Taryn Trotter

Taryn Trotter, a STEM teacher at Lockhart Elementary School, has been named one of five recipients of the Elizabeth Brand Teacher Excellence Award for 2015 by the Houston Association of Professional Landmen.

This award has been given out annually by that organization for almost 30 years to recognize outstanding teaching performance and all-around personal development.

Trotter was selected in part due to the individualized attention she provides her students, many of whom come from broken homes and are economically challenged.

“She brings so much joy to her classroom and creates an environment where students have a desire to learn,” wrote Landman Caitlin Maggio in her nomination form. “She is always finding new and innovative ways of engaging her students. Her teaching methods have proven to be incredibly effective, too, as every student’s score has improved drastically from the beginning of the year.”

Trotter was also commended for helping her students develop the qualities of self-discipline, patience, and perseverance. “Not only is Taryn loved by her students but also by their parents and her colleagues,” added Maggio. “And, [she]…has done all of this while battling stage 4 colon cancer. She even delayed some initial rounds of chemotherapy so she could finish the week of school and prepare lessons for the substitute. That is one dedicated teacher!”

Trotter was formally recognized at a luncheon held downtown on May 21. She received a gift package worth $5,600.