High school biology teacher Shartel “Shantel” Casimiro has been named Teacher of the Year and is now a finalist for the Gainesville Independent School District (GISD) Teacher of the Year Award in Texas.
Casimiro, originally from Orange Walk Town, is in her second year at GISD and brings five years of teaching experience in biology and integrated science. She joined the district through the GEC international teacher exchange programme, which allows qualified educators from abroad to teach in the U.S. for up to three years.
“I’m one of the cultural exchange teachers,” Casimiro stated. “This is my second year here at GISD. I’ve been a teacher for a total of 5 years. But I started back home in Belize.”
Casimiro teaches 9th grade biology and is known for breaking down complex scientific concepts in ways her students can grasp. “I always want my students to look at it as, ‘It’s not difficult; all I need is to learn the concept, and I’ll be okay,’” she said.
Her Belizean background has also been a valuable asset in the classroom when it comes to speaking and understanding the Spanish language. “That language barrier, I try to communicate with them in that language… I’m able to talk to them in Spanish,” she said.
Before her Teacher of the Year accolade, Casimiro was recognised as January’s Teacher of the Month. “We are so lucky to have her at our campus. Much deserved award,” Gainesville High School said in a social media statement.