It is an honor and a joy to share my passion for Art with students! 

My name is Claudia Bejarano and, like all of my students, I am a proud product of Alief, having attended all Alief schools from Kinder through 12th grade (big shout out to Cummings, Holub, and Hastings!) Following high school, I attended St. Mary’s University where I majored in English Literature and minored in Art. After graduating in 2003, I moved back to Houston so that I could become a teacher and serve the same community which helped to educate me, Alief! 

I have more than 17 years of teaching experience here, 13 of which have been spent in the Art room at Collins Elementary. Connecting with my students through the magic of artistic expression has provided me, as well as my kids, with a bounty of meaningful experiences which I am sure we mutually cherish. 

I learn just as much from my students as they do from me, if not more. As their teacher, I will always aim to provide them with the love, guidance, acceptance, and encouragement they need to become their best selves both inside and outside the art room. 

Email: Click here to e-mail Claudia

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Arts, English Literature 
St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX 
Class of 2003 

Ms. Toni Birch

Welcome to Music!

I am excited to welcome your students to music class here at Collins Elementary. Students will learn music concepts through kinesthetic, aural, visual and verbal learning.

About Me

I am from Grand Island, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska- Kearney. I have four years of teaching experience, all in Alief ISD. I am a proud member of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA).

My Moto

Music is my passion and a big part of who I am as a person and an educator. I believe that music can transcend language and culture, and bring people of all different walks of life together. Through music I teach more than just notes and rhythms. I also teach students how to accept themselves and others, and to appreciate and understand the arts from the past, present, and future.

Email: Click here to e-mail Toni Birch

Degrees and Certifications:

Bachelor of Music Education K-12

Hello parents and welcome to music class!

I have been teaching music in Alief at Alief Middle School over 14 years ago.  I transferred over to Owens Intermediate where I stayed for about 5 years and then found my home here at Collins Elementary.

I believe that every child comes into our world with musical ability.  As a music teacher, I’m allowed the opportunity to foster and inspire this natural capacity.  I strive to bring out the innate musicality in each and every student.  Music is a necessary part of life and children need the beauty and expression of music just as much as they need to know how to read and multiply.

Email: Click here to e-mail Damon

Degrees and Certifications:

· Bachelor of Fine Arts with an Emphasis in Vocal Performance (Houston Baptist University)
· Music (EC-12)
· Generalist (EC-4)