Renner Middle School 2026

Yadi Merchan

Renner Middle School - Middle School Spanish Teacher, Grades 7-8
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Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy of teaching is centered on the belief that a student’s first language and cultural heritage are not obstacles to overcome, but powerful assets to be leveraged. Having taught for eleven years across both middle and high school levels, I have come to realize that my role as a Spanish teacher is two-fold: I am an instructor of linguistics, but more importantly, I am an architect of identity. I believe that when students see their native language treated with academic rigor, they begin to see themselves as scholars. This belief is the foundation of my classroom; I don’t just teach Spanish, I teach students how to navigate the American educational landscape using their heritage as a compass.

My beliefs are demonstrated through a classroom style that marries high expectations with cultural validation. In my Spanish 4 AP courses for native speakers, I do not settle for conversational fluency, as they already speak the language; I push my students toward professional and academic mastery. I believe that effort is the precursor to reward, a principle I model through my own preparation and the pace of my curriculum.

This belief in "rigor through representation" has yielded tangible results. Over several years, my students have consistently achieved high AP scores, including one year where my students earned the highest scores in the entire District. However, the true measure of my teaching style is not found in the score itself, but in what the score unlocks for the student. For many of my students, Spanish 4 AP is their first encounter with Advanced Placement coursework. By proving they can succeed here, the "mystique" of college-level work is broken. I have watched with pride as my former students, once hesitant to view themselves as "AP students," have gone on to enroll in AP English, AP Human Geography, and AP Government. My classroom serves as the gateway—the moment they realize that academic excellence is within their reach.

What makes me an outstanding teacher is my ability to serve as a living example of the "American Dream" realized through education. Many of my students are native speakers who, like myself, navigated the challenge of moving to a new country and acquiring a second language. I am transparent with my students about my journey: I want them to see someone who arrived in the United States with no English skills and, through relentless effort, became a leader in the classroom. This shared experience creates a unique bond of trust. When I tell a student that they can be "someone" in the United States, they know I am not speaking in platitudes. I am speaking from experience. My teaching style is defined by this "relatable success"—I am the mirror in which they can see their own future potential. I show them that while the path may be difficult, the rewards of education are permanent and life-changing.

The greatest reward I find in teaching is the "long-term dividend" of student confidence. It is the moment a student realizes that being bilingual is a superpower, not a deficit. I find immense joy in seeing my students use their AP credits to jumpstart their college careers, but the deeper reward is watching their shift in aspiration. The most significant experiences of my career are the stories of students who would never have considered university if they hadn't first found success in my room. Seeing a student transition from a newcomer with limited English to a high-achieving high schooler taking multiple AP classes is the highest currency I can receive. It confirms that my philosophy isn't just theory—it is a lived reality that changes the trajectory of families. To know that I have helped bridge the gap between their origins and their aspirations is a reward that no trophy can replicate.

After eleven years in the classroom, my mission remains unchanged: to prepare my students for a future where they are not just participants, but leaders. By modeling the rewards of effort and maintaining a standard of excellence that honors their native culture, I ensure that my students leave my room with more than just a passing grade. They leave with the realization that their language, their culture, and their hard work are the keys to their success in this country.

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Principal's Recommendation

To the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee:

I am excited to recommend Ms. Yadi Merchan, LOTE teacher at Renner Middle School, for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Merchan is an outstanding educator who has made a lasting impact on our students and our school community. She teaches multiple LOTE course preparations, which requires a high level of organization, content expertise, and instructional skill. Even with the demands of several preps, she consistently delivers engaging, high-quality instruction. Her students' results speak for themselves. Year after year, Yadi's students earn the highest AP exam scores in the district.

What truly sets Ms. Merchan apart is her deep commitment to multiculturalism, which is a vital part of our school's identity. She creates a classroom environment where students feel respected, included, and encouraged to explore cultures beyond their own. Her approach goes far beyond meeting standards; she helps students develop empathy, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of the world around them.

Ms. Merchan also holds her students to very high expectations while providing the support they need to succeed. Her classes are rigorous, purposeful, and well-structured, and students consistently rise to the challenge. She is reflective in her practice and is always willing to try new strategies to improve learning and engagement. She never settles for what is comfortable and is constantly looking for ways to grow as an educator.

Ms. Merchan is a respected leader among her colleagues and a true asset to our campus and district. Icannot recommend her for Plano ISD Teacher of the Year strongly enough, she is an outstanding educator. Our students and our school are better because of her dedication, expertise, and passion for teaching.

Sincerely,

Jordan Millins
Principal
Renner Middle School