Latoya Hillman. Photography by Kathy Tran.
Hillman started at Quintanilla seven years ago after a stint in DeSoto ISD. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, she and her husband married and moved to Dallas nine years ago when his job transferred here. They have a blended family of seven children, ages 16-28. “I love the content, and I love eighth-graders,” she says of her job. “We know that math is one of the hardest subjects for them, and we know they can all be successful.”
How she knew she wanted to become a teacher
For as long as I remember, I wanted to become a teacher. When I first entered college, I majored in physical therapy, but it didn’t feel right, so I changed my major after the first semester.
Why she teaches middle school
During my work-study program, I was able to work at elementary, middle and high schools, and I knew that middle school was the best fit for me, especially eighth grade. I love the math content of eighth grade and getting students prepared to go to high school.
What’s special about teaching kids that age
They’re trying to prepare for high school, and they become very nervous about the transition. It begins to become real to them that they are in the final stages of their schooling and closer to adulthood.
A teacher who influenced her
My middle school math teacher, Mrs. Glaser at Brooks Junior High, was the teacher who influenced me most to become a teacher. She made it look like she enjoyed teaching us so much.
How her teaching style has changed since the pandemic
It has been very difficult. I can usually see what my students are doing, and that is difficult to do when they are not in front of me or we’re maintaining social distance. My use of technology has greatly increased during the pandemic because of the virtual teaching that we’ve had to do.
What’s unique about her classroom
I have high expectations for all my students, and I don’t let any of them say that they are bad at math. I have them repeat that they are not great at math yet, but they will be by the end of the school year.
Misconceptions people have about teaching
People don’t really understand the time that is put into planning lessons for students. Especially now that we are working with students learning virtually as well as in person.
A favorite moment in teaching
I think the ones that mean the most to me are when students cry with joy when they pass their STAAR test after they thought they couldn’t do it. I also love when students come back and invite me to their quinceañeras or high school graduations and thank me for helping them to feel confident in themselves.
