Haleigh E. Montoya
Welcome to my humble online portfolio! Here you will find out more about who I am and my journey as an aspiring English educator at the high school level, with the additional goal to continue my coaching career in the sport of volleyball.
About Me
Location
As a proud born and raised El Pasoan, I have made dozens of professional and personal relationships in my city, and I am thankful for each and every one of them. As I begin the next chapter of life, I now reside in Dallas Texas where I hope to create new experiences, memories and relationships in a city full of new possibilities.
Education
I am a proud product of the Ysleta community located in a part of town known as the Lower Valley. While in high school I took part in athletics, student council, and speech and debate. I was also granted the opportunity to enroll in 29 college credit hours through El Paso Community College.
After high school graduation in the spring of 2018, I began my time at The University of Texas at El Paso. During this time in college I earned my English degree while working multiple jobs at a time. Having graduated from UTEP in December of 2023 I am now a certified educator anticipating my next big move.
Hobbies
Being a first-generation college graduate is a source of great pride for me, and I understand the importance of balancing my academic commitments with enjoying life's wonders.
In my leisure time, I find peace in journaling, using it as a tool for reflection and self-expression. Additionally, I immerse myself in non-fictional books that are often covered with my own notes, enriching my intellectual curiosity.
My love for travel is another significant aspect of my life. Actively working to explore both familiar and unfamiliar destinations, I am dedicated to creating lasting memories and embracing the opportunity to discover the world. I believe that these experiences contribute significantly to my personal growth and success in various endeavors.
Teaching Philosophy
During my role as a student, I've embraced the profound concept that "knowledge is power." Through tireless efforts and rewarding experiences in my academic and personal pursuits, I've cultivated a passion for becoming a purposeful leader in my community. As a lifelong learner, I constantly strive for self-growth, and recognize the impact I will have on the minds shaping our future, especially as I transition into the role of an educator.
My teaching philosophy centers on creating an empowering yet challenging environment, fostering critical thinking and equipping students with skills essential for their journey into mature adulthood. Embracing the diversity of personalities within a single classroom, I am committed to instilling a growth mindset in my students. While setbacks are inevitable, I firmly believe that failure is not final; failure is what brings about improvements and competitiveness to achieve more. I believe it will be the success, but also the short comings that will teach resilience that comes from a growth mindset, that creates a tenacious individual who overcomes challenges and can be a part of a unified and diverse community.
Aspiring to be an English educator, I approach the classroom with enthusiasm, envisioning an environment where students are intrinsically motivated through hands-on, real-world applications of learning. I am deeply passionate about instilling a profound enjoyment of literature by utilizing diverse texts from different eras, recognizing the value of learning from the past, and the inclusion of a diverse set of authors relevant to my students needs and inquires.
Acknowledging the evolving landscape of technology, I recognize its significance in instruction. Utilizing technology allows me to navigate complex ideas efficiently, receive timely feedback from students, and enhance the overall learning experience. I am dedicated to integrating data-driven pedagogies to adapt my instruction around meaningful literature to provide students with opportunities to internalize and form their own understanding from the literature.
In conclusion, my teaching philosophy is grounded on the holistic development of students, recognizing the profound impact that learning experiences can have on their lives. I am dedicated to cultivating a dynamic, student-centered environment that transcends the traditional classroom boundaries, shaping individuals both within and beyond academic settings. My goal is to guide academically inclined and curious individuals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge essential for thriving in their unique future endeavors.
In the Classroom
In my last semester as an undergraduate student, I completed my student teaching internship at Mission Early College High School. Within my five months as a student teacher, I was consistently in the classroom observing and working alongside Mr. Michel in his AP English IV class. During this time, I created a handful of my own lesson plans and would actively interact with students discussing content, getting to know their unique personalities, challenging their surface level thinking, and analyzing the literature. The following is a sample of work I designed for my lesson plans as well as work students produced as a result.
References and Testimonials
Marlo Salazar, Co-Coach for EP Diggers Volleyball
"Coaching alongside Haleigh has been nothing short of incredible. Haleigh is the true epitome of what leadership embodies and learning from her was truly one of the most enjoyable times I've had as she provided so much insight and knowledge of what it means to be a leader and inspire others. The constant enthusiasm she showed our players while coaching has transcended into her drive to become the best teacher possible."
Andres "Ace" Acosta,
El Paso Sports Network
"I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Haleigh and came to know her as a truly valuable asset to our team. She is smart, honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, she is an impressive motivator and who is able to bring that positive energy and enthusiasm to any team and organization."
Mr. Timothy Michel, Mission Early College High School, English IV
"Haleigh Montoya has excelled in her transition from student to teacher during her semester at MECHS. Her eagerness to learn and passion for education are evident. She embraces challenges with a positive attitude, continually enhancing her teaching skills. Haleigh's innovative methods and ability to engage students showcase her potential as an outstanding educator."
Tracy Lutich, Former Volleyball Club Director
"Haleigh is a dedicated, hardworking young lady with so much passion in being the best for her student athletes. Her energy is so vibrant and contagious. Haleigh is definitely an inspiration to all."
Maddison Estrada (13 years-old), former athlete
"Coach Haleigh's unwavering commitment has been a guiding force, leading me to confront challenges with resilience. Her emphasis on self-discipline and teamwork resonates deeply with me, exemplified during our practice sessions where she encouraged us to push our limits. Through her coaching, I've not only grown as a player on the court but also grew a sense of self-discipline and confidence that extends beyond on and off the court."
Former Professor Brad Jacobson at the University of Texas at El Paso
"Haleigh demonstrated careful attention to the coursework in the two classes she took with me, always questioning how she could become the best teacher possible. She is student-driven in all her work, and she brings a positive attitude and a reflective disposition, all important qualities of an excellent teacher. Haleigh’s students will be lucky to have her."
Coach Charlie Sanchez, mentor at Ysleta High School
"Haleigh's passion for the education career will allow her to be successful and help students reach their full potential. Her personality will create a safe and enjoyable environment for her students. Coaching athletics is a bonus as she will bring experience and knowledge to student athletes. Haleigh will be a great asset to any campus or team that she works for."
Kayla Ayala (18-years-old) Student at Mission Early College High School
"Ms. Montoya has been so wonderful in my classes; giving me amazing feedback and a helping hand whenever I needed one. She always tries to make everything interesting, no matter how hard or boring a subject can be. She is lovely in more ways than one with a kindhearted personality; I can tell she is passionate about what she does, and I know I will not be the only one who will miss her when she leaves."
Photo Opportunities
The following photos are chronologically ordered from 2019 to the present day. In them you will see myself as a volleyball coach of six to 18-year-old athletes in club, city, and school volleyball, a psychology and English tutor, a commentator for high school volleyball around El Paso, and a small peak into my student teaching internship at Mission Early College High School in December 2023.
