Known as an “unsung hero” at Sam Houston Science, Math and Technology Center (SHSMTC), English teacher Margaret Licea was recognized as the Sterling McCall VIP Services Teacher of the Month for December on Tuesday.
“When Licea’s name is mentioned to anyone at the campus, it’s instantly met with a huge smile and enthusiasm,” Principal Alan Summers said. “It is without questions she is a campus favorite here and the award is well deserved. She is so committed to our faculty and students’ excellence that I was actually urged by our instructional specialists to submit her as a nominee this month.”
The second-generation teacher, who also works alongside her mother at SHSMTC, was so overcome with emotion during her surprise, it was hard for the classroom not to join in excitement to express their love for Licea.
“She’s more than a teacher to many of us and also serves a parental role,” one of Licea’s students said. “She never misses a football or basketball game and even pays for several students’ senior fees each year to ensure we are able to participate in all the senior activities.”
Licea’s other sacrifices include helping students complete make up work or meeting with former students to advise them on resumes and college papers during the early mornings, lunch and evenings.
“As a SHMTC alumni, I’m always pushed to help my students, especially because I see a lot of myself in each one of them,” Licea said. “They are the driving force of why I do what I do each day, and they continue to push me to give my absolute best.”
Just in time to spread a little holiday cheer, Licea will ride into the new year with a fully loaded 2019 Ford Edge SEL courtesy of Sterling McCall Ford.
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As part of the Teacher of the Month program, HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan will surprise a teacher along with a rep from Sterling McCall VIP Services. Each month, the teacher will be presented with an award, a gift basket of promotional items, a $150 gift card, and a luxury loaner vehicle.
Each of the seven HISD Area Superintendents will be responsible for selecting a teacher from their region to be honored from October 2018 to May 2019. Principals who would like to nominate a teacher on their campus should contact their school support officer or area superintendent directly.