The first HISD Office of Talent Teacher Appreciation Award was awarded to Elmore Elementary School’s Monica Shelvin on Friday.

Shelvin, a 25-year veteran teacher, has been with HISD for 21-years. The first-grade teacher was very surprised by what she described as a “welcome, welcome welcome reward” after what hasn’t been the easiest couple of years to be an educator.

Get to know more about Shelvin below:

Q: What was your favorite subject in school?

A: My favorite subject was math. I liked the basics of math because I’m an analytical person.

Q: What was the last book you read?

A: The last book I read was Tabitha Brown “Feeding My Soul (Because That’s My Business)” it’s an inspirational book.

Q: Favorite color?

A: Blue. Contrary to what everyone thinks, it is not pink and green, but blue.

Q: What has been your favorite moment as a teacher?

A:Probably when I first started teaching, my first teaching family, we bonded, and that bond has continued to last for the past 20-plus years. When I first started teaching it was different 20-something years ago, and they took me under their wings and guided me. That has been my favorite moment because they’ve guided me through, and despite whatever is going on if you stick to your guns, you can be successful in the classroom or whatever you are doing.

Q: Favorite food?

A: It would probably be chicken wings. My husband calls me “chicken hawk” because I never turn them down.