Last August, Sandra Benitez excitedly started her first day of school as a high school teacher. However, some of the usual anxieties were at bay because she was returning to a familiar environment. Four years after graduating from Annandale High School, Sandra returned to the school as a U.S. Government teacher for English Learners. 

It was only eight years earlier that Sandra decided she wanted to be a teacher. The summer before her freshman year, she worked as a counselor-in-training for the Fairfax County Park Authority. 

“I immediately felt drawn to being there for students and making an impact by helping them to the best of my ability,” she said. “As a result, I went into high school knowing that I was going to go into education and that I was going to come back to Annandale.”

Sandra tried to work teaching and education experience into her projects, classes, and free time while she was in high school. She volunteered at Lynbrook Elementary School as a reading buddy, and at her own school as a peer helper in category B classrooms. She was also a peer tutor at North Springfield Elementary in an autistic preschool classroom. 

“Together, all these experiences solidified my decision to go into teaching,” Sandra explained.   

“It’s hard to believe that we’re reaching the halfway point of this school year,” she said. “I still have so much to learn as I continue in this field, but I am certain that all will be well.” 

Before she graduated from high school, Annandale English Teacher McClain Herman wrote a note for each student in her class. Sandra’s note reads, “We will be lucky if you come back to FCPS (and Annandale)!” 

This fall, Sandra said Mrs. Herman, “immediately asked how I was feeling and said that if I needed anything to simply reach out to her.”

Her history teacher, J.J. York, has since retired, but he still substitutes at Annandale and checks in on her. In addition to the support she feels from the staff, Sandra believes her past helps her connect with current students. 

“As a former AHS student, I understand where students are coming from,” she said. 

Her principal agrees. “As an alumnus, Sandra is deeply connected to the Annandale community,” Principal Shawn DeRose said. “In the classroom, she not only understands but actively supports the diverse needs of our student body and because of that, she is able to foster a culture of inclusivity.”