Waxahachie, Texas – 2015 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) alumnus Fernando Sanchez was recently honored by the White House & US Department of Education in their initiative on educational excellence for Hispanics that highlights Latinos who are making a difference in education.

For 14 years, Sanchez has taught 4th grade science and social studies in schools such as Frank D. Moates Elementary in Desoto ISD, Life School Oak Cliff Elementary and currently at Russell P. Schupmann Elementary in Red Oak ISD. He was honored as a Red Oak ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2014-2015. 

He says, “I love the relationships I am able to build with students and I love seeing their minds open when they trust you and your classroom environment. They are given permission to try harder than they thought they ever could,” he continued, “When it comes to learning, all children can develop a love for it. It just takes someone who is willing to show them the way.”

Upon being recognized Sanchez says, “It feels good to be recognized personally but it also feels good because it is a reflection on our school and our district. We have to build rapport, we don’t have an image yet because we are new. This helps to build that rapport for the school.” 

Sanchez is originally from Espanola, New Mexico, and moved to Waxahachie, Texas, in 1995 to attend SAGU where he received his bachelor’s degree in Education in 2001. Sanchez has 3 children ages 6, 8, and 10. They are active members of The Avenue Church in Waxahachie.

His advice for new upcoming teachers is to “act how you want to feel.” He says if a teacher wants to capture a child’s mind, they must first capture their heart. Sanchez explains, “It might not be highest paying, but the most rewarding. You’re here to make an impact on kids, not just teach them the content.”

September 2015 marked the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. Since 1990, the initiative has addressed the educational disparities faced by the Hispanic community and to provide support to the Latino community in all aspects of education.

The initiative wants to improve availability and access to high quality early learning programs for Hispanic children, dramatically increase the number of Hispanic high school graduates, and ensure more Hispanics students enroll and complete college.

According to their website, “All of this is focused on getting students college and career ready for the jobs of the 21st‐century and to guarantee they can compete globally, restoring the United States to being first in the world in terms of proportion of college graduates.” 

During Hispanic Heritage Month the Initiative released that the President had announced 150 Commitments to Action with a collective investment of over $335 million. This will build on and accelerate federal, state, and local investments in high-quality education. 

According to the initiative, “The strength of America’s education system is undoubtedly connected to the academic success of Latinos. With the shift in demographics taking place in our nation’s schools, securing an adequate and equal education for all students, including Latinos, should be a priority not just for the federal government but for every person in this country.” 

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling1-888-YES-SAGU.