Winners to be announced at May 20 banquet
Nearly 2,000 HISD teachers, along with district and school leaders, will gather on Friday, May 20, at the Bayou City Event Center for a superheroes-themed Educators of the Year banquet. The sold-out event, sponsored by Cigna, will honor campus-based teachers of the year and beginning teachers of the year. Fifteen finalists are vying for top district honors, which include elementary teacher of the year, secondary teacher of the year, and beginning teacher of the year.
[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000sft9ioJPd0s” g_name=”2016-TOY” width=”600″ f_fullscreen=”t” bgtrans=”t” pho_credit=”iptc” twoup=”f” f_bbar=”t” f_bbarbig=”f” fsvis=”f” f_show_caption=”t” crop=”f” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_l=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”f” f_show_slidenum=”t” f_topbar=”f” f_show_watermark=”t” img_title=”casc” linkdest=”c” trans=”xfade” target=”_self” tbs=”5000″ f_link=”t” f_smooth=”f” f_mtrx=”t” f_ap=”t” f_up=”f” height=”400″ btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” ]
In honor of the superheroes theme, we interviewed the finalists and asked them to share their superhero power in the classroom and their teacher hero.
Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalists
Adrienne M. Glover, Anderson Elementary School
Kindergarten
Classroom superpower: Perseverance
“I try to instill in my students that no matter how hard something becomes, or how hard it may seem, never, never give up.”
Maria Teresa Godoy, Port Houston Elementary School
Fifth-grade reading and science
Classroom superpower: Building relationships with students
“If you show your kids that you care, they will work for you and give you all that they have just to please you.”
Melissa A. Martinez, Sherman Elementary School
First grade
Classroom superpower: Sharing love
“I make sure each of my students knows that I love them, care about them, and that there is a purpose for them in my classroom.”
Tracy W. Singleton, Fondren Elementary School
Third-grade reading
Classroom superpower: Connecting with students
“I relate to my students and let them know I have been where they are. I use my own life experiences to motivate them.”
Hillary Smith, DeAnda Elementary School
Fifth-grade reading
Classroom superpower: Keeping it simple
“All the great teachers I know focus on three simple things: their students, loving what they teach, and making a difference.”
Ciara Sutton-Rivers, Codwell Elementary School
Fifth-grade math
Classroom superpower: Fire-starter
“I have the ability to motivate kids and light that inner fire within to help them realize that they can do anything.”
Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists
Christina Carter-Woods, Pershing Middle School
Seventh-grade reading
Classroom superpower: Showing love
“This year I made it a point to love on all my students—that includes loving their strengths, their weaknesses, and their parents.”
Jennifer Lankau Chase, HSPVA
World geography and world history
Classroom superpower: Higher-order thinking
“I push my students toward high-order thinking by challenging them with tough questions every day—why, how, how come, because why?”
Morgan Dewitt, Long Academy
Tenth-grade English
Classroom superpower: Empowering students
“Through encouragement students can reach their full potential, so it is imperative that teachers support all their students each and every day.”
Valarie G. Moore, Gregory Lincoln Education Center
Eighth-grade English and reading
Classroom superpower: Love, kindness, and gratitude
“Love what you do every day, be kind to everyone you meet, and give thanks to every student for the effort they put in.”
Donald Parker, North Houston Early College High School
Ninth-grade biology
Superhero power in the classroom: Caring heart
“With a caring heart you can reach each and every student in your classroom, no matter what level they are at or challenges they face.”
Keavon Runnels, Austin High School
Band
Classroom superpower: Motivating through music
“I can play over 30 different instruments and write and compose music. But more importantly, I use music to motivate my students.”
Beginning Teacher of the Year Finalists
Morgan Greco, Herod Elementary School
Special Education
Superhero power: Power Catalyst
“I guide my students in finding their very own super powers, even when those around them may not see it. Once they find their strength it what makes them unique, I encourage them to be confident in what they bring to the table and let it shine proudly.”
Elisa Infante, Lamar High School
CTE Agriculture
Superhero power: Relationship Builder
“I get to know my students on a personal level and build relationships with them. This makes them more engaged in class and boosts their confidence.”
Kapreece Smith, Dowling Middle School
Eight-grade English
Superhero power: Super Hearing
“My students don’t use inappropriate language because they know I will catch them. They have built-up their vocabulary using new words to express anger or frustration.”