The District’s Employees of the Month for March 2025 were highlighted during the March 25, 2025 Board of Education meeting.
The Certificated Employee of the Month is Jesus Silva, Instructional Coach at Monroe Elementary School.
The Classified Employee of the Month is Rubi Vega, Activity Monitor at Muir Fundamental Elementary School.
Congratulations to both! Learn more about them here, in the remarks that were read aloud during the Board meeting.
Jesus Silva, Instructional Coach, Monroe Elementary School
It is my great honor to stand before you tonight to recognize an exceptional educator, a true innovator, and a dedicated advocate for student success—Jesus Silva, Santa Ana Unified School District’s Certificated Employee of the Month.
Jesus Silva is more than just a teacher; he is a visionary leader who has transformed the way students at Monroe Elementary experience STEM education, digital learning, and biliteracy integration. His impact is felt not only in the classroom but throughout our entire school community.
Under his leadership, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) has been successfully implemented across all grade levels, ensuring that every student, from TK to fifth grade, engages in hands-on, inquiry-based science and engineering experiences. His approach fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity—skills that are essential for success in the 21st century.
Beyond STEM, Jesus integrates biliteracy into every lesson, helping students develop strong language skills in both English and Spanish. Through his innovative “language bridge” approach, he strengthens students’ academic vocabulary across subjects, ensuring they make meaningful connections between languages and content areas.
His leadership extends far beyond the classroom. Jesus played a pivotal role in securing the Community Schools grant, leading to Monroe Elementary’s selection as the first UCI Assisted Partnership School. This partnership will bring a state-of-the-art facility, designed to enhance learning experience for all students.
Additionally, through his tireless commitment to innovation and excellence, Jesus helped Monroe achieve national recognition as a PLTW Distinguished School. Just recently, Monroe welcomed over 60 visitors from school districts across California who came to see firsthand the incredible work happening in our classrooms.
His passion for technology and digital literacy has brought invaluable resources to our school. Thanks to his efforts, students are now engaging in:
- Storyboarding using AI during ELD rotations, allowing them to combine language learning with creativity and technology.
- Broadcasting school news using a Green Screen, giving students hands-on experience in media production and digital storytelling.
- Connecting with experts through Skype a Scientist, providing students with real-world connections to science and careers beyond the classroom.
Through these experiences, Jesus brings learning to life, ensuring that every student has access to cutting-edge technology, interactive learning, and real-world applications.
But what truly sets Jesus apart is his unwavering commitment to student success. He goes above and beyond by providing reading interventions, supporting struggling students in both English and Spanish, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. His dedication to personalized learning and equitable access to technology has helped shape Monroe’s Future-Ready initiatives, aligning perfectly with the district’s Graduate Profile.
Jesus is not just a teacher; he is a mentor, a coach, and an inspiration to both students and colleagues. He has redefined what it means to be an educator in the modern world—creating learning environments that empower students, support teachers, and engage families. His work has helped Monroe become a model for innovation and excellence, and his contributions will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.
Jesus, on behalf of Monroe Elementary, the Santa Ana Unified School District, and the many students whose lives you have touched, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
Your passion, dedication, and leadership continue to inspire us all.
Rubi Vega, Activity Monitor, Muir Fundamental Elementary School
Ms. Rubi Vega is an activity monitor at Muir. She is the first-person students and families see when they arrive at school each morning as she sets the tone for a safe and welcoming environment. Her commitment to student safety is unparalleled and she works tirelessly to create a space where everyone feels seen and valued.
Ms. Vega supports her colleagues and is always ready to lend a helping hand to others if needed. She embodies teamwork, respect, treating every student, teacher and parent with kindness and professionalism.
Ms. Vega demonstrates deep care for our school community, fostering an environment of trust and respect for all. Because she has such a kind and approachable demeanor, many parents will stand next to her in the morning to catch up and talk to her before starting their day. She also possesses natural leadership that shines through in her ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and ensure that daily activities run smoothly.
We are delighted to honor Ms. Vega as the employee of the month for her unwavering dedication, leadership, and kindness. Muir is very fortunate to have Ms. Vega as an activity monitor. Congratulations!
