Teacher Feature: Ivette Torres, Kaiser Elementary

Thirty-one years ago, Ivette Torres came to the United States from Chile. After all her children were in school, she became a true forever learner and decided it was time to master the English language.

“It was a slow process,” said Torres. “I worked for a year as a Teacher’s Aide before deciding to go to college and pursue my childhood dream of becoming an educator. Thanks to the great educators I was so lucky to have, I was able to graduate with honors from Houston Baptist University.”

This year is Mrs. Torres’ 14th year teaching. She is a second-grade bilingual teacher at Kaiser Elementary who prides herself in connecting with her bright-eyed students, who are learning daily in both English and Spanish. 

Mrs. Torres understands that not every learner learns the same way or at the same pace, so she prioritizes knowing her students by name, strength, and need. In fact, this is just part of the student-centered learning and campus culture at Kaiser.

“My campus is a special place,” said Torres. “We are a committed family that cares for each other, for our students, their education, and their wellbeing. Kaiser’s leadership is very supportive of their teachers, and my grade level team is always building strong bonds and relationships. We respect, we help, we trust, and we celebrate small and big events — together.”

Mrs. Torres finds something special to celebrate every day at Kaiser, but one of the most meaningful moments in her teaching career happened just last year. 

“I received an email from one of my former students telling me she was going to college to become a teacher because I inspired her in Kindergarten,” said Torres. “I couldn’t hold back my tears!”

Klein ISD educators, like Mrs. Torres, continuously leave long-lasting impressions on our students because they choose to share their love of learning with our kids in all the best ways they know how. We are so grateful for the passion our teachers have for the work they do, but even more grateful for the love they have for our students.