Every lesson is an investigation. Every student is a detective of knowledge.
Hi, I’m April Perez, an elementary educator who designs hands-on, inquiry-driven learning where students think deeply, spot clues, and feel proud of what they discover.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Play-Based & Hands-On
SEL & Community
Differentiation
What I Do
I design joyful, play-based lessons that invite students to ask questions, notice patterns, and make connections across subjects. Each activity is an investigation that builds confidence and curiosity.
Featured Work
The Storyteller’s Studio, a TEKS-aligned literacy and arts enrichment program adopted by IDEA campuses through 21st Century Learning.
See the gallery on the Developing Detectives page below.
About / Meet the
Teacher
I’m April Perez, a dedicated elementary educator who believes learning should feel like an adventure worth investigating. My classroom is a safe, inclusive space where curiosity, joy, and collaboration thrive. I’m passionate about helping students see themselves as capable, creative problem-solvers who can do hard things.
Classroom Vision
When someone walks into my room, I want them to feel the warmth, the sense of safety, and the excitement for learning. My students are engaged, supported, and proud of their growth.
Teaching Philosophy
Learning feels like discovery. Students are detectives of knowledge who grow through curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance.
- Inquiry-Based: learners explore and question authentic ideas.
- Play-Based & Hands-On: joyful, tactile work that sticks.
- SEL & Community: confidence, focus, empathy, and belonging.
- Differentiation: flexible supports for diverse learners.
Developing Detectives
“In this room, we’re detectives. We dig deeper, look for clues, and solve mysteries with our minds.”
The Detective Code
1. Focus on clues
We pay attention and listen carefully.
2. Respect the team
We work together and lift each other up.
3. Stay calm
We pause, think, and try again when it’s tough.
4. Care for tools
We take responsibility for materials and space.
5. Close the case
We finish what we start and persevere.
Badge System
Students level up for perseverance, curiosity, and teamwork. Rookie, Junior, Senior, Lead, and Master Detective. Growth is celebrated at each step.
Case Files
Student work folders become “case files.” Feedback sounds like detective talk: “Nice work, Detective — another case closed.” Or, “Looks like we need more clues before closing this case.”
Mystery of the Week
Whole-class incentive with clue cards for smooth transitions, teamwork, and focus. When the final clue is earned, the class reveals a shared reward.
Confidential Report
Reflective form for repairing harm: what happened, which code was broken, the evidence, and a plan for next time. Signed “Detective [Name].”
Storyteller’s Studio — Gallery
TEKS-aligned literacy and arts enrichment adopted by IDEA campuses through 21st Century Learning.
Experience
Student Teacher — Villarreal Elementary, Los Fresnos CISD
August 2024 – Present
Designed inquiry-based, TEKS-aligned lessons integrating SEL and hands-on learning. Fostered curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance through a detective-themed classroom model.
Enrichment Specialist — The Storyteller’s Studio, IDEA Frontier
August 2024 – July 2025
Developed and led a TEKS-aligned literacy and arts enrichment program adopted by additional campuses through the 21st Century Learning initiative. Designed lessons blending reading, art, and SEL to build language and confidence.
Upward Bound Tutor — UTRGV (Lopez High School)
2022 – 2023
Provided one-on-one and small-group tutoring for first-generation students focused on academic growth and college readiness.
Substitute Teacher — K–12, Brownsville ISD
2021 – 2023
Maintained classroom routines and engagement across elementary, middle, and high school. Adapted instruction for diverse learner needs.
Swimming Instructor — WaterWorks / Independent
2019 – Present
Taught children water safety and stroke fundamentals through calm, confidence-building instruction that promotes trust and perseverance.
Education
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in EC–6 Education
Expected December 2025 · GPA 3.77
Certifications in progress: EC–6 Core Subjects, ESL Supplemental, STR
Gladys Porter Early College High School
Graduated 2022 · Ranked #6 in class
Earned Associate of Arts degree through Texas Southmost College
Professional Evaluation
🗂 Evaluation
Evaluator: UTRGV advisor and Brownsville ISD board member. Third formal evaluation. Rated Proficient overall and Accomplished in five domains. Feedback highlighted lesson design, engagement, and professional growth.
Evidence Board
A quick way to access my portfolio materials and case files.
Storyteller’s Studio — Gallery
TEKS-aligned literacy and arts enrichment adopted by IDEA campuses.
Professional Evaluation
Proficient overall, Accomplished in five domains. Third formal evaluation.
Fieldwork — Storytelling Captions
- Students investigating character traits through collaborative art.
- Hands-on literacy projects connecting creativity to comprehension.
- Learning through storytelling where art meets SEL.
Downloadables
Add your résumé PDF link here when ready.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to collaborate, share ideas, or join your teaching team.
Email: april.irene.perez@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/april-perez-b54b29308
You can add a LinkedIn QR code image here later.
Classroom Quote
“A good detective never gives up on a tough case.”
