On Tuesday, November 5th, Terra Vista Middle School teacher Cristina Barragan was selected as this week’s Teacher of the Week by KLBK News and Hilliard Office Solutions.

Humbled and surprised by the announcement, Barragan joked with the Trends and Friends hosts that she thought she was being ‘punked’ when she got the call. During her live interview, she went on to explain how teaching is her passion.

“My philosophy is to serve,” said Barragan. “I owe it to my families, and I owe it to my students to be the best teacher I can be every single day.”

Barragan also says her teaching is a mix of fun and building positive learning experiences with a slice of high expectations – for herself and her students.

Watch her full interview below: