Schools
#MNPSVoices: Zulma Gentry, EL Office Front Desk Clerk
Gentry is often the first line of support for families of English Learners as they navigate the challenges of virtual learning.
September 2, 2020
Find out what's happening in Antioch-South Nashvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
#MNPSVoices: Zulma Gentry, EL Office Front Desk Clerk
Zulma Gentry is often the first line of support for families of English Learners as they navigate the challenges of virtual learning.
As the EL office’s front desk clerk, she’s the one families see as soon as they enter the office.
Find out what's happening in Antioch-South Nashvillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“One of the things that I´m helping with during this learning modality is assisting parents with any questions that they have concerning registration, technical support, virtual learning,” Gentry said. “Anything they call the office with, I try to find the quickest solution to the situation.”
Gentry, who joined MNPS in October 2019, grew up in Veracruz, Mexico, but moved to Tennessee with her family when she was 11 years old. She graduated from Jackson County High School in 2011 and completed a few classes at Volunteer State Community College before moving back to Mexico in 2012 to attend college there.
She graduated from college in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in international trade, becoming the first college graduate in her family. Before moving back to the U.S. last year, she worked as a document specialist for a scrap metal company in Veracruz Port.
Molly Stovall, Executive Director of the English Learners Office, says of Gentry: “Zulma is on the front lines. She does it all!”
In the current learning environment, Gentry wants to encourage families and employees to remain optimistic.
“This pandemic is something that we have never experienced before,” she said. “Adjusting can be stressful. My advice is to stay strong, positive, and have faith that we will get through this.”
During her spare time, Gentry enjoys sewing quilts, crocheting blankets and spending time with family and friends.
Learn More
- Visit the English Learners webpage for more information about how our district serves students and families who represent more than 130 languages from around the world.
- For translation assistance, families can contact the MNPS Family Information Center, 615-259-INFO
- For tech support with a translator, call (615) 259-8787 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Watch videos in several languages about online learning at MNPS.
This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.