Mary Castellano Shows the True Meaning of Dedication in Medina Valley ISD

Mary Castellano is truly dedicated to helping her students at Medina Valley High School succeed and is willing to devote whatever time is necessary to each one. As the Special Education ALE Life Skills teacher, she teaches because she wants to share her experiences with students to help them succeed. She also wants to be a role model for students and encourage them to achieve their dreams. She says she worked for many years in the corporate world to receive a paycheck; now at Medina Valley she works from her heart.

Mrs. Castellano goes out of her way to make sure her students are integrated as much as possible with other students in the high school. At the Friday football pep rallies, her students are "high-fived" by football players. Because of her diligence, these students truly are part of the Medina Valley High School culture.

In 2006, Mrs. Castellano started the ALE Work Program at Medina Valley High School, which allows qualified students to work during school hours at TexSpice in Devine, Texas. She typically drives her students to work and picks them up after their work shift is complete. The program initially was intended run through the school year, but she has extended the program into the summer so her students can continue their jobs for a few extra weeks. This program has become so successful that other businesses in the area have inquired about participating.

Mary Castellano has a relationship that is truly unique - the students and the parents obviously love her. To quote one parent: "She's not only a teacher, she's a friend, a parent, a disciplinarian, and she's a confidant - not only for the students but to the parents as well."