As the new school year begins, Pasadena ISD educators are embracing the district-wide theme “Mission Possible” with renewed energy and purpose. The first day back for teachers brought a wave of excitement, fresh ideas, and heartfelt reunions as teachers returned to their classrooms, ready to inspire their students. From libraries to math classrooms, these teachers and coaches are proving that with heart, resilience, and vision, anything is possible.

Heather Nielsen, ABLE 1 Teacher, Thompson Intermediate

Q: What drives your work in special education? I love teaching SPED. I love working with my kids. They come with new challenges, and it's great to see them become successful in such a short amount of time. Our goal is to make them more independent—because if they're not independent, they cannot be successful in the real world.

Q: What inspired your transition from music to special education? I started out teaching orchestra and had several SPED students in my program. Some of them had autism and were playing instruments. I saw how music gave them an outlet, and I realized I wanted to do more. That's when I knew special education was where I belonged.

Q: What keeps you excited about teaching? There's something special about the first day—fresh faces, fresh ideas. Even putting on a new shirt makes it feel new. With any student, anything is possible. “Mission Possible” should be the theme all year, every year

Thuy “Coach” Nguyen, 8th Grade Math Teacher and Coach, Thompson Intermediate

Q: How did you transition from computer science to teaching? Teaching wasn't my original path—I majored in computer science. But after a life-changing event, I needed a stable career. I took a leap of faith, joined an alternative certification program, and dove in. I fell in love with it.

Q: What led you to coaching? I've always been a tennis player. After my first year, I started coaching tennis, then volleyball and basketball. I went to my students' games to support them and fell in love with the sports. I just said, “Let's do it.”

Q: How do you bring ‘Mission Possible’ into your classroom? As a first-generation immigrant, I know what it's like to feel stuck between expectations and personal dreams. I want my students to know it's okay to find their own path. I've been there. I want to be the teacher who helps them believe in themselves.

Allison Sutton, Librarian, South Belt Elementary

Q: What’s your mission as a librarian? “My goal is to make kids readers and help them love reading,” Sutton said. “I want the library to be an escape—a place that opens the door to the future. If you can’t read, everything else becomes harder.”

Q: How do you make ‘Mission Possible’ real for your students? “I give them steps—small ones for pre-K, bigger ones for fourth grade—so they feel successful,” she explained. “It might be hard, but it’s possible. Just try.”

Q: What keeps you coming back year after year? “One of the best parts of my job is watching students grow over time,” Sutton said. “I get to see them every year, and I know where they started and where they’re headed. That continuity lets me build real relationships and help them reach new milestones.”

Carolina Miranda, Kindergarten Teacher, First Year

Q: What motivated you to become a teacher? My first-grade teacher, Ms. Bailey, was my inspiration. I'll always remember her. And now I get to teach in the same district I grew up in—it’s a full-circle moment.

Q: How do you maintain a positive mindset as a new teacher? I make sure I'm positive first so I can give that same energy to my students. Building one-on-one connections helps me make the most impact. When they're struggling, I want to be the one who lifts them up.

Q: What brings you the most joy in teaching? Being able to make an impact in students' lives. I remember all my teachers, and now I get to be that person for someone else. Creating a warm, safe environment is everything.

Patricia Myers, Early College English Teacher, Dobie 9

Q: What inspired your teaching philosophy? I want to be the teacher I wish I'd had. As an ADHD/GT kid, I was bored and restless. I bring energy, movement, and tiny celebrations into the room—Huzzah!

Q: How do you embody ‘Mission Possible’? I never set the ceiling for my students. I teach them to adopt a growth mindset and give them tools for success. I celebrate the struggle—it’s where we learn and grow.

Q: What lasting impact do you hope to make? I tell my students: You may not remember everything I teach, but you'll never forget how I made you feel.