Yani Delima is a first year special education teacher at Amy Houston Academy in Phoenix. The mission of the school is to develop students to their fullest potential in a safe learning environment. Delima has learned the importance of building rapport with students and investing in them, which is key to academic success. One of Delima's biggest challenges has been promoting academic success for students who may not have received guidance and support to achieve big goals in the past. However, Delima believes her efforts and those of coworkers at the school can make a difference in the lives of these students.

1. A First Year Fellow Experience
Yani Delima
2011 Fellow
Special Education
Amy Houston Academy
Phoenix

2. “Teaching is more than just academics,
it’s an opportunity to push students to
reach their potential both in the
classroom and beyond.”
- Yani Delima

3. Amy L. Houston Academy
I jumped on the opportunity to interview for and accept a position with Amy L.
Houston Academy. The mission of the school is to provide an alternative program
that emphasizes social and academic skills that will develop all students to their
fullest potential in a safe learning environment by actively involving students, staff,
teachers, parents and community in the teaching and learning process.
As a current Arizona Teaching Fellow and first year teacher, I have learned more
than I ever imagined in such a brief time. I've learned that building rapport and
investing in my students is the cornerstone to academic success. With the fall
semester in full force I have worked to find various ways to motivate my students
and ensure their growth.
One of the biggest challenges I've had this year hasn’t stemmed from the sleepless
nights planning lessons, tracking progress, or writing Individualized Education
Programs (IEPs) for my special education students. My biggest hurdle has been
promoting academic success to students who might not have received the
guidance and support to accomplish BIG goals. I know my efforts, and the efforts
of my coworkers at Amy Huston Academy in Phoenix, CAN and WILL be the
difference in these students’ lives.

4. Afterschool Reading-Theater

5. Constitution Day

6. FRIDAY ELECTIVE – Golf Club

7. PEACE DAY
Students participate
in several events on
Peace Day in
recognition of the
importance of peace
and the
understanding that
one person can
make a difference!

8. Can you imagine going to work and not know your purpose…not know why you
put in such tireless effort on a daily basis? I can’t! As a teacher in a high needs
classroom, I know my purpose lies in the potential of my students. Regardless of (or
perhaps even because of) the challenges my students face in their lives, I see
future leaders. I see future parents and community role models. I see greatness.
For more about my school please check out the following video – Click Here