Arlington ISD is marking Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the cultural roots of its staff. This week the district featured Areli Hernandez‑Zuniga, a fifth‑grade teacher at Starrett Elementary, who spoke about the importance of her heritage to her students and her own life.
Teaching with purpose
Hernandez‑Zuniga said the best part of her job is “working with students and making a positive impact in their lives.” She praised the supportive environment at Starrett, noting the dedication of the administration and her fellow teachers. “We share the same goal of helping our students be successful,” she added.
Why Hispanic Heritage Month matters
For Hernandez‑Zuniga, the month is a time to honor her culture, family and the sacrifices that have shaped her upbringing. She highlighted the hard work of her parents and grandparents, recalling how their perseverance taught her to appreciate her roots and the opportunities she enjoys today. “It’s a time to celebrate the beauty of our culture through music, food, language and family,” she explained.
Family traditions in the classroom
She celebrates the month by spending time with loved ones, listening to traditional music, dancing and sharing traditional foods. One of her favorite dishes is enchiladas potosinas, a recipe she learned from her mother and grandmother. “My grandma would make them and sell them, and I was her most loyal customer,” she laughed, noting how those memories connect her to her heritage and to the students she teaches.
Values she passes on
Hernandez‑Zuniga hopes to instill values of hard work, love and family pride in her students. She wants them to feel confident in who they are, to celebrate their own traditions, and to spread love throughout the community. “Be proud of your heritage and keep these beautiful traditions alive for generations to come,” she urged.
Community impact
Arlington ISD’s spotlight series underscores the district’s commitment to recognizing the diverse backgrounds of its educators and staff. By sharing stories like Hernandez‑Zuniga’s, the district aims to foster a more inclusive environment where students see their cultures reflected and respected in the classroom.
Original reporting: Arlington ISD District News — read the source article.
