Coachella teacher receives ‘One Class at a Time’ award to expand hands-on learning for students

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)— A Coachella elementary school teacher is receiving new resources to help her students explore technology, strengthen problem-solving skills and, most importantly, believe in their own abilities.

Dr. Maricela Tinajero, a teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary School, has been named the latest recipient of News Channel 3’s One Class at a Time award. The award will provide funding for additional Sphero robots and other classroom technology to expand hands-on learning opportunities for her students.

For Dr. Tinajero, the technology is about more than introducing students to robotics and coding. It is about teaching them to think critically, embrace challenges and persevere when things don't go as planned.

In her classroom, students put their problem-solving skills to the test by designing their own mazes and programming robots to navigate through them.

When their robots don't complete the course as expected, students are encouraged to troubleshoot, make adjustments and try again.

“ Oftentimes they get frustrated when it doesn't work. So they learn to just keep on trying and not give up,” Tinajero said.

That lesson extends beyond the classroom. Students say Tinajero consistently encourages them to do their best while offering support whenever they need help.

“She says just to keep working and just to do our best,” student Landon said.

Another student, Ellen, said Tinajero is always willing to help when students don't understand a lesson.

Her dedication has also made a lasting impression on school leadership.

Cesar Chavez Elementary School Principal Ignacio Ramirez described Tinajero as a pioneer who continually searches for new opportunities and resources to benefit her students.

“She really goes out and looks for opportunities. She's always seeking for other sources of support,” Ramirez said.

And her students say that commitment makes a difference. Student Adrian credited Tinajero with helping him improve in math, calling her one of the best teachers he has had at the school.

For Tinajero, however, the greatest reward comes from seeing students recognize their own potential.

“When they realize that they can learn, seeing that light spark and be like, ‘Oh, I get it!’ It's very exciting and rewarding,” she said.

With the additional funding, Tinajero hopes to bring even more technology and learning opportunities into her classroom, giving students new ways to explore, create and discover what they can accomplish.

Her message to students is simple: Don't give up when something gets difficult. Keep trying, keep learning and believe in yourself.

Community members can nominate a teacher for News Channel 3's One Class at a Time award at KESQ.com.