Published On: March 9th, 2012By

2012 Teachers of the Year

Elementary & Intermediate Teacher of the Year

Jill CharrierJill Charrier – Jesse Hinojosa EC/PK Center
A great teacher inspires, loves and believes in students. My heart swells with pride for each student. I work to create a secure, supportive, and nurturing environment. I have high expectations for all my students, and I believe that is one of the most important factors of a successful teacher. That means giving students multiple opportunities to grow, setting goals and working with parents to ensure my students’ success.

Secondary Teacher of the Year

Karen BarnesKaren Barnes – Vernon & Kathy Lewis Middle School
Teaching is a calling. Outstanding teachers heed that call and always do what is best for the students. They are advocates for children first and foremost. My duty is to teach them how to think and to motivate them to learn. I help them believe in themselves. My greatest reward of teaching is seeing or hearing students teach each other and when they ask me to move to the next grade level to be their teacher again. These words tell me that I have made a difference in their lives.

District Finalists

Elementary & Intermediate Level

Yolanda J. MartínezYolanda J. Martínez – Norma N. García-Leza EC/PK Center
You have to build rapport and trust with students and their families. By tapping into their interests, you can create meaningful lessons they can relate to. Outstanding teachers serve as guides that direct students to reach their potential. They give hope and faith to students who believe they can’t achieve and push them beyond their expectations. The biggest reward is convincing challenging students that they can succeed. It is in the moment they realize their potential that teachers fulfill their purpose.
Christy RangelChristy Rangel – Gloria B. Sammons Elementary School
Teaching is about helping and inspiring students to be successful in life. For learning to occur, teachers have to develop the whole person. For a child to succeed in anything, teachers and parents must affirm the child’s worth. A teacher must unlock a young person’s potential and inspire him or her to be a part of our global community. If there is one quality a teacher needs it is adaptability. Not only is the profession constantly evolving, but you must also adapt to each student’s needs.

Secondary Level

Tanya K. AndersonTanya K. Anderson – Thomas S. Grantham Academy
Teachers are educators, role models, caretakers, nurses, confidants, and parent figures. Our main priority is to remember that the main thing is to help students develop confidence to help them reach their full potential. And it is important to maintain a positive, nurturing environment for learning to occur. Nothing in the world makes me smile bigger than when a student says, “I get it now, Miss!” That to me, above all else, is the main thing!
Marilyn J. DoyleMarilyn J. Doyle – Douglas MacArthur Senior High School
I know all children can learn. It’s just a matter of discovering how to help them realize their potential. So every day begins with reflection about the day ahead. I am aware that words are powerful things. I make sure to speak words of encouragement, enlightenment and hope. And I strive to incorporate the best that I have learned from other teachers and students into my teaching. My goal is to have some influence in each student’s life.

Campus Teachers of the Year

Catherine SelingerCatherine Selinger – Aldine Middle School
I diligently work to build good, constructive relationships with my students. It is essential students trust me if I want them to be unafraid of taking risks as I challenge and help them obtain success. I also strive to improve my teaching formula and monitor my students regularly. These two strategies can make all the difference in helping my students find success.
Miranda RobinsonMiranda Robinson – Aldine Ninth Grade School
I believe that students can learn and it is my responsibility to transfer knowledge and to guide each of them as they develop. I realize that I have a tremendous hand in shaping their minds and that my attitude and dedication can either help students to learn and achieve success or hinder them if I fail them. So as I give them the best education possible, I also give them love, patience and respect.
Helen E. DaveyHelen E. Davey – Aldine Senior High School
Teaching is a career of love. You must love people and love sharing knowledge. While you won’t get rich teaching, you will receive immense satisfaction when students succeed. A large part of the job is getting students to believe they can succeed. Self-confidence is developed through consistency, discipline, and demonstrated ability. Through consistency, students will feel safe and will be more willing to try. The more they try, the more they learn. And before you know it, you have a successful student.
Dana SlackDana Slack – A.B. Anderson Academy
Children need to be provided the best education possible to develop into well-educated human beings. For learning to take place, teachers must develop a safe, nurturing environment that encourages student interaction and participation. This means accommodating for learning differences and teaching children to think creatively, solve problems, and make decisions.
Rosalba RamosRosalba Ramos – Mary M. Bethune Academy
Teachers should be fully prepared to teach their students. They should have a love and passion for teaching as well as have the power to inspire students to do more than they can imagine. The biggest reward from teaching is seeing students pick up a lesson eager to learn. Being able to see students learning is an amazing feeling.
Roslyn GeorgeRoslyn George – Kenneth D. Black Elementary School
It’s the job of the educator to strike the student’s interest in every academic area so that the student may have a desire to learn and succeed at whatever task that is presented. The educator must build mutual respect with students and provide an environment that creates a passion for learning. I believe, as an educator, I am the most important catalyst between the students and a vast world of knowledge and experiences.
Nolita C. BecharaNolita C. Bechara – O.V. Calvert Elementary School
Teaching is a joint effort between supportive parents and teachers. If parents are willing to help their children and teachers give the proper instruction, there is no doubt children can succeed. Teachers must try every way and means to attain each goal set. But we must remember that we don’t just teach the curriculum, we also inspire and make a difference in students’ lives.
Dwane WillrichDwane Willrich – Voyde Caraway Intermediate School
There are two key components in my teaching philosophy: 1) promoting critical thinking skills and 2) stimulating interest in the subject matter. Teachers must challenge students to think outside the box. Relating class lessons to the real world and encouraging classroom participation and questioning are important elements in the learning process — they enhance learning and create “a-ha” moments.
Helen Miranda GroganHelen Miranda Grogan – William R. Carmichael Elementary School
Outstanding teachers must be willing to listen, to step out of their comfort zone, and make a lot of sacrifices for the good of their students and school. Teachers must provide ongoing, constructive feedback, which empowers them to make intelligent adjustments to ensure they are reaching all of their students. The greatest reward is seeing students improve their self-esteem and confidence, as they become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
Laurie HuttoLaurie Hutto – Inez Carroll Elementary School
Kindergarten is the ground floor for many students’ formal education. Their first experience in school is vital to future success. I have the responsibility to make sure each little soul feels safe, respected and important as I did long ago in my favorite teacher’s classroom and I do not take this task lightly. To ensure my students learn, I provide a classroom climate that is supportive and encouraging.
Stephanie FergusonStephanie Ferguson – Lola Mae Carter Academy
I focus on having students become problem solvers. While I am empathetic to each child’s needs, I never lower my standards or expectations for each student. I have an important role in developing students’ self-confidence. I must be enthusiastic, a good listener, humorous and flexible. I must adapt to each child’s learning style and needs. When students leave my classroom, I want them to be confident they will succeed in the future.
Adriana JiménezAdriana Jiménez – G.W. Carver High School
Educators not only teach concepts and life skills, they also show students how it feels to have accomplished a goal. Aside from mastering a subject, attaining goals is very important to future success. Teaching also includes letting students know that someone cares about them. I have immense pride in my students when they show improvement. I make sure to tell them they did a great job and I also share their success with the class.
Jerry L. ThompsonJerry L. Thompson – COMPASS
As educators, we have many opportunities to have a positive influence on the future of our students. We act as guides to assist students in identifying their strengths and opportunities for improvement. I teach because there will always be students that need support, knowledge and encouragement to get them headed in the right direction.
Jacqueline LeBlancJacqueline LeBlanc – R.C. Conley Elementary School
A good teacher can open locked doors and inspire students to become whatever they want to be. Teachers must give students everything they need to be successful, productive individuals. Outstanding teachers make a lot of sacrifices for the good of the students and the school. They listen, love, counsel, and respect their students. And they must admit mistakes, be flexible and lead as well as follow.
Lisa BrowningLisa Browning – José de Santiago EC/PK Center
I love the way young children embrace learning and are so excited about every new thing. It is a great feeling knowing that I make a difference in the life of a child. I have always tried to make my classroom a safe haven for the children. I want it to be a place they love to come to and a place where they can communicate, question, and grow in confidence. By doing so, I am giving my students a firm foundation and a head start on their educational journey.
Rogelio G. EdarRogelio G. Edar – Charles R. Drew Academy
Outstanding teachers are open to gaining insights and growing from every teaching-learning experience by engaging themselves in self-evaluation and self-reflection at the end of each day. This conscious effort facilitates success in the learning process. As an educator there is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have made a positive impact in students’ lives.
Lakeysha DunevantLakeysha Dunevant – Clifford M. Dunn Elementary School
Outstanding teachers must be patient as well as teach with tenacity, rigor and relevance. They encourage students, differentiate instruction, care about each student’s life, and communicate with parents. They are also able to captivate and inspire the child that everyone else has given up on. As an educator, I am not willing to give up on my students, and I let my students know this.
Christopher Matthew CeaserChristopher Matthew Ceaser – Lawrence A. Eckert Intermediate School
Excellent teachers know the value of positive student-teacher relationships. Not only is rapport with students a precursor to being successful with them, but teachers also have to be great communicators. The students must clearly be able to understand the message their teachers are trying to convey. It is only when I see my students share a skill I have taught that I know I have been successful.
Cherlonda DerrickCherlonda Derrick – Eisenhower Ninth Grade School
Great educators must love children and have a great desire to nurture and care for them. They believe every child can be successful. And to achieve this goal, they have a great attitude and continuously work to accommodate learning styles and meet the needs of all their students.
Divina P. BrowneDivina P. Browne – Dwight D. Eisenhower Senior High School
I am very dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate about teaching. I hope to impart the necessary knowledge and skills so that my students will not only learn to be productive citizens but also become lifelong learners who are able to adapt to a changing world and make informed decisions about their future.
Anita BrownAnita Brown – Willie B. Ermel Elementary School
Educators help students to recognize their potential by instilling in them that they are capable individuals. To help develop this trait in students, the classroom must be a caring, safe, environment where they have the freedom to cultivate and flourish as independent learners. The goal should be to develop analytical thinkers capable of determining solutions.
Christina MuldoonChristina Muldoon – Vera Escamilla Intermediate School
Teachers must be compassionate and dedicated to this very demanding career. They must create a caring and positive learning environment that encourages critical thinking skills and growth. Teachers must not only be knowledgeable about the curriculum but also capable of relating it to real life scenarios that students can relate to. I believe that outstanding teachers motivate their students to pursue high personal and intellectual goals.
José L. MartínezJosé L. Martínez – Thomas B. Francis Elementary School
I believe that children’s first educators are parents. But I also believe that teachers have a huge responsibility. We have the power to affect children’s lives. It is my firm belief that every person can overcome the many challenges and handicaps life brings and that every person is capable of attaining success.
Anne Marie BrideAnne Marie Bride – Ralph G. Goodman Elementary School
Students are like fragile seashells. My students are all unique. And like seashells, some come to me with their shell chipped away. It is my job to rebuild their self-image and rekindle their enthusiasm. In order to be successful, I need to be aware of each child’s unique abilities and needs. I am constantly rewarded when I see my students find success in something they once thought too difficult to attain.
Jaytoshia GuilloryJaytoshia Guillory – Thomas B. Gray Elementary School
Outstanding teachers simply understand that in order to teach each student, they must first reach the student. I must know my learners and meet them at their level of understanding. I then have a point of teaching reference, which sets the lesson up for them to succeed. A teacher should never forget to reflect and readjust as needed. And they should experience how much fun learning is. Being able to “turn my students on to school” is awesome!
Caroline CharlesCaroline Charles – W.T. Hall Center for Education
I believe that all students can succeed. To attain success, students must have confidence. To develop their confidence, I hold high expectations for all of my students. I want them to leave my classroom with the conviction that hard work will enable them to be successful. If you can impart a sense of possibility through hard work by building an “I can” attitude, this mentality will transcend itself beyond the classroom into every aspect of a child’s life.
Brandy HighBrandy High – Mattie Hambrick Middle School
Teaching the curriculum is the ultimate goal, but that really cannot be done successfully without building rapport with students as well as coworkers. It takes that dose of genuine concern for your students to separate the average teachers from the excellent, well-respected, and well-loved teachers.
Rowena N. RabayaRowena N. Rabaya – Earl & Hazel Harris Elementary School
I truly believe that teaching is more than a job or a career. It is a special calling. To be in such a profession, it takes patience, dedication, commitment, a love of learning and a desire to make youth lifelong learners. I know that each child is unique and possesses the capacity to learn. It is my desire that all my students reach their fullest potential by providing them with an environment that is safe, open, supports risk-taking, and invites a sharing of ideas.
Linda SmithLinda Smith – Emmett & Sarah Hill Intermediate School
Effective teachers do what it takes to reach each student, whether that means adjusting methods, working with parents or working one-on-one with students to give a little extra help or encouragement. My job is to help students reach their full potential and to give them the confidence to keep trying until they succeed. It is also my job to develop my students’ sense of self-discipline, personal responsibility, teamwork, and self-worth.
Kynetia PressleyKynetia Pressley – Floyd Hoffman Middle School
My hope as an educator is to share my passion for learning. I strive to instill a love of learning in my students. To make a difference, this field requires compassionate, strong and dedicated individuals who are excited about working with children. In the competitive society we live in, it’s important that students not only receive a solid education, but that they know we (teachers) are aware of and sensitive to their individual needs. I strive to be the best educator I can be every day.
Elisa GutiérrezElisa Gutiérrez – Jewell Simpson Houston Academy
Outstanding teachers are advocates for student success. They are able to encourage students’ ongoing thirst for knowledge. And they are able to tap into students’ natural curiosity and help them make sense of their world through critical thinking. I also firmly believe that developing the student-teacher relationship as well as creating a safe classroom is vital to student participation and conducive to learning. I also realize that to meet each student’s needs, I need to be flexible and be able to adapt.
Danielle MontionDanielle Montion – Beulah E. Johnson Elementary School
Learning is an active process. Students learn by doing rather than by passively absorbing information. My role is to serve as a guide to students to help them discover things. I encourage them to ask questions and to seek answers. I give them real world situations and experiences they can learn from and I teach them how to solve problems effectively.
Neliana CherkezNeliana Cherkez – A.W. Jones EC/PK & Kindergarten Center
Teachers have the ability to vastly shape and shift an individual’s life. I want my students to develop critical thinking skills and to help them grow. I ensure the classroom is a safe environment to encourage participation and communication. I also believe it is the duty of the teacher to foster a love of learning in their students. They must give every child an opportunity for success. I want them to take control of their learning and to use it as a tool for success.
Ka'Shawna BanksKa’Shawna Banks – A.W. Jones Elementary School
I believe in the truth behind the Chinese proverb “Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” There are many benefits of students working together. Classrooms should be filled with opportunities for students to learn life skills such as leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and brainstorming. I also incorporate technology and real world examples to help students relate to what they are learning.
Sandra GóngoraSandra Góngora – Jerry D. Keeble EC/PK Center
There are six components that teachers must apply in order to successfully reach students: love, discipline, understanding, encouragement, patience and persistence. My goal is to develop students’ mental capacity, citizenship and ethical reasoning abilities for them to be successful in their future. Every day is an opportunity to reach my students’ potential. And I will keep striving to give my students the best education possible, because teaching is my passion and they are why I love my job.
Elizabeth SchollElizabeth Scholl – Nadine Kujawa EC/PK Center
My sense of empathy, engagement, and concern for my students has shaped what I do as an educator. I am able to manage various disciplines that each unique child requires. With the help of parents, I have been better able to accomplish objectives. This is not a 9 to 5 job. We as educators do so much more. But there is a special joy when I see that my students are learning. I believe that each child’s potential is limitless and they can each accomplish their dreams.
Benjamín ValleBenjamín Valle – Nadine Kujawa Elementary School
One of the reasons I became a teacher was to empower students. I really do believe that every child can learn. My job is to figure out what is the best way to teach each one and to give them all the necessary tools for success. But in order to succeed, students must be willing, they must believe and they must relate. To be a good teacher, I must direct my sight to the possibilities of each child. There is nothing better than a smiling face that tells you, “I got it.”
George George “Mike” Barnes – Ellen B. Lane School
Every decision made should be based on how it will impact learning. Another major factor that impacts student learning is effective teacher-student relationships. When students realize teachers really care, they begin to trust them and the educational setting, which allows students to expand their thinking and ability to express themselves that in turn creates a learning environment where all students reach their maximum potential.
Niphonephet DupuyNiphonephet Dupuy – MacArthur Ninth Grade School
I believe students should be actively engaged in the classroom. Students learn by doing and particularly in technology-based classrooms. I consistently promote active participation and hands on activities. I find that students can be successful in the classroom by helping each other learn. This approach has been useful in helping students understand some difficult concepts. I also believe in developing a rapport with students and using kind words to encourage them to never give up.
D'Juana ThibedeauxD’Juana Thibedeaux – Curtis M. Magrill Elementary School
Children grow as knowledge is gained. The learning process is a continuous journey where I strive to convert students’ challenges into success. I want them to see their full potential with the purpose of broadening their minds. Children must understand and value the importance of education. I realize that it is my responsibility to motivate, empower, and nurture the needs of all my students to help them succeed.
Janeth CornejoJaneth Cornejo – Leonard & Glenda Marcella Intermediate School
I at first thought teaching was all about lectures and notes. I was wrong. It is about students and realizing how to connect what I want them to learn to the world they know. To “hook” them in I use a variety of teaching methods and use anything I can to help them learn.
Jennifer MooreJennifer Moore – Ernest F. Mendel Elementary School
Teachers have the power to bring out the potential in every student. Outstanding teachers see the promise in each of their students. They find a way to reach every student and help him or her grow into the person both (teacher and student) always knew they could be. A person who teaches with passion doesn’t give up on any student, no matter what struggles they face each day. The best reward is seeing kids excited about another education adventure.
Mitch MeierMitch Meier – Nimitz Ninth Grade School
Every day teachers have 50 minutes to impact students’ lives. Teachers need to make the most of it. To achieve this they must create a classroom that excites students about learning. Teachers also need to really know their students and bring humor into teaching. And while it is important for the teacher to teach, it is also vital for students to teach each other. This allows them to gain self-esteem and a better understanding of concepts.
Ajani M. SandersAjani M. Sanders – Chester W. Nimitz Senior High School
Teachers have a lasting effect on students’ lives. How teachers interact with students today will impact how they will develop into mature adults. Teachers bear a lot of responsibility. They should always keep in mind the importance of professionalism, accuracy and dedication. My goal is to guide and instruct students and enhance their skills. There is nothing more rewarding than to know I helped students expand their knowledge and self-esteem.
David WardDavid Ward – Weaver A. Odom Elementary School
Good teachers get to know their students to better understand their needs and how to better teach them. Teachers should work hard and continue to grow professionally. They utilize different methods of teaching to ensure all their students are learning. I believe first and foremost that learning should be fun. If the kids are not motivated, then they are not going to learn.
Shalondra MooreShalondra Moore – Gus A. Oleson Elementary School
Teachers help students to develop emotionally, cognitively and socially. I feel that making home and school connections are the best way to empower students. I also love to integrate technology into almost everything I teach, and I love to create a magical learning environment for students. They must realize that obtaining an education is imperative for future success.
Johnnie EnerJohnnie Ener – Orange Grove Elementary School
Every child is gifted, talented and unique. I love each student and work to develop a bond with each one. My goal is to give my best effort to motivate my students to always give their best. My hope is to create responsible adults who can think critically and thus enable them to make wise choices throughout their lives.
Kesha L. FranksKesha L. Franks – Otice L. Parker Intermediate School
Outstanding teachers enjoy motivating and engaging students through meaningful lessons. They collaborate and share lesson ideas with other teachers. Collaboration between teachers is key to ensuring students’ needs are met. Teaching does not come without challenges. However, my reward as a teacher comes in the joy of seeing my students’ enthusiasm in what they learned and leaving with the feeling of accomplishment.
Jeff BisotooniJeff Bisotooni – W.J. “Bill” Plummer Middle School
I give students my all every day in and out of the classroom. I work to motivate and inspire them. But ultimately they must be active participants in their education. I believe that by respecting others and their ideas, students’ minds become open and a desire to learn and succeed is created. I am the “locksmith” that provides students with the keys to success. I provide students with real world skills that will help them achieve their goals and dreams. This ultimately is what teaching is all about.
Cynthia HarrisonCynthia Harrison – Rayford Road Intermediate School
Two key factors are important to success in the classroom: collaboration and mutual respect among parents, students and teachers. But equally important is a safe environment where students thrive and have a desire to reach higher expectations. Teachers must provide a personal approach to each child to maintain consistent growth. One of the simplest things we can do is to acknowledge students’ efforts, strengths and contributions. These principles are staples in my heart and in my classroom.
Ellen SarchetEllen Sarchet – Grace Raymond Academy
Teaching is a constantly evolving process. Every year I learn something new. My teaching philosophy is a culmination of all that I have learned from my students as well as fellow peers. For instance creating a safe environment is key. And my students realize they play an important role in their learning. I also try to make sure that learning is meaningful. But in order for students to be lifelong learners, teachers and parents must work together.
Tracie HopsonTracie Hopson – Versa V. Reece EC/PK & Kindergarten Center
I give each child an opportunity to learn in a positive learning environment. It is important that each child’s educational, social and emotional needs are met as well. I give them an opportunity to express themselves and expect them to meet high expectations and to become independent, critical thinkers. The ultimate reward is seeing a child find success.
Abdiel A. UrculluAbdiel A. Urcullu – Ruby M. Reed Academy
Success is built upon the relationships between my colleagues and students. Collaboration with teachers is vital to ensure I am meeting students’ needs. I also build a student-teacher relationship based on consistency, dignity and clear expectations. My role is to guide students to develop and flourish academically and to give them the skills for success. This has allowed me to maintain a learning environment where all students are inspired to learn.
Rudy Cano Jr.Rudy Cano Jr. – Ray L. Shotwell Middle School
I find great joy in helping students discover their musical talent. I provide my students with all the tools necessary to grow as a musician. I also create a safe and stimulating environment where students know it’s OK to make mistakes. Since I set high standards, I make sure to make myself available to give students extra time to help them achieve their goals. I think these are qualities that every outstanding teacher should have.
José M. ColónJosé M. Colón – J. Ruth Smith Elementary School
I provide my students with the best strategies to build their ability academically and socially. I want to see my students develop and achieve strong, positive leadership skills that will give them the necessary tools to be successful. Every day I strive to provide my students with new adventures as we discover the joy of learning and achieving.
Jacqueline PollpeterJacqueline Pollpeter – Richard & Kitty Spence Elementary School
I believe all children can learn. It is my job to teach students and to help them understand that they are responsible for their futures. I provide them with many opportunities to learn and set high expectations for each one. I want students to love learning. So I reward students for their effort, rather than the quality of work. By doing so they keep trying to do their best.
Amanda McMullenAmanda McMullen – Lillian H. Stehlik Intermediate School
Good teachers reflect and take steps to improve teaching techniques to ensure they are meeting each student’s unique learning style. Teachers must also demonstrate a genuine love and respect for all students. By the same token students need to feel safe in the classroom and develop respect for their teachers. Additionally, communication among teachers, parents and students is essential to build trust and enhance learning.
David NiedzwieckiDavid Niedzwiecki – Mary W. Stephens Elementary School
I’m always setting goals to improve various methods at our campus, and I look forward to unique challenges. Most importantly, I’m doing the best I can to show my students I care about them and their education by creating a fun, positive environment with engaging activities. It is rewarding to see students succeed and to see them excited to learn every day.
Jessica RatcliffeJessica Ratcliffe – Walter & Inez Stovall Elementary School
My goal is to instill the value of education into my students. Every student should feel successful and capable regardless of their starting level. I strive to ensure a positive learning environment where each student experiences growth. I genuinely care for my students’ success. But no amount of work on my part would matter if it did not produce success for my students. They are my greatest achievement in education.
Kara KollerKara Koller – Thomas J. Stovall Middle School
Outstanding teachers recognize that every student is an individual and approaches each one differently. As educators, we are obligated to help students not only academically but also to help them develop into productive members of society. Teachers should work together as a team to make sure that every child reaches his or her full potential.
Melinda MosbyMelinda Mosby – Mattie A. Teague Middle School
I believe that teachers have the power to mold young minds. I believe that words have power, which is why I believe that my positive messages contribute to the success of my classroom. Outstanding teachers do everything they can to give their students the best possible education, because they realize the impact they have on students’ lives. My reward is when I read their creative writings. That’s when I know that I could not have done it any better.
Elizabeth Arias-PichardoElizabeth Arias-Pichardo – Evelyn S. Thompson Elementary School
Students learn best by being active participants in their own learning. To encourage participation, education should be a risk-free, positive learning environment where students actively engage in meaningful tasks in order to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers and productive citizens. Students need to be a part of their learning environment in order to take charge of their education and reach academic success.
Scott GroenScott Groen – Victory Early College High School
Outstanding teachers help students develop the skills that are transferable from the classroom to the real world. Excellent teachers consistently set high standards for their students and help them find success. Teachers act as facilitators that help students construct their own learning. They also serve as role models who treat others with respect and dignity. Exemplary teachers do everything possible because they have their students’ best interest in mind.
Esmeralda LlamasEsmeralda Llamas – Edward A. Vines EC/PK Center
Each year, 20-plus four- and five-year-olds walk into my class for the first time with limited knowledge. My hope is that by the time they leave my classroom at the end of the year, that they will have learned all the basic skills as well as have a newfound appreciation for a great education. Flexibility has been key to ensuring I meet my students’ needs. Listening to them say they want to be teachers in the future, makes me feel that I have touched their hearts.
Carmeshia EdwardsCarmeshia Edwards – Bill J. Wilson Intermediate School
Collaboration is key to giving students the best education possible. Collaborative efforts allow us to learn from each other, to improve as guides, and to offer the most relevant education possible for students. When we accomplish our goals to instill a passion for learning, prepare all students to reach their full potential, the door to opportunity will open wide for every student.
Verónica BlancoVerónica Blanco – Bill Worsham Elementary School
Outstanding teachers don’t let anything stand in their way. I am determined to reach students who have been labeled “challenging.” This means being patient and discovering each child’s learning style. I show respect to each child and celebrate even the smallest successes a student achieves. It is wonderful to discover that all the patience and work did pay off.

Event Sponsors

DoubleTree Hotel Houston
Intercontinental Airport
Greenspoint Mall
Houston Astros
Houston Intercontinental
Chamber of Commerce
Houston Rockets
InvesTex Credit Union
United Airlines

About the Author: Mike Keeney

Director of Public Information Aldine ISD