Some people know from an early age what they want to do with their life and what career field they want to go in to. Sandra Quintero is one of those people. She is currently a English teacher at Hobart High School and is in her tenth year in the education field. Quintero says that teaching has always been something she has loved. 

“I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I always asked my teachers for leftover worksheets and supplies so I could play school at home. I also love books, so I consider this career my calling.” 

Sandra had a number of outstanding teachers and instructors that fueled her aspirations of being a teacher. 

“There are so many wonderful teachers who influenced me throughout elementary, middle school, and high school,” she said. “My high school teachers, Mrs. Jan Harris and Mrs. Meredith Ross, helped me plan for my secondary education specializations, and my administrators Mr. Royce Thompson and Mr. Kermit Gurley were great role models.” 

There is something special about having a job that you love and enjoy going to every day and Quintero says that is exactly what teaching is for her. 

“I enjoy waking up every morning and looking forward to the day,” she said. “I love my job, my school, and my students. I have truly been blessed with a career that I love, and for that, I am grateful. I have received a lot of advice during my career, but one that sticks out to me the most is to ‘be flexible and focus on your success stories’. That is something I try to do each and every day.” 

When she is not teaching, Sandra enjoys hanging out with her family, playing games, reading, and watching movies. She is married to Manuel, who is the Southwest Regional President at Great Plains Bank. They have three kids, Dara, Kristen, and Drew, and three grand children, Luke, Jack, and Kate.