Just in time for the holiday season, Superintendent Millard House in collaboration with HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive awarded Kassandra Rios from Marshall Elementary School as November’s Teacher of the Month, and Tinsley Elementary School’s Melinda Realina as December’s winner.

“This is about honoring some teachers that go above and beyond and do exactly what we want to see from our best and brightest at HISD,” House said.

Rios was surprised when House appeared on her computer screen to congratulate her, and HISD Community Partnerships and Group 1 Auto presented her with a prize pack. Rios, a fourth-year teacher, teaches fifth grade science to bilingual students. Rios was a finalist for the 2020 Elementary Science Teacher Award in her second year of teaching. Rios was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I truly did not expect this because I come into work every day and dedicate my work and my life to the students and their learning,” said Rios.

At Tinsley, House surprised 50-year veteran of teaching Realina, which proved to be interesting since when Realina started in the classroom was when House was born. Realina was also presented with a prize pack. She also serves as a mentor teacher who aligns the core curriculum to the International Baccalaureateframework. She is the campus leader of the technology driven “Geek Squad ” at Tinsley.

“It’s a passion for me to teach these children,” Realina said. “They keep me young.”