We’re excited to spotlight Keanna Valenzuela Cobos, a dedicated educator-in-the-making who is driven by a passion for shaping young minds both in the classroom and on the field.
Q: How has your KDP community helped you thrive in the classroom?
A: My KDP community has helped me thrive in the classroom as I am beyond motivated to finish college strong and with a GPA exceeding 3.5.
Q: What inspires you to teach?
A: As human beings, we all feel, think, react, and view ourselves and the world around us differently because the environment and atmosphere. As people grow older, most begin to understand what they need to thrive and how to create happiness for themselves because of their own subjective experiences or influences.
From an early age I lacked many resources in numerous aspects of my life that led me to quickly learn what I needed and wanted for myself as I grew older. I had come to the realization that the childhood I was enduring was not only unfair and difficult, but that I was not the only child living a similar childhood. However, I also realized at an early age that many of my educators had a significant impact on children (students) just like myself.
When researching the definition of an educator, it will find something like, “A person who provides instruction of education; a teacher.” This definition may seem insignificant to you and true for that matter, but this is a trivial definition of who and what an educator is and does. Educators teach required subjects but more importantly they develop kind, intellectual, and aspiring adults by nurturing, guiding, and inspiring each student's beings from the age of a toddler to adulthood.
Furthermore, without my educators and coaches, I would not have fallen in love with education and sports. Finally, it is my turn. It is my turn to give back to what is now my passion, the youth who will change the world with the helping hand of their educators. I am heading into my fourth year of coaching youth sports in my hometown of Alpine, Texas, and I am certain that coaching is my calling, alongside mathematics education, also inspired by my high school Algebra teacher. I am ready to give the gift of nurturing, guiding, and inspiring while educating and coaching students of my own because students need so much more than just “educated instruction.” We change the lives of students one exceptional educator at a time. Let it be me.
Q: Outside the classroom, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?
A: Outside of the classroom I am a youth volunteer coach, wife, and mother. I have coached almost every sport so far including baseball, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. This is my fourth-year volunteering to coach the youth sports of my community.
Member Spotlights showcase KDP members who are making an impact both in and out of the classroom, whether they’re currently teaching or preparing to enter the field. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, fill out this form for a chance to be highlighted!