The Seattle Teacher Residency empowered Emily to use her culture, language and background to relate to students, making sure everyone in the classroom has a teacher they connect with.
At Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Emily Monteiro is making a meaningful impact in her role as a Resource Teacher. Emily’s journey to becoming an educator has been anything but conventional. Originally from Brazil, she arrived in the United States in 2017 as an au pair. With a bachelor’s degree in social communication, she initially thought her time in the U.S. would be a short-term adventure.
After deciding to stay, Emily began searching for a meaningful career. She explored nonprofit work but found that working with adults wasn’t as fulfilling as with youth. Emily wanted to transition from being a nanny to having a long-term career in education, but insecurities held her back.
“English isn’t my first language,” Emily thought. “How am I going to teach kids to read or teach math in English?” she remembers.
After reaching out to the Seattle Teacher Residency (STR) and sharing her insecurities, she received reassurance that her unique experiences would make her a great teacher.
“They told me, ‘For all the reasons you’re insecure, that’s why you’ll be a good teacher. Students will be able to relate to you.’”
With renewed confidence, Emily decided to pursue teaching, ultimately choosing to focus on special education—a path she now feels deeply passionate about.
The STR program has had a significant impact on Emily’s teaching journey, helping her understand the importance of self-reflection and identity.
Working with students who struggle with social-emotional learning has made Emily realize the importance of self-regulation, not just for her students but for herself. “Sometimes I feel like I’m at the edge, and I remind myself that I need to model the behaviors I expect from my students. It’s about making good choices, even when things are tough.”
The STR program has also helped her reflect on her identity as an immigrant and a woman of color and how that influences her teaching. “Understanding my identity and my ‘why’ helps me stay grounded, especially on the tough days,” she says.
Emily’s mentor teacher has played a crucial role in her development. “You can’t solve every problem yourself. My mentor is great at identifying when to bring in other adults for support, and that’s helped me understand the importance of collaboration.”
When asked what advice she would give to future educators, Emily emphasizes the importance of knowing your “why.”
“It’s not for the money,” she jokes. “You need to have a reason for why you’re doing this, and it only needs to be good enough for you. When things get hard—and they will—that’s what will keep you going.”
She also stresses the importance of community.
“One of the best things about STR is the community. As a new educator, it’s invaluable to have a cohort of people who share your values and vision for education. They’re not just a resource; they’re also a support system when things get tough.”
Through her dedication to her students Emily is making a lasting impact at Thurgood Marshall Elementary. Her journey, filled with resilience and a commitment to social justice, serves as an inspiration to both her students and her colleagues.
Learn more about the Seattle Teacher Residency and make a gift to support future educators like Emily.