Golden Apple Fellow: Theresa Sandoval

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Theresa Sandoval, one of seven Golden Apple Fellows in 2013, teaches kindergarten at Dolores Gonzales Elementary in Albuquerque and proves it’s never too late to make a difference.

Sandoval’s dual-language classroom is like a world of make-believe. With the help of her stuffed animal Clifford she sparks the kids' enthusiasm and imagination with games, song and make believe.

“If they’re a snake on the floor, I’m a snake on the floor. If they’re a rabbit, I’m a rabbit” says Sandoval

One of her favorite things to do is take the kids on field trips. She believes that seeing all the world has to offer is a key part of learning. Her favorite trip is to the University of New Mexico

“I remember one student, David, said, 'I want to come to this big school just like you did Mrs. Sandoval," she continues.  "There and then I know that I have impacted all of their lives."

Sandoval has been a teacher for 12 years. She didn’t start her journey to becoming a teacher until the age of 38 after she was done raising her kids.

It took her 10 years to get her bachelor’s degree, but once she was in the classroom it didn’t take long for her to make a difference.

Sandoval says her college professors are the ones who really inspired her to do well.

As for the honor of being nominated and being awarded the Golden Apple:

“It’s an honor," Sandoval says.  "I am still on cloud nine, but I say it’s my kids who make me the teacher I am. Their curiosity and imagination, wanting to know. They make my day."