Hempstead ISD is proud to announce that Sandra Alvarez, Hempstead Elementary School paraprofessional, was named the 2025 recipient of the Title III Spirit Award, recognizing her as the Paraprofessional of the Year for Emergent Bilingual (EB) students across the entire state.
The Title III Spirit Award honors paraprofessionals and support staff in Title III-funded schools who demonstrate exceptional dedication to supporting emergent bilingual students. Alvarez exemplifies everything this award stands for, and she represents Hempstead ISD with professionalism and heart.
Originally from Honduras, she was selected as the sole representative from her country to travel to the United States to study American Sign Language. During that time, she became certified in ASL, learned English, and pursued her education with remarkable determination. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University and has spent the last 27 years making a lasting impact in the field of education.
Her professional journey includes roles as a paraprofessional, interventionist, elementary and high school teacher, and adult ESL educator. Across each role, Mrs. Alvarez is known for her servant-heart approach, deep passion for teaching, and commitment to her students and community.
This award is a well-deserved recognition of her decades of service and the meaningful difference she continues to make in the lives of others.