For Ligia Floyd, who teaches English at Walsh Middle School in Round Rock, Texas, teaching has always been more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in curiosity, connection, and joy.
“I’ve always loved learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with people,” she says. “The classroom felt like the perfect place for all of that to come together.”
There was never one defining “aha” moment that led her to teaching, but rather a series of small ones—the same lightbulb moments she now witnesses in her students every day. Over time, her “why” has evolved from simply wanting to teach lessons to wanting to learn alongside her students.
“I want them to walk out of my classroom feeling that learning is something we do together, not something that’s done to them,” she explains.
Her classroom is built on laughter, curiosity, and belonging. Every student is encouraged to take pride in their progress and to see mistakes as opportunities for growth. “We celebrate small wins, embrace mistakes, and find joy in the process,” she says. “One of my favorite moments was watching a student who once said, ‘I’m not a reader,’ get completely hooked on a book and beg to borrow the sequel. That’s the kind of magic that keeps me going.”
Like all teachers, she’s faced challenges—balancing expectations, meeting diverse needs, and staying energized—but she credits those experiences with helping her grow both personally and professionally. “Teaching has made me more flexible, more compassionate, and more creative,” she shares. “Every day is a new opportunity to make an impact, and I try to find humor in the chaos—because there’s plenty of it!”
Her commitment to making a difference extends far beyond her classroom walls. Each year, she and her students volunteer in their community—sorting and organizing donations at the Round Rock Serving Center, packing backpacks of nutritious meals for children in need through Backpack Friends, and supporting the Gold Out Project to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research.
“Every year, we volunteer someplace new,” she says proudly. “It’s one of my favorite ways to show students what service and compassion look like in action.”
Among her many recognitions, one stands out as especially meaningful—the Fierce Faculty Award, an honor given by students to a teacher who has made a lasting impact. “Being nominated by my students reminded me why I come in to teach these kiddos each day,” she reflects. “It’s a reminder of the difference I can make and the relationships that matter most.”
Outside of the classroom, she finds joy in coaching Cheer and mentoring young athletes. “What I enjoy most is having fun with my cheerleaders,” she says. “They all bring different personalities and skills to the squad. They keep me laughing, and I love having fun alongside them.”
To new teachers, her message is simple but powerful: “Don’t aim for perfection—aim for connection.” She believes that while students may not remember every lesson plan, they will always remember how their teachers made them feel.
“Teaching has power—it shapes how the next generation sees themselves and the world,” she says. “That’s a responsibility I hold with both pride and joy.”
