This High School Teacher Wants to Create a Safe Space For Their Students

Ahead of the 2024 school year, PS's The Educators is spotlighting 24 public school teachers around the country who are making a difference.

Selina Peña is a high school English language arts and reading (ELAR) teacher at Dr. Leonides G. Cigarroa High School in Laredo, TX. With 11 years of teaching experience, they utilize TikTok to share their personal experiences as a queer Latina educator and offer educational resources to help fellow teachers, parents, and students. Keep reading to get to know her.

What inspired you to be a teacher?
For me, school has always been a place of refuge. Growing up in this community, I often needed a safe space because of circumstances at home. Growing up in a border town, my résumé started early as a translator and caretaker, and at 15, I got my first part-time job, taking on many roles for my family.

However, when it came to college, I faced the challenges of navigating financial aid, living away from home, and making decisions for myself. I lacked guidance and space to make sense of my identity. These experiences inspired me to become a teacher. I want to support and guide my students as they navigate their challenges and find their paths.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is bearing witness to my students' growth and transformation. It gives me great joy seeing them overcome challenges, build confidence, and embrace their identities. These connections we build with students, their families, and the community reinforces and validates what I continue to do.

What's your go-to teaching uniform?
My go-to teaching uniform blends comfortable, tailored pants with colorful, patterned buttoned shirts; I add a bow tie, suspenders, and stylish shoes that allow me to feel confident in my identity and professional life.

What do you always make time for because it makes you feel good?
I always make time for creativity that allows me to explore and express new ideas and myself. Whether it's writing or creating content, it's very fulfilling.

What are you reading?
Currently, I'm reading "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera. It interweaves the elements of folklore and fantasy through the power of storytelling and explores themes of family and heritage.

What's your go-to feel-good music?
Right now, Chappell Roan.

Anything else at all you want to share?
I am a passionate advocate for social justice and mental health and have collaborated with organizations like the ACLU of Texas.

Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University's Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women's lifestyle spaces. She's passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.