Somos Sunnyside: Episode featuring Arlene Wade Peña

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with Arlene Wade Peña, a dedicated second grade teacher at Elvira Elementary School and this year’s recipient of the Esperanza Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Chicanos por la Causa. Arlene shares her journey from dreaming of becoming a lawyer to finding her true calling in the classroom—thanks to early encouragement from her teacher, Mr. Miller at Drexel Elementary, and later, mentors who saw her potential as an educator. With over a decade of experience, Arlene reflects on the joy and purpose she’s found in teaching. Her passion is clear: she’s where she belongs, with her students, shaping young minds year after year. Tune in to hear how Arlene’s heart for teaching continues to make a lasting impact at Elvira—and why she knows she’ll retire right where she is: in the classroom.