Two alumnae of Columbia College’s Education Program were honored this month as 2024-25 outstanding educators within Columbia Public Schools.
Alejandra Alderete-Raygoza ’24 was selected as the Outstanding Beginning Teacher for her instruction at Blue Ridge Elementary School, while Courtney Haas ’17 was named Outstanding Middle School Educator for her work with students at Gentry Middle School.
Alderete-Raygoza and Haas each received a monetary award and an engraved silver tray through the Columbia Fund for Academic Excellence, which recognizes Columbia Public Schools educators for their outstanding teaching, leadership and student support. Each year, educators are selected from nominations submitted by parents and peers as outstanding educators.
“Alejandra and Courtney are excellent examples of teachers who are committed to quality education,” says Dr. Kristi Clevenger, dean of Columbia College’s School of Public Service. “Their impact in the classroom and in their students’ lives is inspiring, and they represent the best of our Education Program. We are very proud their teaching careers began here at Columbia College.”
Alderete-Raygoza builds upon her roots
Alderete-Raygoza’s journey as a teacher began during her time as a student at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia. She helped teach local elementary students through her participation in the CoMoEd program, which aims to develop homegrown educators.
“I instantly fell in love with teaching,” she says.
This summer internship resulted in Columbia Public Schools awarding her a full-ride scholarship to Columbia College in exchange for her commitment to teach in the district upon graduation.
While at Columbia College, she learned from the likes of Associate Professor Dr. Mary Miller and retired faculty member Dr. Ed Schumacher. Dr. Miller impressed upon her the value of personalizing lesson plans to fit the needs of students, while Dr. Schumacher demonstrated the importance of getting to know your students not just as learners but as people, she says.
“Columbia College prepared me for this career by providing me the best professors,” she says.
Alderete-Raygoza is now completing her first year teaching third grade at Blue Ridge Elementary after earning her bachelor’s in Elementary Education last April. The emerging educator says her daughter inspires her lesson planning and has influenced her desire for students to have fun while they learn.
She also is motivated by the memory of her late sister, who passed away at the age of 24.
“She was just starting her life,” Alderete-Raygoza says of her sister. “I turn(ed) 24 on March 21, and this award is for her. She was my biggest support while I was a teen mom. She pushed me to graduate high school. She even made me complete my biology final in the hospital when I went into labor.
“This award proves that my sister’s efforts mattered.”
Haas comes full circle in the classroom
Haas was working for a textbook company when she decided she wanted to pursue her master’s degree and become a teacher.
“I realized that I enjoyed my job, but I wanted to be in the classroom working with students rather than helping only with curriculum and books,” she says. “I wanted to help kids learn and make an impact like my teachers had on me when I was a student.”
She enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at Columbia College, where she found her classes contained relevant information delivered by professors who modeled best practices.
“If we were in a class learning about instructional strategies and differentiation techniques, that professor would use those techniques in their teaching,” she says. “If it was a human development class, there would be real-life examples of work from a child at every stage of development. Not only were the professors amazing, but our mentors were also reliable and so helpful.”
In her last semester at Columbia College, she student-taught at Gentry Middle, where she now teaches social studies. Her host teacher won the same outstanding educator award that she recently received.
“To even be considered for the same award was an honor, but then to win it was honestly a shock,” Haas says. “After almost eight years in the district, I now know many of the teachers who have won it in the past, and I truly feel like I am in the best company.”
Her motivation as an educator has only grown since entering the field.
“While the students remain at the heart of my why, to have a well-rounded and fulfilling career, I’ve come to value my co-workers and school just as much,” she says.
