Luz Alvarez-Sims
My Email:
luz.alvarez-sims@austinisd.org
About Me:
Originally from El Paso, Mrs. Álvarez-Sims joined THES in 2014. She loves watching her students learn and grow throughout the year. Like her mother and grandmother, she guides her students to become lifelong learners. She loves being a dual language teacher and teaching in English and Spanish! It’s exciting to see two worlds open up for her students as they learn two languages. This upcoming year she will be working towards her Master’s degree at UT Austin.
Her favorite THES tradition is the Appreciation Pump and her favorite colors are green and pink. Mrs. Álvarez-Sims lives with her husband, their two kitties, Cleo and Gaius, and their puppy Obi. In her spare time she runs and loves to travel. She’s visited Mexico, Peru, France, and Italy.
Ronnie Jean Johnson
My Email:
About Me:
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and spent twenty plus years living in Las Vegas. While in Las Vegas, I worked at a five star rated school teaching third grade and also taught English as a Second Language to adults. Previously I’ve worked in International banking, real estate, and owned a graphic design firm for 12 years but working with children and teaching has been the most fulfilling.
My husband and I are currently residents of Austin and more specifically live right here in the Travis Heights community. When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, and spending time with my husband, our 5 rescue cats and 13 year old chihuahua, Apple. A favorite thing of mine is going on a road trip and we’ve already gone to many new places in Texas. I love exploring Austin’s community and culture and look forward to all the amazing discoveries right outside my front door.
Vanessa Sircy
My Email:
About Me:
Ms. Sircy came to THES in January of 2015 to teach the split 1st/2nd grade class and then made the jump to 4th grade and loves it. She is a graduate of The University of Arizona, has a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin, and is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker. One of her favorite things about THES is their wonderful school spirit. She enjoys getting to teach hands-on, student-centered project-based lessons! She loves
getting to build relationships with her students and getting to know each of their personalities. She encourages her students to believe in themselves by focusing on their strengths and hopes to empower them on their educational journey. When she’s not at school, Mrs. Sircy spends time with her family in Arizona and traveling the world with her husband.