10/28/2022
Education and Outreach
Rogelio Caballero wasn't planning on attending The Smith Center’s seventh-annual Heart of Education Awards event in April, because he was still experiencing COVID-19 anxiety.
It’s a good thing he changed his mind.
“Within minutes of being seated, I was told to, ‘follow me.’ Honestly, I thought I was late picking up my swag bag and they were taking me to collect it,” Caballero recalls of being escorted backstage to join his fellow winners.
Setting his disbelief aside months later, the kindergarten teacher at Crestwood Elementary School calls receiving a Heart of Education Award an honor.
“I am humbled, because I feel like there are many teachers out there who work just as hard as I do,” he says. “Year after year we work without any recognition of our dedication and hard work. To have that recognized was unexpected and gratifying.”
As a nonprofit, The Smith Center created its annual Heart of Education Awards to celebrate Clark County School District (CCSD) educators who go above and beyond. The center recognizes over 700 finalists each year at a red-carpet event with swag bags and live entertainment.
Thanks to generous support from the Rogers Foundation, the top 20 teachers each receive a $5,000 cash award, a medallion and a $1,000 donation to their school.
Community members nominate teachers for the awards program each year, and nominated teachers submit applications that undergo a thorough review process.
“In the years to come, I hope that all those other teachers who are as dedicated, hard-working, and committed as I am will be recognized, too,” Caballero says. “I'm just another grey pigeon out there, doing what needs to be done for student success.”
Some things this self-described grey pigeon does to encourage success in his classroom include making his students “feel welcomed, loved and special in every way,” he says.
That’s likely why his students are “super successful,” and his class has excellent attendance.
“We grow mentally, physically, socially and emotionally,” says the 14-year educator. “My heart is in teaching kindergarten, and I have successful student achievement year after year. I develop relationships with the families, and encourage communication from day one.”
Not only does Caballero provide a welcoming classroom environment, but he also makes sure his students are ready to learn.
This includes ensuring that no student goes hungry.
“I always have treats and snacks available. I inquire about (students’) home life, and consult with parents to identify needs for Three Square (Food Bank) or food bags for the weekends,” he explains. “I buy my supplies year after year, even when they are supplied by our school. I purchase STEM materials to encourage learning beyond the academics.”
Caballero’s generosity and dedication leave his peers in awe.
“Roger Caballero goes above and beyond for his kindergarten students,” observes one of his colleagues. “He stays after school long hours, preparing and planning for all his team. He arrives at school at very early hours, and spends a lot of his money on incentives for the students and school supplies to buy what the students need.”
It should come as no surprise that Caballero selflessly used a portion of his $5,000 cash award toward supplies for his classroom.
“I think I crashed Amazon the other day. I renewed many different tools and supplies that I use to teach,” reveals Caballero, who also used some of his cash award for a year's supply of contact lenses and a set of hearing aids. “I bought many new STEM activities and various supplies. I am now a VIP Gold Member at Lakeshore Learning (teacher supply store).”
All of Caballero’s dedication has more than paid off, because most of his students leave his kindergarten classroom reading, writing, and doing math above grade level.
“I am proud to serve my students and be a part of our Crestwood School community,” he says.
He is most proud that his students understand “how important their learning and success is for themselves, their family, school and community,” he says. “(This teaches) them a sense of empathy and kindness for everyone, pride in their effort, and strong self-esteem.”
LEARN MORE
The nomination period for The Smith Center’s Heart of Education Awards runs from November through January each year. To learn more about this awards program, visit www.TheHeartofEducation.org.