Carter Academy’s Yvonne López-Taylor Named a Finalist in Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year Awards Program

Carter Academy art teacher Yvonne López-Taylor was recently selected as one of three finalists in Region 4’s Elementary Teacher of the Year Awards program.

Yvonne López-Taylor smiles as she is named a finalist for Elementary Teacher of the Year in Region 4.

López-Taylor advanced to the region-level after earning the district title of Elementary Teacher of the Year, in March.

In Aldine, López-Taylor is known for her creativity and her passion for teaching art.  López-Taylor shared she uses her artistic talents to help her students hone their creativity.

“I want to inspire a new generation of thinkers, explorers, artists, and designers with their determination for success,” López-Taylor said. “My students learn to critique constructively and express opinions respectfully. They also learn to help one another achieve goals. As educators, we have to let students fail. It is so important to let students make mistakes and learn how to problem-solve them or find the answers they need.”

After submitting her online application to Region 4, López-Taylor underwent a virtual interview on July 9 with the Region 4 Teacher of the Year Committee.

On being named a finalist, López-Taylor shared what it means to her.

“Being named a finalist means art education matters. It means all my artists matter. It means that what I teach makes a difference. It means all my hard work matters. It means I have made my family proud. Being a finalist makes me want to work harder for my students. I also feel proud of myself, which is something I don’t usually stop to reflect on. I want to say ‘Thank you’ to all my teachers and professors.”

The Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year winner will be announced later this month.