Honoring Ms. Navarro-Muenzel: Celebrating 40 Years of Heart and Dedication
North Ranchito Elementary
Honoring a Beloved Teacher: A Retirement Spotlight
Celebrating 40 years in education and a lasting legacy of care, growth, and joy in learning.
North Ranchito Elementary proudly honors a beloved teacher as she retires after 40 years in education, including 30 years in the classroom supporting young learners. Throughout her career teaching Kindergarten through third grade, she inspired students to persevere, believe in their growth, and become lifelong learners. As she begins a new chapter of service, travel, and continued learning, we celebrate the lasting impact she has made on generations of students and families.
Her classroom reminded students that growth takes time — and that with practice, patience, and heart, they can do hard things.
About Your Career & Impact
What inspired you to become a teacher?
As an eighth grader at Burke Middle School, I participated in a class that allowed us to return to our elementary schools to support younger students. I went back to Magee Elementary, where I helped in the classroom and reflected on our experiences each week. That experience sparked my desire to become a teacher and serve students in my community.
How long have you been in education, and what grade levels have you taught?
This is my 40th year in education. I worked as a classroom aide for 10 years before becoming a teacher, and I have now spent 30 years in the classroom. I have taught at the elementary level throughout my career, including Kindergarten through third grade and combination classes.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
Seeing the incredible growth students make during the school year and hearing families share how proud they are of their child’s progress has been the most rewarding part of my work.
What is one memory from your time at North Ranchito you will always cherish?
I will always cherish the relationships and collaboration I built with colleagues over the years. Working alongside such dedicated educators created lasting friendships and helped us better support our students together.
What do you hope your students remember most about being in your classroom?
I hope they remember that learning is a lifelong journey and that everyone learns at their own pace. As long as you are making progress, you are growing and improving.
Teaching Philosophy & Strengths
How do you create opportunities for student growth each day?
I remind students that learning takes practice. A new skill may not come right away, but with persistence and effort, they will succeed. Nobody learns to ride a bike the first time — we fall, get back up, and try again. Through practice, students build perseverance and a can-do attitude.
What motivates you to give your best each day?
My students motivate me. Knowing they rely on me encourages me to find new ways to support their learning. When a student struggles to understand something, I look for different approaches to help them succeed.
Advice & Legacy
What advice would you give to new teachers entering the profession?
Be patient with yourself and remain flexible. Teaching requires constant adjustment as students’ needs change. Even strong lessons evolve over time, and growth comes from adapting and learning alongside your students.
How do you hope your legacy will be remembered in our school community?
I hope to be remembered as someone who cared deeply for every student and worked tirelessly to make learning accessible and meaningful. I strived to build connections that helped students continue growing long after they left my classroom.
Retirement Reflections
What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
I look forward to volunteering in my community, traveling throughout the United States and beyond, and spending more time outdoors camping and hiking. I also plan to take classes such as Tai Chi, yoga, painting, drawing, and knitting so I can continue learning new things.
How does it feel to reach this milestone after so many years of service?
It brings me great joy to know I was able to give my time and energy to the Pico Rivera community, just as my teachers once gave to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue giving back through volunteer work in this next chapter.
What will you miss most about teaching and about our school?
I will miss the daily connections with students and staff and the simple joy of greeting them each day.
Personal Reflections
What is something your students or coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
I was very shy as a child. My strong and outspoken grandmother taught me to be proud of who I am, to honor where I come from, and to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
If you could summarize your teaching journey in one word, what would it be and why?
Heart. I originally went to college to study engineering, but my heart wasn’t in it. When I changed my major to education, I knew I had found where I truly belonged.
Thank you for 40 years of service, care, and inspiration.
