Tuesday Teacher: Susan Diaz

Tampa, Florida -- Susan Diaz has been a teacher for over 30 years.

At Alexander Elementary in Tampa, Diaz encourages her mostly Hispanic students to take pride in their culture.

She says, "I always tell the children, 'Do not lose pride in your culture. Always remember where you come from.'"

Raised in Ybor City, Diaz says part of being a good teacher is remembering what it's like to be a student.

She explains, "Some years are going be more difficult than others."

As a teacher, she also knows some of the most valuable lessons happen at the dinner table. So she assigns her students a different kind of homework.

"They have to go home and ask their parents what was it like when you were young. What were the difficulties and what did you learn coming here to America?"

She's been in the classroom long enough that she's now teaching the children of some of her former students. That doesn't make her feel old at all, but it does make her feel special.

Her students agree that she is a very special teacher. Fourth grader Diannys says the work isn't always easy but it's usually entertaining.

"She does fun things, but we also learn from the fun things we do."

It's clear that Diaz enjoys teaching.

She smiles and says "If you've learned one thing each day then I have done my job."