As Milagros Noa walked down school hallways as a lead custodian at Leander ISD, she dreamt of the day she would once again teach in a classroom. Now, Noa’s dream is a reality. For the 2024-25 school year, Noa will teach Dual Language Kindergarten at Whitestone Elementary School.
“I started as a teacher in Peru,” Noa said. “I worked in special education and speech therapy. When I came to the U.S., I started in Leander ISD as a custodian. I did my best in my job. But walking in the schools, by the classrooms, seeing the teachers, I would say to myself. ‘I can do it.’”
As she adapted to her new surroundings, Noa took English classes and enrolled in college courses. In time, she accepted an instructional assistant position at Whitestone. That was the push she needed to pursue her teaching certification. With the support from other teachers at Whitestone, and Principal Michelle Jackson, Noa remained motivated to reach her goals.
“I was never alone,” Noa said. “When I would knock on any door, or I would ask, ‘Can I try?’ people always said yes.”
From custodian to teacher, Noa has experienced the #1LISD family firsthand.
“Every day, I wake up so happy,” she said. “All around me are professional and respectful people. I feel very comfortable. Leander ISD is a good home. We have good training, good technology, good staff, good supplies. Leander is #1 for me. I am never going to change districts!”
On Aug. 14, Noa welcomed her first students in years to her dual-language kindergarten classroom. Her team at Whitestone is elated that she is on the teaching staff.
“Milagros has a heart for children and is dedicated to our Whitestone students,” Jackson said. “She is a wonderful addition to our teaching staff, and brings a passion for students to our campus.”
As Noa teaches her kindergarteners, her own educational journey is far from over.
“My dream is to study for my master’s,” she said. “I need to prepare and study more, but it’s not a fantasy, I will work every day to get there.”
