Spotlight: Juan Dominguez (TX '23)

Texas Milken Educator Juan Dominguez is a master teacher at SSGT Michael P. Barrera Veterans Elementary. He focuses on relationship building and service to inspire both teachers and students. Dominguez firmly believes that everyone can reach their potential. “Kids need people that really care about them. In this profession anything is possible. What I love the most about it is that you can be a kid again.” Dominguez received a 2023-24 Texas Milken Educator Award in Von Ormy on April 3, 2024.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise?

I have had so many of my former students reach out to me and share their joy about the Milken Educator Award. Each and every one shared a memory from when they were in my class. I use this opportunity to share any pictures I took of them during school events or class projects. I also take the time to thank them for allowing me to be their teacher. Without their hard work and brilliance, there would be no Milken Award! 
 
MFF: Who are your role models as an educator? Is there an experience you had in the classroom as a student that shaped your practices or motivation to teach? 

I have been blessed with many teachers and coaches that made a huge impact on my career and life. Mrs. Kruse is the first — she was my science teacher in high school. She was passionate about plants and animals and made every lesson engaging. I particularly remember a project about bug characteristics. She had us collect bugs, research them and create a poster with them. She was always willing to support me when I needed it. I hope to be like her one day. I’m still in contact with her — she is a close friend of my family! 
 
MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. What memories stand out? Who or what helped you through it? 

I learned so much in my first year of teaching. It didn’t feel like the typicaI first year that most new teachers have because I was hired at the campus that I had subbed and worked as a life skills support staff on. I felt very supported by everyone on that campus, they all took me under their wing! The entire campus was so invested in my success that they were willing to help me in any way, shape or form. My mentor, Ms. Morales, was also one of the best in the business and is one of the best educators I have come across. She shared so many of her ideas and tricks to become the best. Every time I am placed in a mentor role, I stive to be just like the people that supported me during my first few years. 
 
MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you? 

Every day that I’m working with students, I push to become the best educator they have ever had. Not their favorite, but the one that did everything possible to help them while they were in, and even after, they left my classroom! Even though I am a tough teacher, I do it because I want them to be successful individuals. I want them to remember me as the teacher that took the time to create a relationship with them. I have always loved playing soccer and any other game they have going on during recess. I use this time to connect with them. I hope they know they can always count on me! 
 
MFF: Your journey from being a bilingual student and first-generation college graduate to becoming a master teacher is very meaningful. How has your personal background shaped your approach to teaching, leadership, and supporting diverse student populations? 

In school I had a difficult time learning and staying engaged. School hasn’t always come easy, which has really influenced the way I teach. Every time I stepped in to teach, I would think of ways that every concept would make more sense to my younger self. My students are a lot like me growing up, we share similar interests and upbringings. Thanks to these connections, I’m able to make learning meaningful for my kiddos. In college, I was a little lost and didn’t have too many people to ask for guidance. My soccer coach and my former high school teachers were usually the people I reached out to for help. Now, I make myself available to my former students that are getting excited for their next steps after high school. Now that I’m in a leadership role, I share many of the experiences and strategies that have worked for me. The teachers that I get to lead are so much like my students. I strive to create a relationship with them. My mission in life is to serve those around me! 
 
MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers? 

For anyone interested in becoming a teacher, I would say to do it! It’s one of the toughest careers, but also one of the most rewarding! Kids need people that really care about them. In this profession, anything is possible. What I love the most is that you can be a kid again. All of the projects that I wish I could have done when I was a student, I can now do with my own students. It’s truly rewarding and fueling when your kids come back to visit you after years. The calling requires a lot of heart work! 

 
MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school? 

This year I will be stepping up as the high school girls soccer head coach. I’m super excited about this opportunity, and to have one more way to help my students reach their full potential. The best thing about this opportunity is that many of my players are students I’ve played soccer with during recess. 
 
I have also received opportunities to deliver professional development. The University of Texas A&M will be hosting their first annual A&M-SA ASAP2TEACH Multilingual Conference, where I will be delivering a workshop for multilingual professionals in education.