Mendenhall Teacher Named
LULAC 'Educator of the Year'

October 29, 2009

Christine Barrantes, intervention specialist at Mendenhall Elementary School, is described by Principal Karen Noble as "full of passion for kids. She reaches out to students, parents and the community to make a difference in their lives."

For her dedication to education, Christine was awarded "Educator of the Year" by LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Collin County on October 22 at the organization's annual awards banquet held at Southfork Ranch Hotel.

The following report was published in Plano ISD's most recent "District Digest" employee newsletter.

Digest: What is your main objective as intervention specialist at Mendenhall?

Christine: My main goal is to use my creativity and compassion for struggling students to help them set high goals and reach them. I work with students, their parents and the educators on our campus to make this goal a reality.

Digest: What are some of your major responsibilities on the campus?

Christine: Students at Mendenhall know me as "the science lab teacher," because all students in grades 3-5 spend 45 minutes each week in our science lab, which I coordinate. In the lab, students participate in hands-on activities that lead to better understanding of science concepts.

I also serve as integrated vertical team leader for science and social studies and have served for 10 years as sponsor of our building's science fair. Through LULAC, I enjoy sponsoring a reading club for first and second grade students and a Parenting Academy, which has been very successful on our campus.

Digest: How do you reach out to families?

Christine: We've made great strides through our Parenting Academy. This group started several years ago with about 12 parents. This week, 50 parents participated in our kick-off meeting. We start the year by discussing goals for their students. It's so exciting to see our parents ask lots of questions and show great interest in preparing their students for post-secondary education.

Digest: In what ways do you begin early to teach literacy skills to young learners?

Christine: Our Young Readers Program for students in first and second grade has helped more than 300 young learners develop a love for reading and, ultimately, be successful in school. In this program, we partner with volunteers from the Collin College LULAC Young Adults Council, many of whose members were once mentored in the young readers program and who now serve as mentors to young readers.

"I am a big believer in students getting involved in community service. I sponsor the LULAC Youth because I feel the group is a valuable resource to helping students prepare for college."

Digest: What are some of your favorite activities that promote learning at Mendenhall?

Christine: I most enjoy the messy, gooey hands-on experiments in our science lab. I taught fifth grade at Mendenhall for 10 years before I became the school's Title 1 specialist. In all those years, I served as science fair chairperson. I helped grow the materials we have available in our school science lab with grants from the Plano ISD Education Foundation, funding from district grants and even through monies granted from Plano East Senior High School's successful Advanced Placement state awards.

I also enjoy serving as history fair sponsor at our school and as co-sponsor of a Morning Adventure Club. This group meets before school and focuses on reading and science, with fifth grade students serving as mentors to the younger students.

Digest: Where did you nurture your love of community service?

Christine: My parents set the example when I was very young. I traveled with them throughout the United States and attended 15 different schools by the time I graduated from high school. After earning my degree from Upper Iowa University, I joined the Peace Corps and worked in Costa Rica developing a sheltered workshop for the handicapped that is still in operation.

Digest: What do you believe helps students succeed in school?

Christine: I believe that both students and their parents enjoy learning and mastering skills and concepts when you make learning fun and hands-on. Our students are excited about learning, and their parents are interested in ensuring their success in school. Through multiple programs at Mendenhall, we build critical relationships with families. That builds trust and sets the stage for future success.

More About Christine

Professional Experience

Mendenhall Elementary, Plano Texas
1996-present

• Intervention Specialist - Working primarily with 3rd through 5th graders in the area of math and science (2009-present)
• Science Lab Teacher - creating and running the school science lab and teaching hands-on labs to 3rd through 5th graders each week (2006-present)
• Title 1 Teacher - working with at risk students and coaching fellow teachers primarily in the areas of science and math (2008-2009)
• Bilingual 5th Grade Teacher (1996-2007)
• Science and Social Studies Vertical Team Leader (1998-present)
• 5th Grade Team Leader (2000-2006)
• Parenting Academy Co-sponsor (2006-present)
• Morning Adventure Science Club (2009)
• Bilingual Team Leader (1999-2009)
• Mendenhall Teacher of the Year (2000 and 2004)
• PTA Lifetime Member Honor (2000)
• Plano ISD Education Foundation Grant Winner (2004, 2006 and 2008)
• Plano East Senior High School grant recipient for science lab materials (2007)
• Coordinator of LNESC Young Readers Program enrichment reading for 1st and 2nd graders (1998-present)
• Plano ISD Faculty Council Representative (2007-2009)
• Site Based Management Committee (1998-2000, 2004-2006 and 2008-2010)
• Science Fair Chairperson (1998-present)
• History Chairperson (1998-present)
• Mendenhall 5th Grade Science/Volleyball Summer Camp Coordinator (2009)

Richardson ISD Academy

• 4th Grade Bilingual Teacher (1995-1996)

Davis Elementary, Plano, Texas

• 5th Grade Bilingual Teacher (1993-1995)

John Haley Elementary School, Irving, Texas

• 5th Grade Teacher (1992-1993)
• 4th Grade Teacher (1991-1992)
• 5th Grade Integrated Curriculum Writer
• Site Based Management Committee (1991-1993)

Plano ISD District Positions

• Math Curriculum Writer (2008)
• New Teacher Trainer (2002-2005)
• Summer School Bilingual Teacher (1997-2006)
• Summer School Curriculum Specialist (2007-2009)
• Bilingual Language Arts Curriculum Writer (1995)

Professional Development

• TEA Tax Review Committee (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009)
• 60 or more professional development hours per year (1991-2009)
• NASA Liftoff Teacher Training (summer 2009)
• Texas A&M Geology Camp (summer 2008)
• CAST presenter Fall (2008)
• Region 10 Professional Certification Trainer (1995-1999)
• Region 10 Professional Certification Board (1993-2007)
• Gifted and Talented Training (40 hours)

Education

• University of Northern Texas, Denton, Texas,
  Master of Education (2000)
• Upper Iowa University Fayette, Iowa
  Bachelors of Arts; Double Major in Art and Business (1980)

Additional Background

• English As Second Language Teacher Costa Rica (1984-1986)
• United States Peace Corp Volunteer Trainee Guatemala (1981)
• United States Peace Corps Volunteer (1982-1984)
• LULAC Youth Adviser (2004-present)
• Actively involves volunteering with LULAC Youth (since 2000)
• Saint Joseph Catholic Church Steven Minister (2003-2007)