• Woodrow Wilson School No. 19

Teacher of the Year

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Mr. Britten W. Darrow

Music Teacher

My journey toward becoming a music teacher began long before I ever stepped into a classroom of my own. Music has always been an integral part of my life, shaped not only by my personal interests but also by the deep-rooted influence of my family. My grandfather, an accordion teacher, and my mother, a math teacher, both instilled in me the value of education, discipline, and the joy of helping others discover their potential. These early influences sparked my passion for teaching and led me to pursue a career where I could combine my love for music with the drive to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

I’ve always believed that teaching is a shared experience, one that is just as impactful for the teacher as it is for the student. Through my dedication to creating a positive, engaging, and culturally diverse learning environment, I’ve been able to foster a love for music and learning that transcends the classroom. Every day, I am reminded of the joy that music brings into my life and the profound impact it can have on my students’ lives.

Teaching to me is not just about imparting knowledge—it's about creating an environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. As a music educator, I believe that music is a universal language, a shared experience that connects people across cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. My role is not just to teach students how to play an instrument or read music, but to help them discover how music can shape their understanding of themselves and the world.

One of the core beliefs that drives me is the importance of building strong, personal connections with my students. I make an intentional effort to get to know their individual interests, personalities, and learning styles. Whether it's their favorite genres of music, the instruments they dream of playing, or their cultural backgrounds, this knowledge helps me create lessons that are meaningful and engaging. By connecting music with cultural context, I give students a broader understanding of how music reflects and shapes society.

I always strive to ensure my classroom is organized and that students feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and challenge themselves. I perform for my students often, to show them that learning is a lifelong process, and that we, as a community of learners, are in it together. By helping my students connect to the world of music and to each other, I believe I am not just teaching them to play an instrument but empowering them to become confident, curious, and empathetic individuals.

Educational Service Professional of the Year

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Ms. Merida Barquin

Bilingual Classroom Assistant

The main factor that influenced me was the fact that I was going to work with and be surrounded by children.

My responsibility is to assist students in all areas. I don’t think I’ve done anything exceptional or of great impact, but I’ve done everything in my power to make our students happy and confident. If age was not a factor, I would do it for 25 more years.