CRISTINA MANZANARES MARISCAL
Westdale Middle School
East Baton Rouge Parish School System
Becoming a teacher had always been Cristina Manzanares Mariscal’s lifelong dream, a passion intricately woven into the fabric of her being. From an early age, Mariscal reveled in sharing knowledge and even conducted makeshift math classes for her dolls. She drew inspiration from her inherent love for Legos and nature, a calling passed down from her mother, who, despite sharing the desire to teach, faced economic barriers. As the first university graduate in her family, Mariscal proudly stood testament to their parents’ unwavering support.
Mariscal’s teaching philosophy revolves around fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of students while promoting equity and diversity. She firmly believes that education is not just about delivering content but inspiring a passion for lifelong learning. Each student is unique, with individual strengths and challenges, and it is her responsibility to create an atmosphere where every learner feels valued and empowered.
The magnet coordinator at East Baton Rouge Parish School System said Mariscal is “an excellent science teacher with abundant energy and enthusiasm for her students and the task of providing an exceptional and innovative instructional program for them.”
Raise the level of performance consistent throughout school districts nationwide and creates a platform from which all magnet schools can flourish. Magnet Schools of America’s national certification process is designed to recognize the hard work of the best magnet schools in the nation and to help them as they grow.
