For the past thirteen years, I have had the privilege of teaching at Sutter Middle School. During that time, I have taught both English Language Arts and English Language Development, working with students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and language proficiency levels. My years at Sutter have shaped who I am as an educator and have taught me that teaching is about so much more than the subject we teach. It is about building relationships, creating a classroom where students feel safe and supported, and helping students recognize what they are capable of achieving.

One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been working with multilingual learners. As an ELD teacher, I have worked with students at different stages of their English language development, including newcomers who are navigating a new language, school system, and sometimes a completely new country. This work has taught me the importance of patience, flexibility, and finding different ways to make learning accessible to every student. I want my students to understand that learning English is not about replacing who they are or the language they already speak. Their language, culture, and experiences are strengths they bring into our classroom.

Throughout my time at Sutter, I have also had the opportunity to take on leadership roles, including serving as the English Department Chair. In this role, I work closely with teachers and administrators to support our English and ELD programs, collaborate on curriculum and instruction, analyze student needs, and find ways to improve learning opportunities for our students. Being a department chair has also given me the opportunity to learn from the incredible educators around me. Even after thirteen years in the classroom, I continue to learn from my colleagues and from my students every day.

My experiences as both a teacher and teacher leader have reinforced something one of my college professors told me years ago: we do not teach a subject; we teach human beings. That message continues to guide my teaching. Every student who enters my classroom has their own story, strengths, challenges, and needs. Before I can expect students to take risks, participate, and grow academically, I want them to know that they are seen, heard, and valued.

My goal has always been to be the teacher I wanted when I was in school. I want my students to know that I genuinely care about them and believe in their potential. At the same time, I want to continue learning, reflecting, and improving my craft. Thirteen years of teaching have taught me that becoming a better educator is an ongoing process.

Above all, I hope my students leave my classroom knowing more than just how to become stronger readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers. I want them to become more confident in themselves and recognize the value of their own voices. I hope to inspire them to become better human beings who understand that they have the ability to make a difference in their communities and in the world.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Huerta

Hi! I am Ms. Reilly! I got my bachelor’s degree in English Single-Subject Teaching at San Diego State University and I am currently getting my teaching credential at California State University Northridge. I have a background in Musical Theatre and Choral Performance and worked at Saugus High School as a coach in their Fine Arts/ Advanced Theatre department. I am so excited to get started in Ms. Huerta’s classroom and get to know all of her amazing students!