Hunt Elementary School 2026

Anna Cordova

Hunt Elementary School - PACE Gifted Specialist 
E-mail congrats

Teaching Philosophy

My beliefs about teaching center on three essential components: a deep commitment to holding high expectations for all students, grounded in the belief that they can and will learn the skills necessary to maximize their academic growth; the intentional use of effective strategies to identify and support students' individual strengths and needs; and the responsibility to model lifelong learning.

I believe all students can learn, though they may require varied instructional approaches and targeted skill development. My commitment to holding high expectations for every student began early in my teaching career and continues to guide my instructional decisions today. Throughout my experience, I have taught students with a wide range of labels. Educators use labels such as special education, English learners, bilingual, dyslexic, emotionally disabled, gifted, economically disadvantaged, and at-risk. While these labels may describe certain needs, they do not define students' potential. Every student brings unique strengths alongside areas for growth. Providing effective instruction for every student is both my responsibility and my privilege. I cherish seeing students recognize their growth and take pride in accomplishments they once doubted were possible.

I've had the privilege of serving in many teaching roles, and this year I have stepped into a new one as the Gifted Specialist and Math Rocks teacher at Hunt. The skills I've developed over the years remain just as essential now as ever. Data-driven analysis and intentional instruction are foundational to my teaching. Although the data appear different for the gifted population, it is important to apply the same principles. Anything less would be a disservice to my students. When I refer to data-driven analysis, I mean using multiple types of assessments. I primarily rely on formative assessments, student rubrics, and graphic organizers to gain a deeper understanding of my students' needs. I believe project-based learning empowers students to take ownership of their learning. I especially value how these opportunities allow quieter students to build confidence and surprise their peers with thoughtful, well-prepared presentations or creative interpretations of what they've learned. Additionally, I have always believed in the power of small group instruction to help me assess my students' needs and strengths. It is also the perfect way to get to know my students and build positive relationships with them. I truly enjoy it when they teach me something new.

Above all, I strive to be a role model for my students. I want them to know that I also face challenges and push through discomfort, modeling the perseverance and responsibility I expect from them. I am open about revisiting material, redoing work, and studying topics that don't come easily, just as they must. When students see this, they learn that challenge is not a barrier but a pathway. By embracing difficulty, they gain more than knowledge. They develop resilience, confidence, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Last year, I was the ESL Coach and Interventionist at my campus. When the opportunity arose to become the Gifted Specialist and Math Rocks teacher, I was apprehensive about my ability to do the job. I knew I wanted to do it, but I wondered if I could be the kind of teacher gifted students needed. After thirty-seven years of teaching, I wondered if I was up to the challenge of taking such a different path.

Ultimately, my training and varied professional experiences led me to believe that I was up to a new challenge. While I had worked with gifted students in my classroom for many years, my experience as a Robotics Coach had the greatest influence on my decision. Coaching the Robotics Team showed me that I could successfully take on a new challenge at this stage of my career.

Working with students as they compete in the FIRST LEGO League has transformed my teaching in unexpected ways and strengthened my commitment to lifelong learning. Guiding young students through complex problem-solving and innovation has reaffirmed my belief that growth for both students and teachers has no expiration date.

In closing, I believe that all students have the potential to learn and achieve success and that I must use effective strategies to support them. It is my responsibility and privilege to model the value of lifelong learning and rising to any challenge.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

Having worked with Anna Cordova for over twenty years, first at Weatherford Elementary and currently at Hunt Elementary, I am excited and proud to recommend her as our Teacher of the Year. Ms. Cordova has long been a model of teaching and learning with passion and compassion, setting an example to which others can aspire.

Throughout her career, Ms. Cordova has led and contributed to teams of professionals and students. She has played a vital role in growing student achievement while also fostering engagement, belonging, and equity. As a grade-level teacher and team leader, she demonstrated the belief that every student was her responsibility. Collaboration was central to her work, striving to ensure equitable opportunities and high expectations across classrooms. As our campus has worked to improve achievement, Ms. Cordova's commitment to all learners has guided her leadership and schoolwide contributions.

After serving Hunt students as a fourth-grade team leader and ESL Coach, Ms. Cordova accepted the new challenge of serving as Gifted Specialist and Math Rocks teacher. In each role, she has demonstrated a deep dedication to professional learning and continuous growth. In preparation for her current role, Ms. Cordova spent the summer in study and preparation to ensure students experienced a seamless transition and engaging and appropriate curricular opportunities. Desiring that students feel engaged and challenged, Ms. Cordova has coached Lego First Robotics teams and A+ Academics, investing significant excitement and time to preparing students for success.

Ms. Cordova's instructional practices reflect a deep understanding of how students learn and grow. She has skillfully differentiated instruction to meet the diverse academic, linguistic, and social- emotional needs of her students, ensuring that each learner is both supported and challenged. Her classroom environments are characterized by respect, high expectations, and a genuine sense of belonging.

A defining strength of Ms. Cordova's career has been her advocacy for students and families. Whether supporting multilingual learners as a Dual Language teacher or ESL Coach, extending opportunities for gifted students to all including underrepresented populations, or collaborating with colleagues to remove barriers to success, she consistently acts in the best interest of children. Her work extends beyond the classroom as she builds meaningful relationships with families and colleagues, strengthening the school community as a whole.

Ms. Cordova stands among the best in our profession. Her dedication, expertise, and compassion have left a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and communities. I can think of no more deserving candidate to represent our campus as Teacher of the Year.

Sincerely,

Arron Moeller
Principal
Hunt Elementary School