Igniting Minds, Inspiring Futures: Angela Pichardo, Outstanding Teacher of the Year
By Iliana Yanez
Teachers wield the remarkable power to ignite potential and transform lives. This year, Scene In SA proudly celebrates Mrs. Angela Pichardo, the recipient for our Outstanding Teacher of the Year award at McNair Middle School, Southwest ISD. Angela's dedication and innovative teaching has not only paved the way for future generations, but also sparked a passion for learning in countless students throughout San Antonio.
Angela Pichardo, Scene in SA’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year
Angela's journey began humbly in Bigfoot, Texas, where she was raised along with her brothers and hardworking parents in ranching and farming—experiences which instilled in her the belief that foresight and hard work pave the path to success. “We always had the mindset that you never know what you’re going to need,” she recalls a philosophy that shapes her resilient approach to challenges and her commitment to preparing her students for a limitless future.
While earning her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Angela interned at the Bexar County Jail, where she managed family visitations for incarcerated parents and organized weekly visits with their children. This profoundly influenced her understanding of the transformative power of education and support, both for others and for her own family. “I have two great children. I raised two awesome kids, and that’s how I redirected my life because I didn’t want them raised by others,” Angela shared, reflecting on her journey.
Beyond academics, Angela fosters a culture of resilience and self-worth among her students. “You teach children not only because you want them to pass the test but to show them they are valued. What they have to say is important,” Angela affirms. Her commitment extends beyond conventional expectations, driven by a deep-rooted desire to empower her students with knowledge and confidence. In her classroom, making mistakes and asking questions are not just accepted—they are encouraged as essential steps in the learning process. “It’s okay to make mistakes; it’s the opportunity to learn and grow,” she emphasizes. “It’s the opportunity to learn from making those errors and understanding that we’re not going to be perfect.”
Reflecting on her approach to teaching, Angela emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of inner strength and curiosity in her students. “There’s going to be adversity; everyone’s struggling with something. No one's going to live a perfect life, but how are we going to overcome that adversity? Many times we might fail, but that’s just the opportunity to figure something else out,” Angela shares thoughtfully. “Hopefully, that is something I have placed in their hearts and minds—to have that inner peace of figuring things out.”
Looking ahead, Angela remains dedicated to expanding her educational horizons. She has accepted a role as an after-school teacher at Kelly Air Force Base, aiming to further enrich her aerospace curriculum. Her leadership has also seen success in competitions like the SAMSAT Mayor’s Challenge, where three of her five teams advanced, distinguishing McNair Middle School as the only public middle school to achieve this feat. Angela’s vision for the future includes enhancing aerospace education and continuing to inspire young minds to reach for the Stars.
As we honor Angela Pichardo as Scene In SA’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year, we celebrate her unwavering passion, innovation, and dedication to shaping the next generation. Her impact resonates not only in her students’ academic achievements but also in the values and skills they carry forward into their futures. Angela exemplifies the true spirit of teaching: a relentless pursuit of excellence and a profound belief in the potential of every child. Like skilled pilots guiding planes through the sky, Mrs. Pichardo guides her students to new heights of knowledge and possibility, turning her classroom into a runway where dreams take flight. ■
