Having just completed her fourth year at Crossroads Academy Quality Hill in Kansas City, Missouri, first-grade teacher Daniela Torres is already creating memories and changing the lives of her students in more ways than she ever could have imagined. Her charter school views her as a rising educator who continues to push her to reach new heights. On top of her daily teaching responsibilities, Torres is projected to receive an education specialist degree in administration from UMKC in the spring of 2026.
“One of my most proud moments is acknowledging myself and owning my worth,” said Torres. “I don’t settle for what people think I would accept and I’m always aiming for the next highest thing. My biggest accomplishment to date is committing to a two-year program to obtain my education specialist degree with an emphasis on urban schools in education.”
At Crossroads Academy Quality Hill, Torres works with students from all different walks of life. By teaching such a young age group, she’s able to help guide them into believing in themselves and valuing the many wonderful traits and characteristics they each possess, regardless of their background or early-life circumstances. Torres credits her administration for helping develop and distribute quality leadership, which she passes down to those around her.
“Since the beginning of my education career, I’ve always wanted students to learn these three things,” said Torres. “One: I can still make good choices, even if I’m upset. Two: I can do things even if I may not want to, or it’s challenging. Three: I can be okay, even if others are not. I’ve found that if students are unable to self-regulate, they will have a hard time grasping content, which in turn makes it harder for themselves, and those around them, to learn.”
During her journey to become a teacher, Torres obtained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri Valley College, followed by her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in 2018 from William Woods University. She also received a key piece of advice from an Instagram post that has stuck with her throughout the early portion of her career. The post read, ‘Too many people think the grass is greener somewhere else, but the grass is green where you water it’. This has motivated her to focus on the present, and those she interacts with daily, instead of worrying about things she cannot control.
“I advise my students that it’s okay to make a mistake,” said Torres. “This is how we learn to move through life and make our next move, the best move.”
It’s this mindset and daily approach that has benefitted Torres, her students, her co-workers, and her family and will continue to play a key piece in her education future in the many years to come.
“Daniela has poured countless hours into her classroom to make her students feel like they're walking into their second home each day,” said Torres’ nominator, Kori Gordon. “She also works with young athletes in the inner city, by preparing them with long life skills and building up their stamina with a competitive mentality through 16U club volleyball. Don’t ask her when she will take some time for herself, because her first response is always ‘the kids need me!’ or ‘someone has to do it, I don’t mind’”.
“Hard working and dedication perfectly describes Daniela,” said Torres’ second nominator, LaKesha Washington. “She gives her all to anything that she is a part of and also holds all parties accountable to bring out the best in everyone around her.”
“Daniela’s optimism and approach to educating her students is second-to-none,” said Christina Lively, Blue KC Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Her unwavering commitment to making sure each student feels welcomed, included and valued is a characteristic that stands out and illustrates how impactful she is to those in her classroom on a daily basis. It’s our honor to recognize Daniela as a Blue KC Sporting Samaritan and we look forward to following her career for many years to come. Congratulations!”
Fans are encouraged to nominate teachers and students who are making a positive impact on their schools and communities by using the form online at https://www.bluekc.com/NominateSportingSamaritans.
