Love was in the air on Wednesday when Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan surprised fifth-grade math teacher Gerardo Chapa at Browning Elementary School as the Sterling McCall VIP Services Teacher of the Month for February.  

“Mr. Chapa is very deserving of today’s recognition,” Principal Evangeline Campos said. “He routinely utilizes data to drive his instructional decisions and provides numerous opportunities for his students to engage in hands-on activities, which they absolutely enjoy.” 

A favorite among students, Chapa recently transitioned from third grade to fifth grade, giving students another chance to enjoy his lessons, while also helping the campus launch its first-ever after-school program. 

“Chapa has worked diligently to ensure the program’s success by demonstrating his dedication and commitment to serving the campus’ students and acts as a sponsor for after-school and weekend activities,” Campos said.  

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Chapa will enjoy a fully loaded 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, courtesy of Sterling McCall Hyundai.  

“As a proud product of HISD, it feels good to be recognized in the same district that helped shape me into the student and teacher that I am today,” Chapa said. 

As part of the Teacher of the Month program, HISD Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and district leaders 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 2019 to May 2020. Principals who would like to nominate a teacher on their campus should contact their school support officer or area superintendent directly.