For Emelyn Cortes, teaching is far more than a profession — it’s a commitment to the community that raised her.
Born and raised in Southeast San Diego, Emelyn now teaches in the very neighborhood where she grew up, creating what she describes as a deeply meaningful full-circle moment.
“I wanted to make an impact in the city I grew up in,” she shared. “But most importantly, the neighborhood I grew up in.” That desire led her to KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy in 2008, when the school was still operating out of a downtown office building. More than a decade later, Emelyn remains a constant presence — and a trusted anchor — for students, families, and colleagues alike.
As a first-generation college graduate and the first educator in her family, Emelyn understands firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the education system without a roadmap. That lived experience shapes her classroom every day.
Today, Emelyn teaches seventh-grade English Language Arts, bringing the same care and intentionality to her classroom every day. She prioritizes building strong relationships, encouraging student voice, and helping students see mistakes as part of the learning process — all while holding high expectations and reminding students that growth comes from effort and support.
One of the most meaningful parts of Emelyn’s work happens long after students leave her classroom. Former students regularly return to visit, sharing stories of their journeys and the ways her influence continues to shape their lives. “Seeing the growth in students just blows my mind,” Emelyn reflected, especially when she reconnects with students who once sat quietly in her classroom and now return confident and engaged in their communities.
Those moments are especially powerful when her LGBTQ+ students come back to say thank you. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Emelyn’s openness and authenticity mattered deeply. “They would come back and just say, ‘thank you for just being you,’” she shared. “Knowing that it allowed them to feel seen — that means everything.”
Emelyn’s long-standing commitment, deep community roots, and unwavering belief in her students reflect what makes KIPP Adelante a trusted and lasting presence in the neighborhood it serves.