Grace Tapia-Beltran
Position: ELA/History/Social Studies/Humanities/ELL Teacher
School: Utterback Middle School
School District: Tucson Unified School District
City, State: Tucson, AZ
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Grace Tapia-Beltran was nominated by her colleague, Corina Ontiveros.
Over 25+ years, Mrs. Tapia-Beltran has been a teacher 'bar-none' in the lives of her students and the school communities she's been part of in Tucson, AZ, in the Tucson Unified School District, in the greater Tucson community, in San Diego, CA, and beyond! Mrs. Tapia-Beltran's students have consistently made incredible and data-proven gains in academic and interpersonal skills, so much so that years later, they seek her out as older students and adults; their strengths are now strengths that continue to improve the country and world!
With her school communities, presently and over the years, Mrs. Tapia-Beltran has been sought out to lead professional development for her colleagues. She has acted as the school lead in the absence of the principal countless times over time. Mrs. Grace Tapia-Beltran remains a shining star! She is now on the verge of completing her doctoral-level studies, and this will only provide more opportunity for her to share her expertise, her vast experience, and her corazon/ganas (her heart and her gumption/energy/forward movement) with many more colleagues as time marches on!
Grace is an extraordinary educator who goes above and beyond to support her community, school, and students. Her dedication to creating a safe and inclusive learning environment is truly inspiring.
As a colleague on the English Language Development team, I have had the privilege of learning from Grace’s expertise and guidance. Her mentorship has been invaluable, shaping me into a better educator. She consistently puts the whole child first, creating spaces where students feel valued, loved, and empowered.
Grace’s commitment to educational equity is admirable. She empowers both her students and colleagues, believing in their potential and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside such a remarkable individual. Grace is a true changemaker who is making change with ganas, cariño, y corazon.
I have known Grace and her family for many years. She has always impressed me by the many talents that she has. She has demonstrated her passion for teaching, her compassion for her students and their families, and her dedication to continuing her education in order to excel in her profession. For years she has been very involved in her community in helping to create a safe environment for her neighbors who trust in her leadership. Besides her teaching career, she is a successful business owner in her own community. I have purchased some of her beautiful sewing creations for family and friends. I appreciate the pride she has in honoring and sharing her culture through her sewing creations. Most of all, I am happy to call her my friend. I hope that she is seriously considered for this award.
Mrs. Grace Tapia-Beltran is an amazing educator and community member and deserves the award of LifeChanger of the year from National Life Group. I first met her during an event at my son’s middle school, and we had just moved to Arizona from Texas. We were very new, just re-making community, and she instantly welcomed me. I learned about her passions in education and fostering community, her impressive history of supporting youth and being a teacher leader, and her pursuits for her PhD. Since that time, she has become someone I go to for education and local knowledge, and I hope we will collaborate on projects in the future. She has also helped my family and I become part of the Tucson community. She invited us to paint a mural in South Tucson, she has connected my daughter’s Girl Scout troop to a school for cookie donations, and she is always sharing good positive events happening across our city. She has also become my son’s Spanish teacher this year and it has brought me a lot of joy to know that he is learning not only a second language, but also connecting to his culture through her teachings. Mrs. Tapia-Beltran is a phenomenal educator, community member, and friend and I give her my highest support for this award.
I’m so happy to be able to write this testimonial recognizing Grace Tapia-Beltran. Grace is my cousin, therefore, I’ve known her all her life. Grace has always strived to excel, and most notably as an educator. As we all know, our future is determined by the mental and academic health of our children. Without the proper education and guidance, they have a more difficult time thriving and becoming responsible adults. We also acknowledge that their teachers can be the most influential and guiding force in providing them with, not only their classroom education, but also a role model/mentor they can look up to and emulate. They provide the tools to help their students mold their self-worth and confidence, set goals, and work toward their own success. That same teacher can be the stimulus for developing other effective and motivational teachers. I say this to point out that Grace has embodied all those qualities, to make her a positive influence and role model for her students and in helping to ensure her colleagues are equipped to do the same.
As a member of her family, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Grace thrive in those areas, as well as in her efforts and successes as a prominent leader of her community. Grace is a strong, smart person, with equally strong convictions, who has helped institute positive changes to her community for the greater good. She also benefits her community through her self-made successful sewing business.
On a personal note, Grace is just a beautiful soul, with a tender heart and caring nature, who supports family and friends however she can. Grace’s honorable character is demonstrated in the confluence between being the highly influential educator and mentor, being a powerful voice in her community and being a kind and loving family member. She is a great example of what a well-rounded LifeChanger of the Year nominee and winner is…and she's not finished yet.
Grace is an INCREDIBLE asset to our community! I am so grateful for all that she does for our neighbors, especially the children. She is very deserving of this award.
