Literacy First’s District Capacity Building Model, as the name suggests, is designed to build the capacity of districts over time. One of the ways in which we see progress toward this goal is through employment of the local workforce within their community. Libni Sanchez is a Literacy First paraprofessional tutor in Del Valle ISD, working in the same school she attended as a student from 3rd-5th grade. We asked Libni what her experience has been like returning as a staff member.
“It’s like when you say as a kid to a teacher, ‘I want to be like you when I grow up!’ Well, that’s exactly what I wanted to be, and I did.”
It’s awesome working here. I get a lot of memories walking through the halls. I think that’s the fun and good thing – that I get to see the teachers that once taught me. I would love to talk about one specific teacher that I had in 3rd grade. She is the reason why I came back in the first place. Her name is Ms. Guajardo, and I would never forget her. I was with her for two years, and I wanted to work here because of her. It’s like when you say as a kid to a teacher, “I want to be like you when I grow up!” Well, that’s exactly what I wanted to be, and I did. My favorite memories as a tutor so far would be the faces on my kids when they see that they can read all by themselves, or when they get something correct and I say, “look, you did it! All on your own. Good job!” The look in their eyes and the smile is the best thing ever.
-Libni Sanchez, Literacy First Tutor