendale, AZ

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Kassandra Dominguez was nominated by Stephanie Napoleone, a member of the community.

Ms. Dominguez has been with Sunset Ridge Elementary School in the Pendergast School District for two years. Her previous teaching experience was with Scottsdale Unified School District.

When Ms. Dominguez arrived at Sunset Ridge, she immediately stepped into leadership and began to spearhead the school's Dual Language program. She and one other teacher are responsible for one of the two Dual Language programs offered in this district. The Dual Language Program is an enriched education program that uses two languages, Spanish and English, for the purposes of instruction. Pendergast Elementary School District believes that the Dual Language Program will prepare students to meet the challenges of an interdependent global community by providing a bilingual multicultural learning environment. Students will communicate in another language, master all curricular subjects and develop intercultural understanding and respect.

Ms. Dominguez serves as a Teacher Fellow with the Arizona K12 and One Street Hope Center as one of their first teacher cohorts. She was one of 28 teachers selected in Arizona. This is a position she took on in addition to her current role, and her purpose was to connect her to other community educators and to take the knowledge she gains back to her school and district to improve exisiting programs.

In May, Ms. Dominguez was the recepient of the West Side Teacher of the Year award. In June she attended the Twelfth Annual Teacher Leadership Institute: Roadmap to Educational Change. Teacher leaders from across Arizona came together to discuss fundamental changes in their school and teaching culture, while learning how to play a central role in transforming teaching and learning in their communities. Ms. Dominguez was specifically nominated by her district superintendent, Lily Matos DeBlieux, to attend this conference.

Ms. Dominguez just had a beautiful baby boy 4 months ago and recently returned to work after her maternity leave. She loves what she does. Her principal was beyond excited to have her return because she continuously gives to her students.

"If you were to scroll through her Facebook page, you would see pictures of letters the kids have written to her, as well as the incredible things she does for her students like 'Christmas around the world,' where she provided her kids with an experience of Christmas from other cultures." Napoleone said. "Kassie infuses heart, passion and service into her role as a teacher. She embodies the quote, 'I am not a teacher, but an awakener.'"

To learn more about the dual language program and Kassie's contribution, please visit the link below:

https://spark.adobe.com/page/9BZtNmvoLgvX7/

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Comments (15)

Gayle Begay Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Dominguez is more than a teacher. You can see that she is passionate about what she does. I have enjoyed having her as my daughter’s teacher. My daughter is no longer in her class this year, but Mrs. Dominguez still manages to be involved in what my daughter does. I love Mrs. Dominguez’s energy, positivity and most of all her leadership skills. She has definitely shown my daughter a different side of school and I know my daughter adores her. I am happy to know Mrs. Dominguez is leading the dual language program because I know my daughter’s progress and education is in great hands! Thank you for all you do Mrs. Dominguez. It is much appreciated and you have definitely made an amazing impact on my life as a parent and my child’s as a student.

Jasmine Sanchez Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Dominguez has been a true life changer for our daughter and all of the students she has taught! Our daughter has had the pleasure of having Mrs. Dominguez as her teacher in the dual language program for 2 years now. She is so commited to teaching and creating a strong learning environment for her students. She not only does an amazing job teaching the students but also holds them accountable to do their work and to stay focused on learning even when they are home. We see first hand what a huge impact Mrs. Dominguez has had on our daughter. When she comes home she is so excited to share with us all of the new things she has learned in class and then she wants to practice what she has learned. Our daughter also talks about what she wants to be when she grows up. Mrs. Dominguez continues to teach the children and instills in them the importance of education throughout their life and how it will benefit their future. Our family truly believes that Mrs. Dominguez should receive this award for all of her hard work, dedication, and compassion. She is the true definition of a "Life Changer".

Jillian Aykroid Posted over a year ago

Kassandra is the true definition of a life-changer! All the struggles, late nights, and detours she had to take just to get to this place has shown me the heart she has to make a difference. After failing, Kassandra could have given up and called it quits but she didn’t. She knew how much these children would need her. She has invested in every child. She’s invested in their education, their happiness, and their dreams. She is always thinking of new and creative ways to teach her students while making it FUN for them. She has a pure heart of gold that isn’t limited to the classroom but overflows into who she authentically is. Mrs Dominguez deserves the life-changer award because she is the true definition of a life-changer.

Kelly Weis Posted over a year ago

Mrs.Dominguz is an incredible teacher with such a kind and giving heart! She goes above and beyond what is asked of her to ensure that her students have diverse learning opportunities and experiences. Mrs. Dominguez is a natural leader and educator who is changing many lives each and everyday. I am blessed to call Mrs. Dominguez my colleague and best friend. I have witnessed first hand the many ways that she has impacted the lives of her students as well as others educators.

Kimberly Selover Posted over a year ago

Mrs Dominguez is an amazing mother, teacher and friend. She always puts her kids first both at school and at home. She would give her shirt off her back for anyone and is always there with a hug and hand. We love her dearly and she deserves this recognition and so much more!

Brittany Metcalf Posted over a year ago

Kassandra is a kind and loving human being. She is always willing to lend a hand and has a heart of gold

Karolyna Padilla Posted over a year ago

I believe Mrs. Dominguez is an exceptional recipient of the “Life Changer of the year” for several reasons. Mrs. Dominguez has always worked to find several ways to incorporate fun as well as tries to challenge her students to better their learning. As a mother, sister, daughter, and teacher Mrs. Dominguez represents a hard working mother. I, Karolyna Padilla, her sisters, sometimes struggle with homework. In particular in Spanish. When I ask my sister if she’s willing to proof check an essay for me or help me to develop ideas for an essay she’s always willing to help. While Mrs. Dominguez is also a mom and teacher she never fails to help me. In the last years that Mrs. Dominguez has been teaching I’ve never heard her once complain about her job. Mrs. Dominguez is an individual that represents a teacher that is a life changer. This is why I believe that my sister, Kassandra Dominguez is a perfect recipient. Keep making us proud Kassandra, we all love you so much!

Karolyna Padilla Posted over a year ago

Claudia Garcia Posted over a year ago

Kassie always puts the students first!

Rudy Dominguez Posted over a year ago

My wife loves teaching. Her and her partner teacher Mrs Lake give their best efforts and all of their love to teach their kids.

Katalyna Padilla Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!

Maria Garcia Posted over a year ago

Ms. Dominguez is an awesome teacher and friend. Always there for her students and all of the other teacher that need help. It was a pleasure meeting her and to know her. Awesome job.

Christine Trippi Posted over a year ago

Kassandra has been changing the world since I met Her back in 2011! So proud of this young difference maker!!! ??

Dulce Romero Posted over a year ago

She truely cares for the education of her students. With her patience and enthusiasm she is able to provide the attention each student needs to learn and thrive. Mrs. Domingues is a true picture of what a deticated teacher sound be.

Kara Villacorta Posted over a year ago

Kassie is the type of teacher, when children are all grown up, they remember! She goes above and beyond for the students, families and staff. Kassie defines the word advocate for her students, and will go above and beyond to meet each students' needs. It is an honor to know Kassandra Dominguez, and believe strongly she is the type of person who changes lives in and out of the classroom!