05/06/2026
🍎 This Teacher Appreciation Day, we’re proud to spotlight Norma Quintana, a 6th-grade teacher at Magnolia Student Center and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) student.
Norma’s journey as a student has helped shape the educator she is today. During her program, she faced a deeply challenging time when her youngest child was hospitalized for nearly a month. She made the difficult decision to pause her studies, but was met with compassion, flexibility, and unwavering support from the university.
When she returned, she was welcomed back and guided every step of the way.
That experience now lives at the center of her teaching philosophy.
Through our partnership with Springs Charter Schools, we share a mission to prepare educators who are not only skilled in their craft but also deeply committed to student success and lifelong learning. Together, UMass Global and Springs Charter Schools are creating pathways for educators like Norma to thrive in the classroom while continuing to grow professionally.
Norma creates a classroom environment where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally. She understands that every student carries their own story, and that the right support can make all the difference.
Her message to her students:
"No matter how difficult life may feel, do not give up on yourself. It is okay to pause, but always keep moving forward. Even the smallest step is still progress."
Today, we celebrate Norma and educators everywhere who inspire not just through what they teach, but through how they show up.
👇 Future educators, this one’s for you. What kind of teacher do you hope to be?
