Alamo Heights High School Spanish teacher Dr. Maria Cubero is the 2025-26 EXCEL Award winner for Alamo Heights ISD.
Cubero was surprised in her classroom and presented with an apple trophy and $2,000 check. She has been teaching for 31 years and is in her sixth year of teaching in Alamo Heights ISD. She currently teaches Dual Credit Spanish classes.
“Dr. Cubero is a shining example of how we care for our students both in and out of the classroom,” said AHHS Principal Cory Smith. “Her students know she genuinely cares for them, and they in turn work hard in her classroom. Teaching Dual Credit Spanish on our campus has extended her reach even further, helping students get ahead of the game by earning college credits while still in high school. By connecting with her students on a personal level, she has empowered them to take risks and learn at a much deeper level in the classroom. I could not be more proud to work alongside her each day - she is a gem!”
Sra. Cubero is known for her “los famosos” wall in her classroom where she proudly displays photos with her students.
“I attend almost every activity that pertains to my students,” says Sra. Cubero. “Most will usually tell me if they play sports or are in any extra-curricular activities, and if they are and I am able to, I will show up. I started noticing that after doing this, my students changed with me. Most even do better in the classroom because they have a teacher who cares for them and shows up.”
Her teaching philosophy is “Rendirse no es una opción” which in English translates to “Giving up is not an option.” She applies this to herself and to motivate her students, modeling every day the impact a dedicated, caring teacher can have on all the learners in the classroom.
“It is rare for me to be at an extracurricular event where she is not present,” says Smith. “She shows up for kids - in the classroom with engaging lessons and a culture of connection and collaboration - and on the competition field, court, or stage where she cheers on each of her students, often capturing photos and videos of their performance and sharing with them the following day.”
The EXCEL Award is sponsored by KENS 5 and Credit Human and representatives from both organizations came to celebrate Cubero along with her husband and daughter, colleagues, Principal Cory Smith, and Superintendent Dr. Dana Bashara.
The story will air on KENS 5 on September 30 at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.