Getting to Know a Golden Apple Finalist from Taft High School

Ms. Elvira Concepcion Soriano first joined the team at Taft High School as a foreign language teacher in 2022. She came to the school from the Dominican Republic. She interviewed at multiple schools, but she knew Taft was where she wanted to be from the first time walking through its halls. She sees it as a very organized school and one that has crafted a culture of support for all members of its school community, especially its students. 

She has been an amazing addition to Taft, and her hard work has recently been recognized as she was recently named a Golden Apple Finalist for Excellence in Teaching. We interviewed her to learn more about what this recognition means to her. Learn more about her story below.

How do you think your students would describe you? 

They would describe me as funny, caring, and sometimes sarcastic. When they are not having a good day, I try to introduce some jokes in my lessons that directly connect with what they are learning. I’ve found that can help them apply the lessons to their needs and their unique backgrounds. I think they would also say that I’m very supportive. 

What was your reaction to being named a Golden Apple finalist? 

I couldn’t believe it. It was especially surprising to me since I’m not from this country and have only been teaching here for a few years. When I was teaching, my students started saying: “You’re on the website!” I didn’t exactly know what they were talking about at first, but that made me realize that I was a finalist. Colleagues started saying congratulations to me. I feel so blessed and thankful to be selected for this opportunity. 

What are some of your goals for the rest of the school year? 

I want to prepare my students to pass their IB exam. This is not because I want them to define themselves by test scores. Instead, I know that they have been working hard and deserve to pass this test because they have shown such great progress in the classroom. Passing their exam will help them earn college credit and also make their family very proud. 

I am also always striving to reinvent myself as a teacher. I do this by reflecting on my experiences in the classroom and analyzing what worked well and what I can improve. 

What advice would you give to a new teacher? 

You are not alone. You have so many resources and people who are there to support you. Every year will bring new students, but be consistent with your strategies. One of my key strategies is to not only focus on academic content. I also try to get to know my students and use that knowledge to meet their needs. 

What is your message to your students? 

They are unique. They are powerful. I hope that they continue to take risks in the classroom. In every moment, I hope they find the small things that bring joy to their hearts and put them together.