“Teaching is a noble profession, and I view my career as a lifelong service to society. The opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders is incredibly fulfilling.”
Ms. Aguilar
Name: Polet Aguilar
School: Wilson Primary School
District: Wilson School District
Grade(s) you teach: 1st grade
How many students in your class(es) this academic year? 25
How long have you been a teacher? I have been a teacher for seven years.
What made you get into the teaching profession?
I have always had a deep passion for education, as it has profoundly changed my life. The teachers I encountered were instrumental in shaping my path, and I felt a strong calling to offer the same impact to others. I am passionate about working with children and find joy in building meaningful connections with families and fellow educators. Teaching is a noble profession, and I view my career as a lifelong service to society. The opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders is incredibly fulfilling.
Who was your most inspirational teacher & why?
My most inspirational teacher was Dr. Jennifer Spring, who taught me during my pursuit of an educational degree. Dr. Spring was exceptional in her dedication to her students, going well beyond her teaching duties to ensure my success in her courses. Her constant encouragement and unwavering belief in my potential were incredibly motivating. She saw in me the qualities of a great teacher and inspired me to strive for excellence. Dr. Spring’s influence extended beyond the classroom. In 2018, I was honored with the Gold Axe and Distinguished Senior Awards at Northern Arizona University (NAU), and Dr. Spring drove all the way to Flagstaff, Arizona, to support me and be there for this special moment. Her presence at the ceremony meant the world to me, as she was not only an amazing teacher but also a mentor who truly cared about my success.
What do you think are some of the biggest challenges teachers in Arizona face right now?
One of the biggest challenges teachers face today is managing student behavior. Many students experience significant challenges outside the classroom, which can affect their behavior and, subsequently, the classroom environment. Teachers often have to juggle these behavioral issues alongside their instructional and assessment responsibilities, which can be overwhelming. Another major challenge is compensation and salary. The rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for teachers to cover their expenses on a single income, often requiring them to seek additional employment to make ends meet.
How do these issues affect your day to day?
In terms of behavior management, I have learned over the years the importance of building strong relationships with students, which has helped me manage classroom dynamics more effectively. Regarding compensation, like many other educators, I seek additional income through part-time jobs, summer school, after-school programs, or other opportunities that complement my teaching role.
What does the $250 tax deduction for school supplies for teachers mean to you?
The $250 tax deduction for school supplies is a valuable acknowledgment of the personal financial contributions that teachers make to enhance their classrooms. It’s encouraging to see that there’s some form of reimbursement available to reduce taxable income, which certainly helps. However, in my experience, teachers often spend significantly more than $250 annually on classroom supplies. Given the realities of our profession, I believe that this deduction should be increased to at least $500. The current amount, while appreciated, does not fully reflect the actual expenses that most educators incur to create a productive and engaging learning environment for their students.
How are the expectations of becoming a teacher different from reality?
While in college, we are taught the fundamentals of teaching and the creative aspects of lesson planning. However, the reality of teaching involves much more than just delivering lessons. Teachers often take on multiple roles, including that of a counselor, nurse, and caretaker, which is not always addressed in teacher preparation programs. This can lead to new teachers feeling overwhelmed when they first enter the profession.
Why do you think teachers burn out so quickly?
Teachers often experience burnout due to the challenges of managing student behavior, coupled with inadequate salaries that necessitate finding additional sources of income. The high expectations placed on teachers, particularly regarding student performance and standardized testing, without sufficient support, further contribute to burnout.
Do you typically feel appreciated or recognized as a teacher?
Personally, I have been fortunate to work in a supportive environment where I feel appreciated and recognized. I started working at my current school immediately after graduating from college, and my principal, who was initially my coach, has been a constant source of support. Collaborating with colleagues and other school leaders has also been invaluable. However, I recognize that not all teachers share this experience, and many may feel underappreciated.
What “fills your cup” when you’re running on empty?
Taking time for myself is essential for recharging. Whether it’s going to the gym, focusing on healthy eating, or simply taking a moment to relax, self-care is crucial. When I take care of my well-being, I am better equipped to be an effective teacher, colleague, and employee.
What are some of the most thoughtful & effective ways parents & the community can show gratitude & appreciation?
During Teacher Appreciation Week, our school collaborates with school leaders and the community center to organize activities and provide small gifts as tokens of our gratitude. A direct expression of thanks to teachers can also be incredibly impactful. A simple “thank you” for making a difference in their child’s life means a lot. Additionally, posting positive messages about teachers on social media or the school’s community page publicly acknowledges their hard work. Encouraging and nominating teachers for local or school-wide awards offers formal recognition of their contributions.
Thoughtful gift baskets, tailored to the teacher’s preferences—such as their favorite snacks, books, coffee, a cozy blanket, scented candles, or a spa gift card—can be a delightful way to help them unwind and feel appreciated. Finally, recognizing teachers’ personal and professional growth by sponsoring or contributing to their professional development or continuing education further demonstrates our appreciation for their dedication.
What is your wish for your students, Arizona’s children?
My wish is for all students in Arizona to receive the quality education they deserve, delivered by highly qualified teachers. To retain these talented educators, it is imperative to address the issue of compensation by increasing teachers’ salaries.
What additional support or supplies do you need in your classroom & who do people contact if they want to help?
As for supplies, we could always use more Expo markers, headphones, (to replace those that no longer work), and a wireless microphone system. I also run an economic reward system in my classroom where students earn classroom currency to spend on items from our “toy store.” Donations of items for this store would be greatly appreciated.
Personal Likes
What types of items/prizes are meaningful to you to win/be gifted?
Gift cards are always appreciated, particularly from stores like Starbucks, Target, Walmart, or Amazon, as they provide the flexibility to purchase what’s needed. I especially love Amazon for its convenience.
What is/are your FAVORITE/PREFERRED…
-College/University/Alma Mater? I graduated from Grand Canyon University with my master’s degree and from Northern Arizona University with my bachelor’s degree.
-Color? Dark green, black, and maroon.
-Food/restaurant? Pizza
-Music/group/artist? Oldies from the 80s, and early 2000s music.
-Sport/athletics team? I enjoy soccer, though I don’t have a favorite team.
-Snack & Beverage? Iced coffee or energy drinks.
-Pastime/hobby? Reading, particularly books on personal development,
-Do you have children/pets? I have a cat and two dogs.
