3rd Grade Regular Program Teacher

Hello, my name is Austen Karnes. I am very excited to be part of the Manuel Jara family! I attended Fort Worth ISD and graduated from Southwest High School, and then I received my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I taught for five years in Oklahoma City, and now I am really excited to be back in my hometown. I love to spend time with my family, read books, and exercise. I am excited to be teaching third grade this year! Throughout my career as an educator, I have witnessed that students want to learn as much as I want to teach. The number one thing I love about teaching is seeing the growth in my students. I experience great joy each and every time my students succeed in learning a new skill and gain confidence in their abilities.

My Favorites:

Color: Pink

Disney Movies: Hercules and Mulan

Travel Spot: St. Lucia

Sport: Cheerleading and Dancing

Ice-Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip and Cookie Dough

Food: Enchiladas, Chips and Salsa, Queso

Pet: Cats

Drinks: Coffee and Diet Coke

3rd Grade Regular Program Teacher

Hello, my name is Mrs. Mia Low. I am very excited to be part of the Manuel Jara family. I have a husband and one son – Jason. I have previously taught at Lake Worth, which is a very small district. I am thrilled to be part of the Fort Worth ISD district which is large and progressive. I believe that all children are unique and distinctive. My desire is to create a safe, respectful environment where they can reach their full potential. Providing opportunities for discussion, sharing, and authentic learning help a child to reach higher levels of thinking.

My Favorites:

Colors – Green and Purple

Books – Mysteries

Candy – Chocolate

Drinks – Coffee and Coke

Food - Mexican

3rd Grade Dual Language Teacher

Hello, my name is Esmeralda Rodriguez. I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. I'm very excited to be part of Manuel Jara Elementary. This will be my second year here at this campus and so far I have enjoyed every minute of it. I want to have to have an impact on every child in my classroom. I know every child is capable of succeeding and I will work hard to help them accomplish their goals. 

My favorites:

Color: Blue

Book: Any

Travel Spot: Anywhere

Sport: Soccer

Candy: Hershey or Snickers

Food: Mexican Food

3rd Grade Dual Language Teacher

Campus Tecnology Liason

Hello, my name is Brenda Valdez.  I graduated from California State University, Fulllerton where I received a Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies.  I have been serving as a teacher since 2005.  I have taught all grade levels ranging from elementary to high school.  When I am not teaching I love to spend time with my family.  My husband and I have 4 beautiful children and we love to travel. I believe all things are possible and that every child can learn.

My Favorites:

Color: Purple

Book: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Travel Spot: Colorado

Sport:Tennis

Candy: Dark Chocolate

Drinks: Coffee & Diet Coke