In Irving ISD, we take pride in fostering students who grow up to give back to their communities. First-year Hanes Elementary School teacher Walter Cruz is one of many examples of graduates who return home to Irving ISD to pay it forward. Cruz’s journey through the district is a true testament to the power of supportive teachers and a strong educational foundation. He attended Pierce Early Childhood, Britain Elementary and Bowie Middle Schools before beginning his high school career at Singley Academy – the place he credits for significant personal growth. As a student at Britain, Cruz recalls all of the amazing teachers who had an impact on his life – one of those being his fifth-grade teacher and soccer coach Adrian Misiak. 

“Mr. Misiak made a huge difference during my transition from ESL (English As A Second Language) classes. When I first entered his class, I struggled with basics like writing in English, but he was always there to help me learn and grow, which made me more prepared for middle school,” Cruz says. 

At Bowie Middle School, he continued to excel under the guidance of dedicated educators and in the GT (Gifted and Talented) program. But it wasn’t until entering high school that he started to come out of his shell. Cruz was enrolled in the Homeland Security pathway at Singley Academy and participated in various clubs and organizations, including Business Professionals of America, student council and the National Honor Society. During this time, there were several people on campus who made a huge impact on him. 

“Great schools have to be run by great leaders, and Dr. Andre Smith was always that. His first year as principal was also mine, so I was lucky to have spent all of my years in high school with him. Dr. Smith was always there for me. I would go to him for advice about anything, and he would always be there to help me, with a smile,” says Cruz. “My former CCMR (College, Career and Military Readiness) coach Saydrianne Harris-Magee was also a great support. From applying to colleges to filling out FAFSA forms, she was always  there to help me through the process. I don’t know where I would have been without her.”  

Cruz credits being a part of Business Professionals of America as one of his high school highlights and says his former club sponsor, Ms. Evans, is who sparked his interest in finance. He was so fascinated by it that he decided to major in the subject at the University of North Texas at Dallas. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he still remained connected to education by serving as an AVID tutor. But it wasn’t until after he graduated that he decided to answer the call to teach – realizing the profound impact he could have on students.

Returning to Irving ISD was an easy decision for Cruz. When interviewing for teaching positions, he says the support and warmth he felt from the staff and principals in Irving were unmatched. 

“When I interviewed with the administration staff at Hanes, they welcomed me with open arms and believed in my potential despite this being my first year as a teacher,” says Cruz. 

A heartwarming highlight of his return is the recent discovery that his former kindergarten teacher is now one of the counselors at Hanes, Erika Morris. “Seeing her remember me after all these years was incredibly wholesome and sweet,” Cruz adds. 

Next Monday, August 12, Cruz will officially begin his first year teaching, bringing his journey full circle – a moment he says wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for the unconditional love and support of his family. 

“My parents are immigrants from El Salvador, and they sacrificed so much to come to the States, not knowing the language, to provide a better life for myself and my two younger sisters. Through it all, they always instilled in me the importance of having an education, and they wanted that to be my focus. I can recall our entire family living in one room of someone else’s house to my parents now being homeowners. They have always remained my biggest supporters as well as my biggest inspirations,” Cruz says.