Guadalupe Estrada is a dedicated Spanish Language Arts and Bilingual Teacher Academy educator at Deming High School, where she inspires students through language, culture, and leadership. Guadalupe’s journey began when she arrived in the United States at the age of ten without speaking English. Within a year, through determination and the support of a compassionate teacher, she was speaking and writing in a new language. While she embraced English, her love and pride for her native Spanish language remained a constant foundation in her life. A proud graduate of Deming High School (Class of 1996), Guadalupe returned to higher education fourteen years later as a mother of two, determined to continue her academic journey. While studying at New Mexico State University, she was profoundly influenced by her Spanish Literature professor, Dr. Barquet, whose mentorship helped shape her calling as an educator. Through his example, she learned that a great teacher could leave a lifelong imprint on the hearts and minds of students. Guadalupe has over a decade of experience in education. She began as a Teaching Assistant at New Mexico State University while earning her Master of Arts in Spanish Linguistics. She later returned to her hometown to serve her community, teaching at Bataan Elementary School before joining Deming High School, where she has been teaching AP Spanish Language and Culture and AP Spanish Literature and Culture for seven years. Many of her students cross the international border daily to attend school, and she views their resilience and dedication as both an inspiration and a responsibility. Three years ago, Guadalupe embraced a new challenge by joining the Bilingual Teacher Academy and becoming an Educators Rising teacher leader. This leadership role reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to educational excellence and to preparing the next generation of bilingual educators. Passionate about academic rigor and professional growth, Guadalupe holds high expectations for her students and is deeply committed to empowering them to thrive — academically, personally, and professionally. Her story is a testament to perseverance, the transformative power of teachers, and the enduring strength of bilingual identity.