Oceanside Unified School District teacher Xye Sanders, recently honored as 1 of 5 Teachers of the Year by the San Diego County of Education. Sanders says that being an educator is something that she was born and blessed to do.
As a teacher of grades 7 and 8 at César Chávez Middle School, she finds that every day is different, fun, challenging and rewarding.
Sanders grandmother’s, aunt’s, and mother have all shared with her the importance of education, which has greatly impacted her path to becoming a teacher. Being the eldest of three girls, and as a leader of the siblings in her family, she says is one of the many reasons that led her to becoming a teacher.
” I attended eight different schools from pre-k to twelfth grade, which has helped me connect with military and migrant families and has helped me become a better teacher. My first period teacher on my first day of high school shared that, “She never knew a Black person could speak so well before Oprah,” and being treated like family and attending the wedding of my favorite teacher, is what influenced me to become a teacher. ”
Sanders says among her proudest accomplishments is building a volleyball program at her middle school that focuses on the student first and athlete second.
Other proud accomplishments include : Co-founder and Co facilitator of several clubs: Christian Club, Girls Who Code and Ignite Worldwide chapter that contributes to serving students growth beyond the classroom. She’s also written and received several grants to provide opportunities and supplies to students and families.
“My contributions are not to inspire followers but grow leaders.”
Xye, along with the other Teachers of the Year, will be honored in a one-hour “Cox Presents: Salute to Teachers” television special to recognize local teachers, spotlight the teachers of the year, and more. The show will air at 9 p.m. Oct. 17 on YurView Network (Cox Channel 4 and 1004 in high definition) and will replay several times in October and November.