Raquel Hermosillo knows first-hand the impact of serving as a parent volunteer. The former stay-at-home mom of four enjoyed being connected with her kids at school. What she didn’t expect was to find a career for the next chapter of her life.
“I have had the best of both worlds,” said Hermosillo, who now teaches fifth grade at Chandler View Elementary. “I was able to stay home and raise my kids. Now that my kids are grown, I get to invest my days in helping other kids.”
Before joining our district as an educator, Hermosillo volunteered at Jefferson Elementary. She often read to students before school started. Jefferson Elementary staff saw she was a natural fit and asked if she would be interested in being a paraprofessional. Hermosillo had never considered it but really enjoyed being a part of the school environment, so she took a leap of faith.
“Time after time, I saw students light up when they would understand a lesson, and they took such pride in themselves,” said Hermosillo. “That’s what really sparked my desire to teach and help other kids besides my own.”
Encouraged by her mentors, Hermosillo applied for Omaha Public Schools Para to Educator Program. In 2021, she joined our district as a full-time teacher at Chandler View Elementary.
Her favorite part of teaching is preparing students to be independent thinkers who can advocate for themselves.
“I appreciate so many Omaha Public Schools staff members that were amazing to my kids and to me," said Hermosillo. “I love my colleagues. We all have the same interests and want what's best for our students.”
February 2025
