Our February 2025 Teacher of the Month is Cecilia Ponce

We are delighted to announce our February 2025 Teacher of the Month! Cecilia Ponce is a third grade teacher at Dolores Huerta Elementary School. We are honored to recognize Ms. Ponce for her unwavering dedication to her students, school, and community!

Ms. Ponce shines as a true beacon of dedication for her students, always ready to share her insightful ideas with her colleagues during staff meetings, aiming to make their learning experiences even better. She provides thoughtful support to her English Learners and SPED students while fostering a warm and inviting classroom atmosphere filled with joyful smiles. The encouraging words she shares throughout the day resonate with her students, and they express their gratitude and inspiration in return.

Her students can be heard enthusiastically declaring, “Quality over quantity!” with a cheerful smile. It’s truly inspiring to witness the academic and socioemotional growth of students nurtured by such a committed and caring teacher.

For years, Ms. Ponce has been an extraordinary Arts Coordinator, playing a vital role in enriching Huerta’s arts programming. Her dedication to crafting exceptional educational experiences goes beyond just her students; it positively impacts everyone in the school community. The vibrant, creative spirit that thrives here is a true testament to her relentless efforts in forging partnerships and establishing systems that invite everyone to embark on an uplifting journey of artistic education within the Huerta community.

In the past year, amidst challenging times marked by significant budget cuts and staff reductions, Ms. Ponce has been a crucial source of inspiration and support for the school. Her leadership and resilience have served as a guiding light during these tough moments. Her collective efforts serve as a thoughtful reminder that by working together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes and foster an exceptional school community that benefits our students.

Ms. Ponce is not just a highly regarded teacher; she significantly enriches the warm, inviting, and joyful atmosphere of the Dolores Huerta Elementary community. Her dedication and positive presence are at the heart of enhancing the overall educational experience for both students and families.

Meet other Teacher of the Month awardees, and nominate a special SFUSD teacher in your life.