News

Neli Sarasa is the 2025-2026 Disney Elementary Teacher of the Year! We asked her a few questions to learn more about her and her time in Tulsa Public Schools.

What led you to a career in education?

I was drawn to a career in education because I have always believed in the power of teaching to shape children’s lives and open doors to new opportunities. Working with young learners is especially meaningful to me, as these early years are when curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning begin to grow.

I have been a first-grade teacher in a dual language program since 2022, where I teach the Spanish section. Before coming to the United States, I worked for many years as a teacher in Spain, in the Basque Country. These experiences have allowed me to develop strong instructional skills while also valuing cultural identity, language development, and inclusion in the classroom.

Being part of the International Exchange Program has been a very rewarding experience. It has allowed me to share my language and culture while learning from the U.S. education system and from the colleagues I worked and work with. I feel grateful to continue growing as an educator in a multicultural environment that celebrates diversity and global understanding.

What is your favorite thing about your work?

My favorite thing about my work is seeing my students grow every day, both academically and personally. I love watching first graders gain confidence as they learn to read, write, and express themselves in two languages. Those small moments — when a student understands a new concept or proudly shares what they’ve learned — are incredibly rewarding. This passion for education is something I share with my husband, which makes my work even more meaningful on a personal level.

I also really enjoy working in a dual language program because it allows me to celebrate language, culture, and diversity in a meaningful way. Being able to teach in Spanish while helping students build bilingual skills makes my work purposeful and fulfilling. Creating a safe, supportive classroom where students feel valued and excited to learn is what motivates me the most.

What is one thing you are passionate about outside of teaching?

One thing I am truly passionate about outside of teaching is spending quality time with my family and friends. I value moments that allow us to connect, relax, and create memories together. I also love staying active through outdoor sports and spending time in nature, especially in the mountains and by the sea, which helps me recharge and stay balanced.

In addition, I enjoy quieter indoor activities such as cooking, reading, watching movies, handcrafts and doing puzzles. These hobbies allow me to unwind, be creative, and enjoy learning in different ways. Having this balance between outdoor adventure and peaceful indoor time helps me bring positive energy and enthusiasm into both my personal life and my work as a teacher.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I truly love languages and everything related to language development. I have two first languages, Basque and Spanish, and I grew up in a bilingual family and education system in my home country. This background has strongly shaped my passion for multilingual learning and my belief in the importance of developing language skills from an early age, helping students grow in communication, cultural understanding, and confidence hand in hand. I believe that learning more than one language opens minds, builds empathy, and creates meaningful connections between people and cultures. My son and my daughter, who are my greatest joy, are part of this journey, growing up in a multilingual environment and sharing this love for languages with our family.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to teach at all educational levels, including early childhood, primary, and secondary education, vocational training, and university. These diverse teaching experiences have given me a broad perspective on how students grow and learn at different stages. I am proud to bring this experience into my work and to be part of a school community that values diversity, collaboration, and language-rich learning environments. Working in Disney with supportive team and families makes our school a welcoming place where students feel safe to learn, take risks, and succeed.