Rufino Mendoza Elementary School
5th Grade Teachers
Email: david.arteaga@fwisd.org
David Arteaga
Mr. David Arteaga is excited to join the Rufino Mendoza Elementary family and bring his passion for student achievement, data-driven instruction, and relationship-building to our Longhorn community. With eight years of experience teaching 4th and 5th grade across all subject areas, he is committed to ensuring every student receives the support and challenge they need to succeed.
Mr. Arteaga is known for being approachable, knowledgeable, empathetic, and a true team player. He values collaboration and believes that strong schools are built on trust, shared leadership, and a collective commitment to student success. He appreciates working in environments where ideas are valued, initiative is encouraged, and everyone works together toward common goals.
One of Mr. Arteaga's greatest strengths is analyzing student data and using it to make informed instructional decisions. He is skilled at breaking down standards, anticipating misconceptions, and adjusting instruction to meet students' needs. He believes that strong instruction is highly engaging, collaborative, and responsive, with teachers actively monitoring learning and making adjustments in real time to maximize student success.
Mr. Arteaga is committed to continuous growth and is focused on strengthening systems that align curriculum, purposeful small-group instruction, and targeted interventions. He believes that careful planning, intentional support, and high expectations are key components of helping all students achieve at high levels.
His goal is for students to know they always have someone in their corner. He wants every child who enters his classroom to feel supported, encouraged, and confident in their ability to succeed. Above all, he hopes students leave his classroom knowing they were cared for, believed in, and challenged to reach their full potential.
Outside of school, Mr. Arteaga enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends. These experiences help him stay energized and bring a positive perspective to his work with students.
Mr. Arteaga is excited to be part of the Longhorn family and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and colleagues to help every learner grow and thrive.
Curtis Thompson
Curtis Thompson brings 11 years of diverse teaching experience to Rufino Mendoza Elementary, having taught across multiple grade levels including 2nd grade (self-contained), 4th grade Math and Science, and 5th grade Science and Social Studies. He is a dedicated educator who is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with students and creating an engaging, supportive learning environment for all learners.
Curtis is known for his ability to connect with students and differentiate instruction to meet the unique needs of each learner. He believes that strong instruction is explicit, intentional, and student-centered, with a focus on standards alignment, data-driven decision making, and frequent opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding. His classroom culture is rooted in positivity and safety, where students feel valued and empowered to take ownership of their learning.
To monitor student progress, Curtis uses a variety of effective strategies including student whiteboards, structured discussions, turn-and-talk opportunities, exit tickets, and quick response checks such as “fist-to-five.” These approaches allow him to identify misconceptions in real time and provide immediate support. When students struggle, he takes a reflective and proactive approach—analyzing the point of error, drawing on prior knowledge, and adjusting instruction through scaffolds or alternative strategies.
Curtis values meaningful feedback and collaboration, viewing both as essential to continuous growth. He brings a mindset of ongoing improvement to his work, recognizing that even effective practices can be refined to better serve students. He appreciates clear communication and strong collaboration with both campus leadership and his grade-level team.
As education continues to evolve, Curtis approaches change with a growth mindset, viewing new challenges and curriculum shifts as opportunities to strengthen his practice and maximize student outcomes. His goal is to ensure that every student experiences a classroom that is safe, welcoming, and academically rigorous—one where they are confident, motivated, and prepared for future success.
Outside of the classroom, Curtis enjoys spending time with family, traveling, participating in sports, and listening to music.
Email: anahi.pantoja@fwisd.org
Anahi Pantoja
Ms. Anahi Pantoja Perez is excited to join the Rufino Mendoza Elementary family as a 5th Grade teacher. With five years of experience in education, she has taught 4th Grade in both departmentalized and self-contained settings, helping students grow academically while building confidence in their abilities and preparing them for future success.
Ms. Pantoja Perez is known for being positive, dependable, and collaborative. She values strong relationships, open communication, and teamwork, believing that the best outcomes for students happen when educators work together with a shared commitment to excellence. She strives to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to take ownership of their learning.
One of Ms. Pantoja Perez's greatest strengths is designing and delivering standards-aligned instruction that helps students see the value and opportunities that education can provide. She believes that strong instruction is student-centered, engaging, and purposeful, with clear objectives, intentional modeling, guided practice, and opportunities for students to demonstrate independent mastery.
As an educator, Ms. Pantoja Perez is committed to continuous growth and is always seeking ways to strengthen differentiation to meet the unique needs of every learner. She values feedback and reflection as tools for professional growth and is dedicated to refining her instructional practices to ensure all students experience rigorous, meaningful learning.
Her goal is for students to leave her classroom feeling confident, capable, and prepared for the challenges ahead. She hopes students will remember that they were supported, encouraged, and challenged to reach their full potential, while developing skills they can apply both inside and outside the classroom.
Outside of school, Ms. Pantoja Perez enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks outdoors, and creating new experiences with the people she loves. She believes in being present in the moment and finding joy in everyday experiences.
Ms. Pantoja Perez is excited to be part of the Longhorn family and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and colleagues to help every child achieve excellence.