Teacher Appreciation Week: Shaquita Ruiz
This Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate Shaquita Ruiz, a dedicated Pre-K educator at Hardy Elementary, who has been shaping young minds for nine years, seven of those at Hardy! Before joining the Hardy family, she began her journey at Avondale Head Start, but her passion for teaching was sparked long before that.
Born and raised in Chattanooga, Ruiz knew from kindergarten that she was destined to teach. Inspired by the majorettes in Howard High School's band, she declared in kindergarten that she would one day be a majorette. That same year, she also said that she wanted to be a teacher. She became both. She went to Howard High, where she enjoyed her time as a majorette, and later earned her degree from Tusculum College to begin teaching.
Ruiz's educational path was shaped by her incredible teachers growing up. Attending Calvin Donaldson Elementary, John P. Franklin Middle, and Howard High, she encountered many impactful teachers. Her second-grade teacher, who looped with her to third grade, and her tough-but-caring fifth-grade teacher left lasting impressions that fueled her drive always to do her best. "I left elementary school and only wanted to present my best. I was a straight-A student, graduated cum laude from college. I made sure for the rest of my educational career that I did my best."
As a Pre-K teacher, Ruiz loves being a child's first school experience. "We are building the foundation," she said. "I love not only impacting children's lives, but the parents as well. They're trusting us with their babies." From the alphabet and phonics to social skills and emotional expression, she creates a nurturing environment where children and their parents feel safe, seen, and supported. "The kids are very sweet. I want to go above and beyond to give them the best experience they can imagine in school," she said.
Springtime is a favorite for Ruiz. By the spring, her students have blossomed into confident learners. "We get to experience the outdoors in the spring. We can learn outside, play with chalk. In the spring, we get to get out and do a bit more." No matter where she teaches, she enjoys building relationships with her students. She especially loves small group instruction, where she can connect one-on-one and watch individual abilities shine.
As a mother of two young children, she says, "From the time I wake up, it is kids all day. I am with young children from when I open my eyes to when I close them, and I wouldn't change it for the world." Teaching, for Ruiz, is more than a job — it's her "happiness and energy."
Ruiz teaches where she grew up and alongside some of the very teachers who once taught her. "It is one of the biggest honors — teaching in the same community that raised me."
Thank you, Mrs. Ruiz, for all you do at Hardy Elementary. Your impact will last a lifetime!