Maria DeLaCruz-Gutierrez

Affiliation

Lake Worth Community High School

Biography

I was born in Dominican Republic, raised in Long Island, New York. I am the youngest of 6 children, 3 of which are school teachers as well. Our parents only had a 3rd grade education and they always encouraged us to go further, learn more, fight harder, etc..They came in search of the American dream, and that they found. My childhood in USA was touch without being able to communicate but yet amazing. I am so thankful for my parents for having made that harsh decision to leave everything behind and start all over again in a new place. I had wonderful ESOL teachers who helped us and inspired all of us, so much so that we all ended up in education as well. I want to be able to give back to my students what my ESOL teachers gave to me; love, value, inspiration, courage, self esteem and a voice.