When most teachers simply take class attendance to begin their morning, Sonya Romero of Lew Wallace Elementary school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a more difficult task.
Every day, Sonya asks her students if they have had anything to eat, and if they need clean clothes, and she spends, at least, one hour tending to these basic needs.
75 percent of Romero’s students live in poverty, so taking care of their primary needs are her top priority.
Part of Sonya’s teaching philosophy is that every child can learn if they feel safe, and part of her job is creating an environment where they can feel safe, regardless of what their circumstance is at home.
Sonya was surprised back in March when she was just a guest on The Ellen Show, and Ellen DeGeneres called her up on stage.
Ellen heard about all the good that Sonya does for her students and that she recently took in two children to her home when child protective services were about to take them from the school.
Sonya told Ellen that she believes “as an educator, you’re also sort of a first responder.” So she went out and bought clothes, jammies and toothbrushes for the two children, and they have been living with her ever since (for over 6 months now).
Ellen wanted to honor Sonya when she heard about her heroism, so she surprised this very deserving teacher in an incredible way:
We need more teachers like this in the world! Please SHARE this incredible story with your friends on Facebook.
[Featured Image Credit: YouTube- UNM]