About Me

“[Kids] don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” – Jim Henson.

Welcome, Huskies! I am Mrs. Pruneda, and I am thrilled to continue my journey at Madden for another wonderful year. This marks my 4th year as a dyslexia teacher, 7th year in special education, and my 26th year in the field of education. My career began primarily as a high school English teacher, where I discovered my passion for helping students find their unique voices through language and literature.

My educational background includes an AA in Accounting, a BA in English, a BS in Psychology, and an MA in Teaching Secondary Education. Over the years, I've earned certifications in Core Subjects, English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), Special Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and Gifted and Talented (GT) education.

My professional journey has been diverse and enriching. Before finding my calling in education, I worked in accounting (yes, numbers and words can coexist!), Spanish radio and television media, and promotions. These varied experiences have given me a unique perspective that I bring into my classroom every day.

I am the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants who instilled in me the values of education, ethics, and taking pride in one's work. Their influence has shaped my approach to teaching and learning. I am fluent in Spanish and have developed conversational skills in Arabic, including basic reading and writing abilities. My love for languages reflects my belief that communication opens doors to understanding different cultures and perspectives.

Throughout my years in education, I have come to understand what it truly means to be a lifelong learner. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson I hope to share with the Huskies I am fortunate enough to work with each day. Learning extends far beyond the classroom—it's a mindset, a way of approaching the world with curiosity and openness.

When I'm not in the classroom, you'll likely find me lost in the pages of a book. I am an avid reader and unashamedly admit to being hopelessly addicted to the written word. (I still dream of having a library like the one Beast gifted to Belle in the original animated film from what seems like a thousand years ago!) This passion for reading fuels my love for languages and their beautiful complexities.

A few other quirks that make me who I am: I have absolutely no sweet tooth and will choose savory over sweet every time. I maintain an unapologetic addiction to coffee and other caffeine sources (Dr. Pepper being a particular favorite). Recently, I've joined the ranks of devoted cat lovers with three feline companions—Lola, Pulgüita, and Luna—who have completely stolen my heart and would be the beneficiaries of my inheritance if I had my way. To my husband's ongoing dismay, I've accumulated a personal library of thousands of books, a collection that continues to grow despite space limitations.

Above all else, my years in education have taught me that compassion and respectful collaboration are the foundations of meaningful learning. All the training and certifications in the world cannot replace the importance of building trust and working together toward shared goals. I believe that when we approach education with compassion and a willingness to collaborate, we create an environment where genuine learning can flourish.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in nurturing our future generations. Thank you in advance for joining me in this important work. I look forward to a year filled with growth, discovery, and meaningful connections.