Susana Rodriguez goes out of her way to help students in San Antonio I.S.D.

Susana Rodriguez goes out of her way to help students realize their full potential. She understands how just one teacher can make a difference to many; her students at San Antonio Independent School District's Edison High School agree.

"Out of all my English teachers, she's the one I've understood the most, and the one who has helped me the most. She's just great," said Valerie Mendez, a senior at Edison High School.

Rodriguez sees teaching not as a job, but as a privilege.

"I am allowed to impact others. I am allowed to help others. I wish I could do more," she said.

She looks for the diamond inside of every student, and works to bring his or her "sparkle" to the surface.

"I love their creativity. I love who they are, their rebelliousness," said Rodriguez, who heads the English department at Edison.

Rodriguez realizes the importance of really being there for her students.

"They just give themselves to you, when you give yourself to them," she said.