Episode #12
Elba Sims - Teacher of the Year: Leading with Purpose and Compassion
Elba Sims was born in New York to loving parents who were both very proud of their Puerto Rican heritage. As one of nine children, she grew up speaking Spanish at home and was totally immersed in Latino culture. She enjoyed eating meals from Puerto Rico and watching her mother cook. She fondly remembers the special spoon her mother used to call “Big Cucharón” to measure her sofrito to put in her most delicious rice. Some of her most vivid memories include listening to Puerto Rican musicians that her mother felt passionately about sharing with her children to ensure a deeper love of their background. As the first of her siblings to attend college, Elba paved the way for a family tradition of service. Drawn to education from an early age, she pursued a career working with children, while her siblings later entered healthcare professions after college. Elba credits her mother's example of compassion, resilience, and dedication to others for inspiring her siblings shared commitment to helping people. Today, Elba Sims is a passionate educator, advocate, and leader dedicated to creating opportunities for students and supporting families. Much of her work has focused on English language learners, particularly immigrant and refugee students who are navigating a new school system and adapting to life in a new country. Her empathetic yet direct approach fosters trust while helping students and families overcome challenges and build confidence. A strong believer in culturally responsive teaching, Elba creates welcoming classroom environments where students feel seen, valued, and celebrated. To honor the diverse backgrounds of her middle school students, she spends time learning the music and cultures of their native countries. Each morning, she begins the school day by playing a song from a different country, transforming a simple routine into a joyful celebration of identity, belonging, and cultural pride. As political and social changes have impacted student attendance, engagement, and family participation, Elba's commitment to advocacy has only grown stronger. She remains a steadfast champion for immigrant and refugee families, working tirelessly to ensure that every student has access to a supportive learning environment and a community that embraces diversity, inclusion, and opportunity.
