Cultural Educator of the Year
Kattia Chaves - S.C. Outstanding Cultural Educator
“I have had the honor to be the first Hispanic ESOL teacher in Horry County. Sharing the Costa Rican culture and Hispanic perceptions has contributed to a better understanding of ESOL students and their families in my schools. The professional training that came along this job has enriched my career.”

Kattia Chaves Herrera • Costa Rica Costa Rica
South Carolina Outstanding Cultural Educator

ESOL teacher
Seaside, Burgues and St. James elementary schools ▪ Horry County Schools, South Carolina

Kattia Chaves, an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher at three Horry County elementary schools, views her job as serving not only her students but also their entire families. As the district’s first international ESOL teacher, Chaves has helped the district better understand and meet the needs of Hispanic students and families and serve as a cultural link between school and home.

Chaves helped create a bilingual brochure, now available at every district school, explaining the ESOL services available for their children, the school’s expectations of home support, and attendance, homework and discipline regulations. The third-term VIF teacher often interprets during parent-teacher meetings or translates written materials to send home. Chaves educated district staff on the two-part format of Hispanic last names, a change that has reduced errors and helped provide a more welcoming environment for families.

Chaves encourages her students to take pride in their heritage, just as she shares her pride in her Costa Rican homeland. She celebrates diversity by creating a “cultural corner” for each country represented in her classes.

Melissa Rutenberg, Learning Specialist for ESOL & Family Services, Horry County Schools:

“Kattia has assumed numerous professional responsibilities and continually improves herself. She has immense experience to share being an English language learner herself, and continues to grow as a professional by offering staff development to our district.”