Pre-Kindergarten

E. Ruth Fernandez - Dual Language Teacher

Education: I am a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Communication. I have certifications in Bilingual Education (Early Childhood-4th) General Ed (EC-4, and Spanish (6-12) and have been teaching in public education for 23 years.

Experience: My first teaching position was in Southern Mexico as an all-level English Teacher. I then moved to California and taught Spanish (Pk-6) in Simi Valley California. I returned to Texas and began teaching in 1997 for Grand Prairie I.S.D. and then Arlington I.S.D. I have taught 3rd grade, 1stgrade, Kindergarten, and Pre-Kindergarten. I love being in Pre-Kindergarten! I truly believe it is a calling and I am glad to be an important part of every one of my student’s educational lives. This is my fifth year in Fort Worth I.S.D. and I am so happy to be part of Sweet Lily B!

Bio: I was born in Phoenix, Arizona but moved to Texas at a young age. My dad was a pastor and moved throughout Texas. I attended schools in Port Arthur, Austin, Fort Worth, and Arlington. I am happy to say I graduated from Paschal High School. After graduating from U.T.A. I experienced living in Mexico on my own and later moved to California. There I met my husband, Gustavo, and started a family. Eventually I returned to the great state of Texas. I have two daughters (Cristiani and Alicia), one son (Carlo), and 2 dogs (Leo and Zuly).

Hobbies: I enjoy going to the gym, swimming, and kickboxing. I also enjoy going to the beach and spending my summers in Mexico.

Email: edith.fernandez@fwisd.org

Alma Lopez

Claudia Wheat

Education: I graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington in 2004 with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Human Resources/Communication). I have received certification in ESL and GT in 2016.

Experience: I started in Arlington ISD as the After School Director for an elementary school and got interested in teaching as I enjoyed being with the children of all ages. I taught for two years in a bilingual class (Spanish/English) in Arlington ISD. I then challenged myself to Fort Worth ISD and taught 2nd/3rd grade for four years. I have been at Lily B. since 2017.

Bio: I have lived in Texas all my life and can't see myself anywhere else. I have two grown girls (Cassie and Clarisa). Cassie graduated from the University of North Texas and is now an American Airlines flight attendant. Clarisa is pursuing her education and stays very busy! I have a grandson, Julian who is four and I love seeing the world from his eyes. I enjoy making new relationships with children every year and I look forward to a new year at Lily B.

Hobbies: I enjoy going to the movies, reading, and spending endless time with my grandson. I am hoping to travel soon.

Email: claudia.wheat@fwisd.org

Teresa DeRudder

Education: I hold a BA in History from UTA.

Experience: I’ve been working in Pre K for 20 years.

Bio: I have been married for 30 years and have 2 grown children. My son works for the University of Iowa athletics as their ticket coordinator and my daughter recently graduated from Texas State University. We have 2 cats and a dog.

Hobbies: My hobbies include reading biographies and scrapbooking.

Email: teresa.derudder@fwisd.org