Celebrating Excellence in Education: Loida González Montenegro
Loida González Montenegro, a talented educator from Gran Canaria, is making waves in the educational landscape of Spain. Born in 1980, she stands out as one of four esteemed teachers from the province of Las Palmas nominated for the prestigious Best Teacher in Spain Award by the Educa Abanca Foundation. This award seeks to honor teaching excellence across various educational levels, and 2019 marks its third iteration. Notably, this year sees a collective representation from the Canary Islands, featuring seven nominated teachers, including three from Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A Journey of Dedication
Since 2012, Loida has been weaving her magic at the CEIP Lajares, a public primary school where she serves as both the director and as a fifth-grade teacher. This marks her third consecutive nomination for the national award, a journey that has transformed her perceptions of support within the educational community. Reflecting on her nominations, she remarked, “The first time I was nominated, I thought it was a joke, but now, after three nominations, I have noticed considerable backing from colleagues, families, and school leaders who are interested in the projects we undertake.”
Innovative Teaching Methodologies
Loida’s teaching philosophy revolves around respecting the individual learning paces of her students. Recognizing that each child learns differently, she spearheads various innovative projects aimed at making learning enjoyable and effective. Among the methodologies she employs in her classroom are:
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Jump Math: A structured math program she adopted after noticing the need for improvement in her students’ mathematical abilities.
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Robotics: Introducing robotics into classes from early childhood through to sixth grade, offering exciting challenges for students to engage with coding and programming.
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Virtual and Augmented Reality: Utilizing cutting-edge technology to create immersive learning experiences.
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Challenge-Based Learning: Focused on projects and challenges that encourage active student participation.
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Body Painting: Using this unique medium as an educational tool to spark creative expression.
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Emotional Education: Recognizing emotional intelligence as a cornerstone of holistic education.
Embracing Change for Better Outcomes
Loida’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Initially, the shift towards the Jump Math approach was complex for both educators and families, but it proved to be rewarding. The goal is to minimize homework, increase student motivation, and encourage children to realize their potential.
Additionally, robotics has emerged as a significant success in her classroom. She utilizes a “Lego box” to develop programming skills and has even embarked on a meaningful project with her fifth and sixth graders involving 3D printing prosthetics for children in Africa in collaboration with the Ayúdame 3D Association. This initiative not only teaches students about design and programming but also instills in them a sense of social responsibility, showing them how they can make a difference in the lives of others.
Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment
Transforming the traditional classroom into a welcoming learning space is fundamental to Loida’s approach. Her goal is to create an environment where students feel at home, encouraging openness and learning. She has established various zones within the classroom, such as conflict resolution areas and relaxation spaces. A confidential inbox allows students to communicate their problems discreetly, fostering trust and support.
These shifts in methodology have significantly improved the learning experience in her classroom, enhancing student autonomy, creativity, and overall classroom atmosphere. Loida reflects that many students entering higher education were emotionally unprepared. By integrating emotional education into their curriculum, she hopes to equip them better to handle their personal challenges.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Loida emphasizes the collective responsibility of educators at CEIP Lajares to adapt to their students’ diverse needs. The staff continually seeks professional development opportunities, knowing that stagnation is not an option in education. According to Loida, their commitment to educational change has been recognized, with educators from other institutions seeking to learn from their innovative practices.
With a teaching staff where 95% of the population is foreign, CEIP Lajares serves a unique and vibrant community, and the commitment of teachers like Loida reflects a dedication to fostering an inclusive, effective, and stimulating learning environment for every student.
In this way, Loida González Montenegro not only embodies the principles of educational excellence but also serves as an inspiring example of how innovative teaching methods can profoundly impact students’ lives and shape the future of education.
