Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Laura Cano was destined to be a teacher in high school. 

“As part of my graduation requirements, I worked in an after school program, where I helped children with their homework and engaged with them during playtime,” said Laura. “I thoroughly enjoyed working with kids and knew it would be my life’s work.” 

From there, she obtained a degree in education, and eventually made her way to Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), where she did her student teaching. Twenty-three years later, the Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist is now in her fourth year of teaching kindergarten at Wilchester Elementary, where she witnesses the magic of young minds absorbing knowledge like sponges every day. 

“Teaching kindergarten is like watching lightbulbs going off,” said Laura. “The hard work pays off when you see your students applying what they’ve learned. I genuinely love coming to school every day and seeing the excitement in my students’ eyes.” 

This past year, Laura’s journey as an educator took a unique twist when Wilchester Elementary implemented a new program for special needs children, including those with autism. Referred to as Autism Intervention and Management (AIM), the program integrates special needs and general education students. 

“It was an adjustment at first,” said Laura. I knew I would need to shift my education approach to ensure that all my students, both general education and special needs, felt included and supported.”

Laura embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly, welcoming three children with autism in her classroom this past year as she advocated for a change in the way her students perceived their classmates with autism. 

Based on her experience growing up with a cousin with Down syndrome, Laura learned how to embrace people for their differences, which is what she is trying to impart to her students.  

“We don’t use terms like ‘autism’ or ‘special needs’ in our classroom,” she explained. “Instead, I teach my students about empathy and compassion, emphasizing that everyone learns and works differently. I want them to understand and appreciate each other’s differences, a skill set I believe will serve them well later in life.” 

Laura’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment has paid off. Under her guidance, both her general education and special needs students have flourished. 

“The general ed students have become helpers, offering assistance without even being asked, which is heartwarming to witness,” said Laura. 

Her philosophy for working with students with special needs is to treat them as capable rather than considering any limitations. 

“Have patience with them and listen to their story,” she said. 

The kindergarten teacher says she is humbled to be among the finalists for the Elementary Teacher of the Year and hopes she’ll have the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of young people for many years to come. 

“Teaching kindergarten fills my bucket and makes me happy. I do it for the love of all kids,” she said. 

• Read more about our Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists here.
• To learn more about how you can join Team SBISD, click here.