Planting Seeds of Confidence at Seneca Valley

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, MCPS is highlighting how Luz Laboy Acosta, a teacher at Seneca Valley High School, builds connections with her students. 

Now in her second year at Seneca Valley—and sixth year in MCPS—Luz Laboy Acosta is making a lasting impact as a 9th grade science teacher. She helps students connect with science in meaningful, engaging ways, fostering curiosity and commitment through her love of nature and discovery. Known for her strong rapport with students and collaborative spirit, she is always asking questions and works to improve how science is taught, ensuring students meet and exceed high standards.

Beyond the classroom, Laboy is a driving force behind environmental initiatives at the school. 

“In just one year, she has launched an impressive Green initiative,” said Principal Ricardo Hernandez. “This includes saving food in the cafeteria, building pollinator gardens, organizing Green Spirit Weeks and hosting environmental clean-up events outside of school hours for Student Service Learning hours.” 

Laboy is also leading a field trip to give as many freshman biology students as possible the opportunity to participate in a stream study. “This is a massive undertaking with 600 students,” Hernandez said.  

Laboy’s love of hiking and nature exploration with her family finds its way into her classroom, bringing real-world environmental experiences to her students.

What truly sets Laboy apart is her unwavering belief in her students, especially her Emergent Multilingual Learner (EML) students. In every class, she reminds them, “This is important,” challenging them to reach beyond what they think is possible. Her encouragement helps students take risks and achieve more than they thought possible.

“Ms. Laboy Acosta has helped to build a bigger connected community for our EML students and Seneca Valley,” Hernandez said. “She has shown them the value of giving and being a part of Seneca Valley High School.”