Hi! My name is Gabriela Pruneda, and I am a special education teacher at Madden Elementary. This year marks my fourth year in both FBISD and at Madden, but my journey as an educator began in 1999. I have a BA in English, an MA in Teaching Secondary Education, and a BS in Psychology, all from the University of Houston--Downtown. Before arriving at Madden, I worked for years with my mother in Spanish radio and TV in KLAT 1010 A.M. and Univision and Telemundo, respectively. I also taught English Language Arts and Reading to all grades except KG and 1^st, both of which Madden has taught me can be very rewarding. Born and raised in Houston, TX by Mexican immigrants, I grew up surrounded by educators, book lovers, and artists. Both my parents instilled the idea that learning was a precious gift I must treasure, and, coming from a long line of educators on both sides of my family, it was almost inescapable that I pursued a career in education. Growing up, we spent all our vacations in Mexico, straddling two cultures, which taught me the richness of diversity. I spent four years living in Mexico, learning my family’s mother tongue and culture, something my parents felt was pivotal so I could enrich my sense of identity. I speak, read, and write fluent Spanish and speak conversational Arabic. I love reading, writing, and doing research. Literacy is elemental in learners’ successful experiences, so I hope to be able to continue working with all our Husky families to ensure an experience that will enrich all those involved. I cannot wait to see how our collaboration can help create global citizens who can positively effect change in our world. I look forward to another year together and would like to thank you in advance for our collaboration in creating a rich learning experience for our students: the future of our generations.