May Teacher of the Month
Superintendent Millard House II and HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive selected Diveanne Martinez from Edison Middle School as May’s Teacher of the Month.
Martinez began her career in education as a tutor. At the time, she wanted to go to medical school, but she quickly realized her passion for teaching and helping students.
“She got a taste of what it was to be able to work with students, and that became something that was addictive to her,” House told her Algebra class. “So, you guys changed the course of her life.”
Martinez has been with HISD for eight years, five of them at Edison Middle School. Her students and colleagues say she’s not only supportive—she makes math fun.
“It feels good to be recognized for what I do, and I really love what I do, and I enjoy coming to work here every single day and being with my students every single day,” said Martinez.
HISD and Group 1 Automotive will surprise one teacher per month for the 2022-2023 school year.
April Teacher of the Month
Superintendent Millard House II and HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive selected Katherine Trujillo from Franklin Elementary School as April’s Teacher of the Month.
“Mrs. Trujillo is the type of teacher to maintain a high level of excellence and energy in classes,” said House. “In addition, she is determined to make a strong connection with her students, even by learning Spanish to better communicate with her Spanish-speaking students and families.”
Trujillo began her teaching career nine years ago at Franklin Elementary School and currently teaches fifth-grade science. Dedicated to always finding unique ways to educate her students, Trujillo’s passion for teaching shines bright every day as she incorporates technology and interactive lessons to keep her students engaged and encouraged according to Principal L. Fernando Alarcón.
“We’re so excited that Mrs. Trujillo won this award,” said Alarcón. “She is full of passion, joy, positive energy, best practices, and she definitely deserves this award.”
Trujillo, who was full of surprise, was celebrated by her students and fellow staff members.
“I feel absolutely amazing, humbled and blessed,” said Trujillo. “I know there are so many teachers in HISD that are deserving of this title, so I am really humbled that I’ve been chosen for this. When I moved to Houston to teach, I wanted to teach in this neighborhood and have not wanted to leave this school since. I love my kids, I love their families, and I just enjoy spending time with them and seeing those light bulb moments pop up.”
HISD and Group 1 Automotive will surprise one teacher per month for the 2022-2023 school year.
March Teacher of the Month
Superintendent Millard House II and HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive selected Edgardo Jimenez from Benbrook Elementary School as March’s Teacher of the Month.
“Mr. Jimenez is the type of teacher that not only looks to educate his students but to motivate and inspire them as well,” said House.
Jimenez currently teaches fifth-grade math but has served as an educator in HISD for eight years teaching reading, math, writing, science, and social studies to fourth- and fifth-grade students.
Understanding that learning can present certain challenges for some students, Jimenez strives to create engaging lessons for all students to learn and grow.
“Mr. Jimenez is a unique individual that spends a lot of time focusing on how he can meet the needs of every single student in his classroom,” said Principal Dana Darden. “He’s always creating innovative ways to reach them and goes above and beyond to make sure every student in his classroom is successful.”
Overcome with tears of joy, Jimenez got to celebrate the honor with his students.
“I think Mr. Jimenez deserves this award, and I think he puts in the effort to make his kids happy and making sure that school is a good and fun learning experience,” said fifth-grader Alexis Recinos.
In addition to sharing some of his best instructional practices with fellow colleagues in campuswide professional development environments, Jimenez also serves as the fifth-grade chairperson at Benbrook Elementary School and as the National Elementary Honor Society Advisor and tutoring coordinator.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with this community,” said Jimenez. “I get a lot of support from our administration team and community. I’m humbled and appreciative for them being willing to work with me and supportive in my career.”
HISD and Group 1 Automotive will surprise one teacher per month for the 2022-2023 school year.
February Teacher of the Month
Superintendent Millard House II and HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive selected Jessica Dupas from Jones Futures Academy as February’s Teacher of the Month.
“Ms. Dupas is described as the type of teacher who helps her students push past the bad to find the good in things,” said House. She not only prioritizes what her students do in the classroom, but also develop who they are as individuals.”
Dupas has been with the district for 10 years and currently teaches biology. Her positive impact not only extends to her students, but fellow staff.
“Not only has she proven to be an exceptional leader at Jones Futures Academy, but I must also emphasize just how important she has been in my own growth as a campus leader,” said Principal Janet Orozco. “She has encouraged me through the journey, appreciating the instructional leadership qualities I possess.”
Dupas’ students describe her as a passionate teacher who brings light to any situation.
“There are millions of teachers, but none like her,” said ninth-grade student Esther Soba. “She brightens up the mood on gloomy days, and aside from being a good teacher, she listens when you need to speak and always finds a solution.”
After realizing she was being awarded, Dupas was celebrated by her students, colleagues, and her husband.
“I’m a little bit shocked but super appreciative,” said Dupas. “It’s nice for the hard work to be recognized.”
HISD and Group 1 Automotive will surprise one teacher per month for the 2022-2023 school year.
January Teacher of the Month
Superintendent Millard House II and HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive selected Cris Garner from Forest Brook Middle School as January’s Teacher of the Month.
“Cris has been an inspiration to several students throughout his short period of time in the profession,” said House. “We’re excited to be able to share to a bigger audience, who he is and what he provides in terms of support in the area of STEM for so many students.”
With only two years of professional experience under his belt, Garner has made a significant impact on students while serving as a seventh-grade math teacher.
“He teaches us great,” said seventh grader Layla Thomas. “He helps us with things we don’t know, and he gives us snacks when we do good and pass.”
Garner, who was full of surprise, received a gift basket and plant from community partners Group 1 Automotive and Sterling McCall.
After realizing he won, Garner was celebrated by students, fellow colleagues, and his principal.
“Cris is an amazing teacher,” said Principal Alicia Lewis. “He goes above and beyond for all of our super scholars.”
Garner said he is happy to be acknowledged for the work he does with his students and is inspired by their success.
“Everybody needs somebody, mostly kids,” said Garner. They need people to look up to and make sure that they’re going to be okay in their adult lives and when they leave school.”
HISD and Group 1 Automotive will surprise one teacher per month for the 2022-2023 school year.
December Teacher of the Month
Superintendent Millard House II and HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive selected Katherine Chien from Kelso Elementary School as December’s Teacher of the Month.
“We’re excited to be able to recognize Ms. Chien along with Group 1 Automotive Sterling McCall as our Teacher of the Month here in HISD,” said House. “She’s dedicated her life to ensuring that her scholars have exactly what they need to be successful.”
Chien, who teaches fourth grade math, has worked at Kelso Elementary School for 10 years.
She was full of surprise after realizing she won the award.
“This is awesome,” said Chien. “I would not be here if it weren’t for my kids!”
Principal Shanda Walker said she is so grateful to have Chien as an educator.
“Today we have the pleasure of celebrating one of the jewels of Kelso Elementary,” said Walker. “She drives all the way from Sugar Land, Texas to come and part wisdom and mathematical knowledge into our scholars every day.”
November Teacher of the Month
Superintendent Millard House II and HISD community partner Group 1 Automotive selected Alexandra Ledesma from Robinson Elementary School as November’s Teacher of the Month.
“We’re super pleased not only to have the support of Group 1 Automotive and Sterling McCall, but also to have the support of incredible educators like Ms. Ledesma,” said House. “She really touched my heart in learning that when it came to education, she wanted to be the support and best teacher that she ever had, and that kind of teacher is what she’s developed into.”
Ledesma, who teaches fourth grade math and science, said that she was filled with joy after learning she had been chosen.
“I’m very excited,” said Ledesma. “As a teacher, it’s really hard to feel like you’re doing enough, so when you have outside people that see it, it really does give you that little bit of reassurance that you must be doing something good.”
Principal Cherrelle McKinnies said that she has seen Ledesma grow as an educator from her first year up until now.
“She works with the kids to pull the best out of them every day and to push them to give their best efforts,” said McKinnies. “I’m so proud of her and really happy that she gets an opportunity to be Teacher of the Month.”
Ledesma’s students shared the excitement with their teacher as they cheered and smiled for her during the joyous occasion.
“I love her because she’s like the best teacher I’ve ever had,” said fourth grader Hugo Munoz.
HISD and Group 1 Automotive will surprise one teacher per month for the 2022-2023 school year.