2020 Kansas Master Teacher Eunice Izazaga

“In my classroom we know that it is a safe environment where we are not afraid to make mistakes,” Eunice Izazaga says. “Success does not need to look the same for every student nor does the help I provide for each individual student. My students know that I truly care for them. For those moments where they think they can’t, I am there to help see and feel that they can.”

“Eunice’s attention to learner differences, focus on utilizing data to drive instruction, and ability to connect with difficult students are a few of the things that set her apart,” a colleague states. “Some of the most challenging students are often placed in her class because she has a history of doing such an amazing job making connections with them and creating an environment where they can be successful.”

Izazaga earned an associate’s degree from Cowley County Community College in 2008 and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education/curriculum and instruction from Wichita State University in 2010. In 2012 she was named a Kansas Horizon Award winner. She graduated with a master’s in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in ESOL from Newman University in 2014.

Izazaga began her career in 2010, teaching Kindergarten at Washington Elementary School in Wichita. Over her ten years of teaching, she’s taught first grade and is currently teaching second grade

“During that time, she has spent the majority of her tenure teaching in schools with culturally and linguistically diverse learners,” writes her principal. “(She) has perfected her craft through culturally responsive teaching strategies.” One key tool Izazaga employs is biography driven instruction, finding ways to scaffold the strategies with young learners.

Employing tools students can interact with is key to Izazaga’s philosophy. “When students are held accountable for their own learning, it turns that tool into their own and makes it that much more meaningful,” she said.

“In our class you do not say ‘done’ because there is always more to do and learn,” states a current student. “We write juicy stories and sentences. Juicy means full of details and entertaining.”