February is CTE Month
Just a year ago, Mariaisabel Guerrero was walking the halls of Sam Houston High School getting ready to graduate. Today, she’s still in Arlington ISD, but now she’s a PE teaching assistant at Wimbish World Language Academy. And she has her sights set on becoming a teacher.
Education isn’t just a career path for Guerrero – it’s a calling.
As we highlight Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, Guerrero’s journey is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and career preparation. It all started with her time in the Education and Training program at the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center (CTC) during her senior year.
“This program really put me into shape,” Guerrero said. “It made me want a career. I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to go to college before then.”
Through the CTC, Guerrero had the opportunity to explore different types of teaching and work directly with students at Rankin Elementary, which ultimately fueled her passion for education. The program introduces high school students to careers in education and familiarizes them with the processes for developing curriculum, coordinating educational content and coaching groups and individuals.
“Getting to be hands-on in the classroom, working with kids, it made me fall in love with teaching,” she said.
Stacey Crawford, Guerrero’s education and training teacher and coordinator at the CTC, says Guerrero’s passion was undeniable.
“Mariaisabel was an exceptional student,” Crawford said. “She took her role as an education intern very seriously and always strove to make a positive impact on her students at Rankin Elementary and on her peers at the CTC.”
Understanding the power of mentorship, Guerrero now strives to provide the same guidance and support that her own educators – like Crawford – once gave her.
“I loved my mentors,” Guerrero said. “I would love to be a mentor for others. I want to try my very best to be that structure they need or might not have. I love building connections. It starts from a young age, shaping young minds and helping them grow into future leaders. I just really want to be a part of that journey and help them shape what it is that they want to do.”
After graduating from Sam Houston in 2024 and joining the Wimbish Wolves back in September, Guerrero also launched a cheer program at the school. With over 20 students, she hopes to continue to grow the program even more.
“I don’t think I’d be in this position without the hands-on experience I gained,” she said. “It’s really helped me establish the cheer program here, too. I create lesson plans and goals I want them to accomplish. It’s been such a fun opportunity.”
Looking ahead, Guerrero plans to continue pursuing her passion by earning her teaching certificate.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Mariaisabel’s success as a teaching assistant at Wimbish,” Crawford said. “It’s wonderful that she’s able to work in the district while she strives for her ultimate goal of becoming a certified teacher in Arlington ISD. I’m so proud of Mariaisabel. Her passion for education is truly inspiring!”
Learn more about CTE opportunities in Arlington ISD here.