State Conference 2004 Highlights
About Arnulfo Velásquez
From: Salvador Gabaldón, Language
Acquisition Specialist
"...I first met Arnulfo several years ago when he was still completing coursework towards a teaching certificate. It was clear to me from our first conversation that he had a sincere passion for teaching and learning. In addition to his impressive command of both the Spanish and the English languages, he is a talented musician who inspires in his students a deep appreciation for the arts.
A few weeks ago I was invited to Arnulfo's school--Wakefield Middle School in Tucson, Arizona--to help judge the school's Spanish spelling contest. Arnulfo served as coordinator of the competition, and the care and planning that went into the event was obvious. From his professional appearance, to the tone of his voice, to the countless hours he volunteers in after-school activities, he demonstrates a high regard for his students and a committment to the community he serves.
During my most recent visit to Arnulfo's school last month, I stood by for a few minutes and waited to talk with him while he was busy taking notes during part of a teacher in-service and discussing with colleagues the implications of what they were learning. There was Arnulfo, typically fully engaged in the moment, absorbed in the process of teaching and learning. It wasn't hard to see why his colleagues had nominated him as a candidate for Bilingual Teacher of the Year. I am proud to join them in recognizing a distinguished teacher who justly deserves such a special commendation."
From: Cathy Amanti, Teacher
"Arnulfo Velásquez is an outstanding bilingual educator who deserves special recognition for his work. Not only is he exceptionally well prepared as a bilingual education teacher, but he also consistently volunteers to tutor children after school. He is well known to parents in our community, where he donates his time and expertise in a number of charity events. He helped coach the recent Torneo de Ortografía participants, and accompanied them to the competition. Beyond serving as an inspiration to his students, he is a very positive and dynamic influence on the faculty ..."
From: Alan Voelkel, Family Liaison
"...I have had the good fortune of working with Arnulfo for many years now, and have always been impressed with his professionalism, his cheerful can-do attitude, his willingness to take on whole-heartedly any job assigned to him, and the positive outcomes which invariably result from his involvement.
Mr. Velasquez has excelled in many areas. His after-school classes to teach ESL to parents are usually standing-room only, where he has not only been effective in teaching English, but also winning the friendship and admiration of the parents who attend his classes.
His success as a teacher led to him being selected for the position of lead teacher so as to allow him time to assist other teachers, mentoring them to help them be more effective in the classroom. His warm and charming manner, coupled with his obvious expertise as a teacher, has won him the respect of his colleagues. He has also caught the attention of the administration—so much so that he was asked to play a leading role among master teachers, helping department heads set up new staff development activities.
As a multi-talented human being, Arnulfo easily draws from his wealth of interpersonal and intellectual skills, as well as his culture and experience, to generate excitement and to motivate his students. Whether it be writing and performing musical odes in popular styles, forming choirs or staging dramas, Jesus is particularly effective in reaching shy and retiring students. He can get students to step up on stage and perform with confidence, renewing their self-esteem and earning unexpected recognition.
Despite his immense talents, Arnulfo remains humble, unassuming, and always personable. He's the kind of guy that by his very presence creates an environment of welcome, humor, fun and community."
Felicidades Arnulfo!