Mrs. Ana Solis-Herrera has been named the Stephen F. Austin High School Teacher of the Year. She has taught orchestra at Austin High for 21 years. With a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Violin Performance from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Music Education from the University of Texas at Austin; she brings a symphony of experience and expertise. Mrs. Solis-Herrera has performed inter- nationally with many orchestras in Asia, Latin America, and the United States. She was invited to speak at music education conferences in Italy, Sweden, and Latin America for her research on the music preferences of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the United States.
Teaching freshmen to seniors and mentoring middle schoolers, Mrs. Solis-Herrera’s passion for teaching was ignited at a young age when she mentored her 3-year-old brother at age 7. This love for mentoring has continued for 26 years, with 21 years dedicated to AISD. Additionally, she teaches violin from her private studio at home, with many of her private students achieving placement in the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region and All-State Orchestras.
From her years of teaching, she has come to believe that every student is capable of learning and achieving their goals. Mrs. Solis-Herrera creates an inclusive environment by incorporating different genres so everyone can find what they enjoy playing. Mrs. Solis said, “ I am really demanding and I expect nothing better than what the students think that they can do. And I think that if you expect excellence, then the kids will give you excellence. Right? And if you let the kids know that they are capable, they want to show they are capable.” She also included, “They know that I care about them. I always come from a place of love and passion for what I’m doing and I want them to give their best. So then I think that will make the stu- dents know that you have high expectations for them.”
She involves parents and guardians in her students’ educational journeys by including them in every step, such as allowing them to inquire about practices and assisting with concerts. Mrs. Solis commented, “I think I have helped to bring people together from my students, parents, and other teach- ers, and I just hope to continue to be able to do so. Bringing people together to make music and change provides something that is beautiful for kids.” Mrs. Solis-Herrera said parents are very active in the community, making weekly newsletters and contacting Mrs. Soils-Herrera for anything. Her key instrument for fostering a positive teacher-student relationship
is showing her genuine care for students and their dreams in music. Mrs. Solis said, “I feel that it’s an award not just to me, but to my students, my par- ents, and the teachers that come and help me make this community.” She has learned a few techniques to help students achieve their goals from meeting with many fine arts teachers and going to their events, hoping to learn more and create a better environment.
As the Austin High Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Solis-Herrera extends her message to her students, colleagues, and the wider community, expressing her hope that the Austin High community continues to grow and maintain the traditions that make it an exceptional community. She hopes to see the students get involved and love the school as much as she does, but most of all, to remain Loyal Forever.
