Background: Ms. Brazal has been teaching in Prince George's County for 35 years, starting out at Bladensburg Elementary. Currently, she is a 3rd Grade teacher at Overlook ES teaching all content subjects. She received her undergraduate degree from Bowie State University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Elena received a Master’s Degree from George Washington University in Human Growth and Development.

Accomplishments: Elena has served as Grade Level Chair, Science Coordinator and Lab Teacher, NASA and School Liaison, member of the School Improvement and Planning Team, PTA Treasurer, School Writing Initiative Chair, and has participated with the School Beautification Flower Garden.

Principal’s Message: Ms. Brazal is an extraordinary teacher who is knowledgeable, resourceful, organized, and dedicated. Ms Brazal's daily instruction is data-driven and specific to the needs of each child in her classroom. She is very proficient in identifying possible interventions when students have difficulty acquiring certain concepts or mastering required skills. Ms Brazal takes the education of her students seriously, and participates in professional development to ensure that her skills and strategies are more than adequate to lead the students in their quest to meet county and state academic requirements.

Why I Love Teaching: As a teacher, I believe it is my responsibility to provide a balanced learning environment in which each child has the opportunity to develop the necessary academic skills for success and at the same time is able to grow, discover, and express his/her own unique talents and abilities. When a face lights up with understanding, a child presents a project beaming with pride, or is engrossed in creating a work of art, I know I've made a difference. Elena's motto is "Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way."

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