By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
When San Benito CISD’s Fred Booth Global Leadership Academy dance team needed a sponsor at the start of the school year, two teachers stepped up to ensure the students still had the chance to perform and represent their school.
Second-grade teacher Laura Vallejo, who has over 30 years of experience in education, and her daughter, Miranda Vallejo, a fourth-year teacher working as a Pre-K instructor, agreed to take on the role together despite having no prior experience with dance team sponsorship.
For Laura Vallejo, the decision was about prioritizing students.
“Our dance girls needed a coach,” she said. “Without a coach, the dance team wouldn’t be able to participate in any events or represent our school. I felt I couldn’t let that happen. Students are our priority.”
Since taking on the role, the pair have guided dancers through practices and performances at school events and activities throughout the district. Laura Vallejo manages parent communication and event details, while Miranda Vallejo concentrates on developing routines and working with the dancers during practices.
The experience has also provided a unique opportunity for the two educators to work together as both family members and colleagues.
“I started out a bit nervous because I have never been involved with dance,” Laura Vallejo said. “I was a basketball mom for over 14 years. I can’t take credit for the dance routines — that would be my daughter.”
Miranda Vallejo said that the experience has strengthened both their professional relationship and their bond as mother and daughter.
“Working together has strengthened our relationship not only as mother and daughter but also as coworkers,” she said. “We are discovering our strengths and allowing each other to lead in those areas.”
Both teachers say they aim to teach students dedication, teamwork, and perseverance through their practices and performances.
“I’ve always believed in ‘practice how you play,’” Laura Vallejo said. “You need to practice how you are going to perform. I want them to realize that hard work pays off.”
Miranda Vallejo also hopes that students will understand the value of trying new things and supporting one another.
“I want them to know it’s okay to try new things, and if they don’t succeed the first time, they should keep trying and not give up,” she said.
Throughout the year, the team has participated in various school and community events and recently went on its first field trip as a club. As some fifth-grade dancers prepare to move on to middle school, the sponsors hope the students continue pursuing their interest in dance.
“If they have a passion for dance, I want them to keep dancing and pursue it as far as they can,” Laura Vallejo said.