SUIMA Teacher Spotlight
Debbie Gonzales, ‘àyapuchi
Debbie Gonzales has been teaching at SUIMA since the doors opened in 2000! She worked as an Infant Guide for five years and the remaining years as a Toddler Guide. Her colleagues describe her as patient, gentle with the students, and always having good attendance. According SUIMA Principal, Mari Jo Owens, she “truly loves what she does; you can see that whenever she is with a child. Debbie understands child development, creates a calm classroom, and makes great chili!”
What is one of your favorite things about teaching at SUIMA?
Getting to know the children and being part of their learning experiences in the first years of life.
What first brought you to SUIMA, and what kept you here?
I was working as a Primary Guide at Early Headstart. A staff member from the Education Department came to the school and offered me a job as a one-on-one Guide for a former student I had worked with when I was a paraprofessional for BOSCS. He was a student at Blue-Sky Montessori. I was honored that his mom recommended me. I was also offered two more dollars an hour than I was making at the time. I knew that Blue-Sky Montessori was closing that year and SUIMA would open in the fall. I took a leap of faith—and I got the position. I enjoy my position here at SUIMA; it has been a good career. Working for the Tribe has been good.
What is something that reminds you why teaching in this community is meaningful?
The experiences of working with different families in the community have created fond memories and lasting impressions I will always cherish. I have been working with children for a long time and am especially honored to have taught students early in my career—and later taught their children as well.
How do you incorporate Ute into your classroom?
We incorporate Ute language using the words we know and by putting out language picture cards. Children stand for the flag song facing the East. Before meals, we say the Ute Prayer. The Ute Language Guides visit daily to teach Ute.
How has working within a Montessori environment shaped your teaching philosophy?
Working in a toddler Montessori environment, I have learned the importance of following the child and fostering independence – giving them opportunities to complete tasks before stepping in. Observation is essential in preparing an environment that supports curiosity and independence across all developmental areas.
Puchuchugwa Sʉkuráachiu (Recognizing Students)
Throughout the school year, SUIMA has celebrated student attendance by handing out 100% attendance awards as well as celebrating on-time arrival. Along with schools across Colorado, our goal is to reach an average of 85%-90% attendance on most days. While SUIMA has reached this goal on some days, the school typically averages between 75% – 85%. By coming to school on time, the students aren’t just creating a routine for their education, but also for when they go out into the workforce. Knowing our students can’t get to school on their own, we’d like to acknowledge and thank all of you parents who bring their children to school. Thank you for creating this good habit. Keep being amazing!
Mʉatagopɵˈɵkwatʉvana (On our calendar)
- April 17 – No School for students
- April 21 – Parent Advisory Group meeting
- April 22 – Family Night
- May 13 – Spring Performance at Dancing Spirit
- May 15 – Color run
- May 20 – Field Day
- May 22 – End of the Year Ceremony