About Me

Hello everyone!

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My name is Mrs. Contreras, I am a mother, a wife of twenty plus years, and a 7th grade Think TANK teacher which focuses on Social and Emotional. I was born, raised, and still live in Houston, Tx. I am a MexaRican. My father’s family is from Reynosa, Mexico and my mother was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. I have one sister and two brothers. My sister is my main source of inspiration because she is a professor. My eldest brother passed away from cancer in 2018 and my other brother runs his own successful home inspection business.  I grew up on the southeast side of Houston in a neighborhood call Magnolia. I went to Briscoe Elementary, Edison Middle School and Milby High School.

My Education

I graduated from Lamar University with a BAAS degree. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Education in Digital Learning and Leading program.

 

My Interest and Hobbies

Reading! I LOVE to read!! I read over 100 books a year. I read all kinds of books, but right now I’m into contemporary romance, paranormal, and dystopian. I also like to read books before I watch the on screen adaptation version. This includes The Handmaid’s Tale, Sharp Objects, Big Little Lies, Maze Runner Series, Twilight Series, City of Bones Series, Walking Dead series, Game of Thrones series, It, The 100, The Divergent series, Vampire Diaries, The Hate You Give, The Help, Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter series, The Color Purple, Dracula, Frankenstein, The House of Spirits, Interview with a Vampire, Of Mice and Men, Like Water for Chocolate, To Kill a Mockingbird, and many more. I also go to comic cons, Harry Potter Symphonies, book signings, and author/actor meet and greets.

Why I Became a Teacher

I get it from my father! My father was not a school teacher, but he was a phenomenal teacher of life. He was kind, understanding, empathetic, giving, and selfless. I believe I have inherited all those traits from him. I have had other careers in my life. I was a Realtor and loan officer for 10 years, owned my own businesses throughout all my adult years, secretary for a very small constructivist school at U of H for about 3 years, and special education paraprofessional at NSMS between 2015-2019. I believe I found my calling working with 7th and 8th graders here at NSMS. I felt and still do, that I can contribute to not only their academic careers, but help them with their social and emotional growth. This is an extremely hard job, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

My Teaching Philosophy

EVERYONE CAN LEARN! You wouldn’t believe the number of students I have had that say, “I don’t know!”, “I don’t know how.”, “I can’t.”, ‘I’m just stupid, miss.”, and “I’m dumb.” This breaks my heart because I know they are not “stupid” or “dumb”. They just haven’t learned how to do it “YET.” I have to remind them often that they are here, at school, to learn. If they already knew everything they would not need to come to school.

Organizations I am Associated with 

I am the campus leader for Relay for Life.

WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?
The Relay For Life movement is American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. From team members to volunteers, we all want to remember those we’ve lost, help those affected today, and give us a home team advantage against cancer. Through funds donated, time given, or awareness raised, our communities are teaming up to make a difference. When we rally together in the fight against cancer through this fun and inspirational event, we can accomplish anything. (https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=relay)
I am a sponsor for Demoiselle Diamonds.

Goal and Purpose

The Diamonds of North Shore Middle School will serve the district and community.

The goal of the program is to highlight our young ladies positively throughout our school, district, and the community at large.  

The purpose of the Diamonds organization is to model and promote continued exemplary behavior, academic excellence, and motivation.  Furthermore, our goal is to instill the importance of etiquette, goal setting, hard work, encourage positive self-worth, and behavior in pursuit of higher learning.

Fun Fact

I have met many authors and some actors in my life time. Take a look below.