2nd Grade

Kimberly West
2nd Grade ESL
Email: kimberly.west@wacoisd.org
Hi! My name is Kimberly West, and I am very excited to be teaching 2nd grade at Brook Avenue this year. This will be my third year at Brook, but my first year teaching second grade here.. I previously taught 5th grade.
Originally, I am from New Jersey where my family still lives. I spent my 20’s overseas practicing social work as well as teaching in Honduras, India and Nepal. Upon returning to the US, I lived in Nebraska before moving to Texas several years ago. I bring a wide range of experience to the classroom.
My goal is to have a safe classroom environment where students feel able to learn and make mistakes. I want to support students and parents throughout the year. I firmly believe that I am here to help you and your child. I am available whenever you need me. Please let me know of any issues or concerns you may have.
Go Broncos!
Ms. West

Amanda Whitley
2nd Grade ESL
Email: amanda.whitley@wacoisd.org
Hi!
My name is Amanda Whitley, and I am so glad to be back at Brook Avenue this year teaching 2nd grade! This will be my 5th year teaching at Brook! I taught here from 2016 - 2020. I have been doing dyslexia intervention the past 5 years and I am so exited to bring what I learned as a Dyslexia Specialist back into the classroom. I have the Master Reading Teacher certification and teaching kids to read is my passion. I can’t wait for my students to love reading as much as I love it!!
This year, I celebrate 20 years as an educator. Through my teaching career, I have taught Dyslexia, Kindergarten, First and Second grades!
I grew up in Waco and attended Midway High School. Then, I went to Southwest Texas State University (Texas State) for one year where I was on the gymnastics team (Club team). Then, I moved back home and finished up my degree at Baylor University. I have a passion for teaching the students in Waco ISD because Waco is my home and I love it so much!
My goal is to create a safe classroom environment with the feeling of family. I want my students to feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things! I will always encourage my students to be curious and work hard to make discoveries. I have 3 children of my own and their favorite teachers have always been the teachers who take the time to get to know them and the things they enjoy. I want to build that relationship with my students and encourage them to be the best Bronco that they can possibly be!
We are in this together. Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. I am so honored to be your child’s teacher this year!
I am Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Prepared! I am a BRONCO, and I am proud!
Love,
Mrs. Whitley

Laura Lozano
2nd Grade Bilingual
Email: laura.lozano@wacoisd.org
Hola,
Mi nombre es Laura Lozano y estoy muy emocionada de comenzar mi primer año en Brook Avenue Elementary como maestra bilingüe. Soy originaria de Brownsville, Texas, y este año celebro 21 años como educadora.
A lo largo de mi carrera, he tenido la oportunidad de enseñar en 1.º, 2.º y 3.º grado, siendo los últimos 15 años en 2.º grado. Además, cuento con la certificación bilingüe y he recibido la Designación Ejemplar del Programa de Asignación de Incentivos para Maestros (TIA) de Texas, lo que refleja mi compromiso con la excelencia educativa y el crecimiento de mis estudiantes.
Mi objetivo es crear un ambiente de aprendizaje donde cada estudiante se sienta valorado y motivado para alcanzar su máximo potencial. Creo firmemente que la colaboración entre padres y maestros es esencial para el éxito académico y personal de los estudiantes. Por ello, les invito a mantener una comunicación abierta y constante conmigo. Juntos, podemos crear una experiencia educativa enriquecedora y significativa para sus hijos.
Estoy aquí para trabajar en equipo con ustedes y asegurar que este sea un año exitoso y lleno de aprendizajes.
Hello,
My name is Laura Lozano, and I am very excited to begin my first year at Brook Avenue Elementary as a bilingual teacher. I am originally from Brownsville, Texas, and this year I celebrate 21 years as an educator.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to teach 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade, with the last 15 years spent in 2nd grade. In addition, I am a certified bilingual teacher and have received the Exemplary Designation from Texas’ Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, which reflects my commitment to educational excellence and student growth.
My goal is to create a learning environment where every child feels valued and motivated to reach their full potential. I firmly believe that collaboration between parents and teachers is essential for both academic and personal success. For that reason, I invite you to maintain open and consistent communication with me. Together, we can create a meaningful and enriching educational experience for your children.
I am here to work as a team with you and ensure this is a successful and learning-filled year for your children.
