I’m Rachel Mena, and this is my 20th year of teaching. This will be my 9th year at Oak Forest teaching 4th grade. Over the last 20 years, I have spent a majority of my time in a 4th grade classroom, but I have also taught 1st grade and 5th grade. I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was just a little girl playing school with my friends and siblings, and after all this time, I still love what I get to do each day with my students. I have a huge love of reading and Texas history that I aim to pass on to my students each year. I actually take great pride in the fact that many students come to 4th grade not really enjoying social studies, but when they leave 4th grade, social studies is one of their most favorite subjects.

I am married and have two children, Lilliana who is in 5th grade at OFE, and Emme, who at 4 years old, loves to ask me when is it her turn to come to OFE? She just can’t wait to be a Bobcat. My family has a small ranch in Fayettville, Texas, so we love to spend as much time as possible there. We get to fish in our pond, have campfires, lazily swing in the hammock while reading a great book, as well as doing tons of projects to the house and land that we have there. When we are at home in Houston, you will find us outside playing, riding bikes, or inside baking. Lilli and I love to bake (I have a HUGE sweet tooth)!

While my 20th year of teaching is not starting like any of the 19 years prior, I am ready for what lies ahead. I cannot wait to be with my students and to have a hand in growing their love of all things reading and social studies related!