Posted 9:40 am Tuesday, May 08, 2012
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Tyler ISD's Top Teachers Honored Tonight
Thirty of Tyler ISD’s top teachers will be recognized during this year’s Teacher of the Year banquet.
The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today at the Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St.
The district will recognize the teacher of the year at each of its 30 campuses. In addition, the district will announce the elementary and secondary teachers of the year.
This year’s theme is “Tyler ISD’s Galaxy of Stars: Our Teachers Light the Way.”
Elementary Campuses
Austin Elementary School, Rhona Meads, Fourth Grade
To me, being a teacher allows me to share my passion for learning while instilling the love of learning in my students. A teacher is like a tour guide leading students through journeys in search of knowledge that never ends. I will always strive to help my students become the best learners they can be. My students, in turn, motivate me to be a better teacher.
Bell Elementary Global Communications Academy, Kelly England, Second Grade
I recently read a quote by Joseph Joubert that sums up my philosophy of teaching: “To teach is to learn twice.” I think of my classroom as not only a place of learning for my students, but for me as well. As a teacher I want to impart a love of learning within my students, for them to be in command of their learning and use learning as a means for success in the future.
Birdwell Elementary School, Thomas Matteucci, Physical Education
Being a Physical Education teacher is one of the most important jobs a person can have. Being the coach allows you to deal with hundreds of students each week, all ages and skill levels. As their PE teacher you see movement patterns mature, fitness levels increase and self-esteem rise as the students become successful in the gym. As a PE teacher you know the student’s academic success and future health are all being affected by what is being done in the gym every day.
Bonner Elementary School, George Brigman, Art
Teaching gives me an opportunity to inspire my students. I use art to show that learning is exciting, interesting and fun. As a part of the talented teaching team at Bonner Elementary, I get to work with my colleagues to maximize each student’s education.
Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs, Lawren Phillips, 12th Grade, Transition
My seven younger siblings who joined our family through foster care then adoption, greatly influenced my choice to enter the teaching profession. This desire grew as I embraced each placement with love and compassion, fueling the desire to help each succeed despite their special needs and educational differences.
Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy, Beth Lockhart, Kindergarten
Teachers have the ability to affect students for a lifetime. Not many jobs provide this unique opportunity to influence a life.
Clarkston Elementary School, Anna Dickey, Kindergarten-First Grade
My idea of the perfect teacher is one who inspires learning in addition to relating the required material. Enthusiasm, creativity, and motivation are required daily to be a great teacher. Certainly, that is a tall order for anyone to fill on a daily basis, but considering that children are our future, every effort is worth it!
Dixie Elementary School, Natasha Balfour, Fourth Grade
I teach because I love to learn. Learning along with children, discovering new things together, teaching each other and growing together is truly a gift. My joy comes from seeing students wanting to help each other learn. I love to see my students as teachers.
Douglas Elementary School, Camille Becton, Physical Education
Being a teacher means being an Encourager! I encourage my students to keep trying if at first they don’t succeed. My heart smiles as I see grins on faces that initially doubted their potential and left my class having accomplished the task!
Griffin Elementary School, Ashley Rayner, Kindergarten
Being a kindergarten teacher makes me feel like I am contributing to their future. I am inspired by their curiosity, honesty, and laughter. I am a learner, as well as a teacher. I hope to foster a love of learning.
Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School, Thurndotte Ray, Third Grade
As a teacher I have but one opportunity to impact the future. I choose to spend that opportunity cultivating and building our youth individually and collectively, one classroom and small group at a time.
Jones Elementary MST Academy, Sandra Ferris, Kindergarten-Fifth Grade
As a teacher, it is about modeling, mentoring, exploring, engaging, sharing, building (and so much more). Education is a celebration of how each and every teacher can change the world one student at a time! This is what I have attempted to do 180 days a year for the last 12 years in this wonderful and exciting adventure I call teaching.
Orr Elementary School, James Westwood, Fifth Grade
Being a teacher means many things to me. As a teacher I have the opportunity to help kids see the natural world in ways they otherwise might not. It also gives me the opportunity to affect the future of our country by enabling kids to think critically and make informed decisions about important issues concerning science.
Owens Elementary School, Mary Rouquette, Second Grade
Watching my mother teach and prepare teaching material, I became keenly aware of her style of teaching that encouraged her class to want to experience a love for learning. Through her teaching in class and at home, I became inspired to assume the role as a teacher by encouraging students to ask questions, read books, experience hands-on-learning, and make daily connections with their everyday learning choices.
Peete Elementary School, Wanda Wilson, Third Grade
Being a teacher means sharing the gift of knowledge, inspiring students to learn and discover. It is my goal to foster students’ critical thinking skills, facilitate the acquisition of lifelong learning skills, and prepare them to be competitive in today’s society. Loving kids unconditionally helps them realize they are not defined by their circumstances and to seek and seize opportunities, strategies, and solutions that will assist and encourage an inward transformation of their self-worth.
Ramey Elementary School, Brenda Evans, Fourth Grade
I believe each child must see themselves as a positive and special person that can move mountains and overcome any obstacle in their lives. My daily goal is to create an atmosphere where success is a must. It is my hope I can continue to inspire a thirst for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Rice Elementary School, Jennifer Thrasher, Music
I have had more than 70 public school teachers (K-12) impact my life during my school experience. They have taught me that I could be successful with hard work and dedication. I chose music education because of the unique opportunity to reach all students in a variety of ways. My hope is to pass on a lifelong love of music and to provide each student a successful experience in school.
St. Louis Early Childhood Center, Alicia Guajardo, Head Start
I am so grateful to be a teacher. I enjoy seeing my students learn and grow throughout the year and feel great pride in all of their achievements. I am very honored to be a part of their learning.
TARGET, Patricia Cooper, Fifth Grade
I love teaching! Being a teacher is a special calling. If I can help our children become lifelong learners and problem solvers, I will have accomplished a good thing for our future as a city and a country.
Andy Woods Elementary School, Becky Tillson, Second Grade
Teaching is not a job. Being a teacher means embracing an opportunity to facilitate, nurture, listen, inspire, enlighten, and love. Teaching is a privilege!
Secondary Campuses
Boulter Middle School, Christie O’Neal, Eighth Grade
My inspiration to become an educator was due in large part to an immense admiration for my mother, a teacher herself. She exhibited all of the qualities I wanted to see in myself – strength in spirit, patience, and a strong desire to help others succeed.
Dogan Middle School, Satoya Dodd, Eighth Grade
Teaching is having the opportunity to witness a myriad of achievements. It is the art of developing the underlying capacities within others in order to foster self-efficacy and discover individual success. The most rewarding of the profession is watching the “I can’t” convert to the “I did it.”
James S. Hogg Middle School, Leah Huffstetter, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades
Being a teacher is not just about teaching the content within the four walls of my classroom. It's about equipping each student with the knowledge to fulfill his/her life's dreams and goals.
Hubbard Middle School, Jacob Payne, Seventh Grade
In school, I had teachers and coaches who influenced me to become an educator. Coach Simmons showed me hard work does pay off in basketball and life. Mrs. Caldwell demonstrated that academic competition and debate can lead to lifelong success and confidence. I seek to influence students in the same way I was influenced by my teachers and leave a lasting impression.
Robert E. Lee High School, David Howard, Biology
I have been blessed with amazing people in my life that showed me the value of education. Education can be the key to open many doors in a person’s life and I consider it a privilege to play that role in the process.
Moore MST Magnet School, Christopher Rasure, Seventh and Eighth Grades
Teaching science means fostering a love of the natural world and a joy in discovering we can comprehend that world through the use of the scientific method. It's encouraging students to embrace the questions as well as the answers, and to understand sometimes the answer is "I don't know." "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer in science and in life, as long as you follow up with the word "yet."
PACE, Joshua Graves, History
Teaching is motivation, and good teaching in the classroom motivates students to teach themselves at home.
Plyler Instructional Complex, Pennie McKeller, English
My mantra as a teacher has always been to guide and provide. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the lives of many students as they battle the journey to mature emotionally, intellectually, socially, and physically. In teaching Pre AP and the more challenging students, I have realized that all students need a structured environment in which to learn. I know all kids are unique. I believe the elements that are conducive to producing this are allowing a child’s imagination to guide their natural instinct for learning and to promote respect for themselves and others.
Stewart Middle School, Mary McGough Skinner, Eighth Grade
Being a math teacher means convincing all students, regardless of gender, race, or socio-economic status, that they are good enough and smart enough to learn math. It is my duty to use every possible tool at my disposal to give each student the quality education they deserve to help them achieve their full potential and realize their dreams.
John Tyler High School, Laura Berns, Geometry
My role is to not only teach my students math, but teach them to have confidence in their abilities and become problem solvers for anything they encounter in life. It is my goal to help them believe they can be successful in whatever they choose to do.
The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today at the Harvey Convention Center, 2000 W. Front St.
The district will recognize the teacher of the year at each of its 30 campuses. In addition, the district will announce the elementary and secondary teachers of the year.
This year’s theme is “Tyler ISD’s Galaxy of Stars: Our Teachers Light the Way.”
Elementary Campuses
Austin Elementary School, Rhona Meads, Fourth Grade
To me, being a teacher allows me to share my passion for learning while instilling the love of learning in my students. A teacher is like a tour guide leading students through journeys in search of knowledge that never ends. I will always strive to help my students become the best learners they can be. My students, in turn, motivate me to be a better teacher.
Bell Elementary Global Communications Academy, Kelly England, Second Grade
I recently read a quote by Joseph Joubert that sums up my philosophy of teaching: “To teach is to learn twice.” I think of my classroom as not only a place of learning for my students, but for me as well. As a teacher I want to impart a love of learning within my students, for them to be in command of their learning and use learning as a means for success in the future.
Birdwell Elementary School, Thomas Matteucci, Physical Education
Being a Physical Education teacher is one of the most important jobs a person can have. Being the coach allows you to deal with hundreds of students each week, all ages and skill levels. As their PE teacher you see movement patterns mature, fitness levels increase and self-esteem rise as the students become successful in the gym. As a PE teacher you know the student’s academic success and future health are all being affected by what is being done in the gym every day.
Bonner Elementary School, George Brigman, Art
Teaching gives me an opportunity to inspire my students. I use art to show that learning is exciting, interesting and fun. As a part of the talented teaching team at Bonner Elementary, I get to work with my colleagues to maximize each student’s education.
Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs, Lawren Phillips, 12th Grade, Transition
My seven younger siblings who joined our family through foster care then adoption, greatly influenced my choice to enter the teaching profession. This desire grew as I embraced each placement with love and compassion, fueling the desire to help each succeed despite their special needs and educational differences.
Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy, Beth Lockhart, Kindergarten
Teachers have the ability to affect students for a lifetime. Not many jobs provide this unique opportunity to influence a life.
Clarkston Elementary School, Anna Dickey, Kindergarten-First Grade
My idea of the perfect teacher is one who inspires learning in addition to relating the required material. Enthusiasm, creativity, and motivation are required daily to be a great teacher. Certainly, that is a tall order for anyone to fill on a daily basis, but considering that children are our future, every effort is worth it!
Dixie Elementary School, Natasha Balfour, Fourth Grade
I teach because I love to learn. Learning along with children, discovering new things together, teaching each other and growing together is truly a gift. My joy comes from seeing students wanting to help each other learn. I love to see my students as teachers.
Douglas Elementary School, Camille Becton, Physical Education
Being a teacher means being an Encourager! I encourage my students to keep trying if at first they don’t succeed. My heart smiles as I see grins on faces that initially doubted their potential and left my class having accomplished the task!
Griffin Elementary School, Ashley Rayner, Kindergarten
Being a kindergarten teacher makes me feel like I am contributing to their future. I am inspired by their curiosity, honesty, and laughter. I am a learner, as well as a teacher. I hope to foster a love of learning.
Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School, Thurndotte Ray, Third Grade
As a teacher I have but one opportunity to impact the future. I choose to spend that opportunity cultivating and building our youth individually and collectively, one classroom and small group at a time.
Jones Elementary MST Academy, Sandra Ferris, Kindergarten-Fifth Grade
As a teacher, it is about modeling, mentoring, exploring, engaging, sharing, building (and so much more). Education is a celebration of how each and every teacher can change the world one student at a time! This is what I have attempted to do 180 days a year for the last 12 years in this wonderful and exciting adventure I call teaching.
Orr Elementary School, James Westwood, Fifth Grade
Being a teacher means many things to me. As a teacher I have the opportunity to help kids see the natural world in ways they otherwise might not. It also gives me the opportunity to affect the future of our country by enabling kids to think critically and make informed decisions about important issues concerning science.
Owens Elementary School, Mary Rouquette, Second Grade
Watching my mother teach and prepare teaching material, I became keenly aware of her style of teaching that encouraged her class to want to experience a love for learning. Through her teaching in class and at home, I became inspired to assume the role as a teacher by encouraging students to ask questions, read books, experience hands-on-learning, and make daily connections with their everyday learning choices.
Peete Elementary School, Wanda Wilson, Third Grade
Being a teacher means sharing the gift of knowledge, inspiring students to learn and discover. It is my goal to foster students’ critical thinking skills, facilitate the acquisition of lifelong learning skills, and prepare them to be competitive in today’s society. Loving kids unconditionally helps them realize they are not defined by their circumstances and to seek and seize opportunities, strategies, and solutions that will assist and encourage an inward transformation of their self-worth.
Ramey Elementary School, Brenda Evans, Fourth Grade
I believe each child must see themselves as a positive and special person that can move mountains and overcome any obstacle in their lives. My daily goal is to create an atmosphere where success is a must. It is my hope I can continue to inspire a thirst for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Rice Elementary School, Jennifer Thrasher, Music
I have had more than 70 public school teachers (K-12) impact my life during my school experience. They have taught me that I could be successful with hard work and dedication. I chose music education because of the unique opportunity to reach all students in a variety of ways. My hope is to pass on a lifelong love of music and to provide each student a successful experience in school.
St. Louis Early Childhood Center, Alicia Guajardo, Head Start
I am so grateful to be a teacher. I enjoy seeing my students learn and grow throughout the year and feel great pride in all of their achievements. I am very honored to be a part of their learning.
TARGET, Patricia Cooper, Fifth Grade
I love teaching! Being a teacher is a special calling. If I can help our children become lifelong learners and problem solvers, I will have accomplished a good thing for our future as a city and a country.
Andy Woods Elementary School, Becky Tillson, Second Grade
Teaching is not a job. Being a teacher means embracing an opportunity to facilitate, nurture, listen, inspire, enlighten, and love. Teaching is a privilege!
Secondary Campuses
Boulter Middle School, Christie O’Neal, Eighth Grade
My inspiration to become an educator was due in large part to an immense admiration for my mother, a teacher herself. She exhibited all of the qualities I wanted to see in myself – strength in spirit, patience, and a strong desire to help others succeed.
Dogan Middle School, Satoya Dodd, Eighth Grade
Teaching is having the opportunity to witness a myriad of achievements. It is the art of developing the underlying capacities within others in order to foster self-efficacy and discover individual success. The most rewarding of the profession is watching the “I can’t” convert to the “I did it.”
James S. Hogg Middle School, Leah Huffstetter, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades
Being a teacher is not just about teaching the content within the four walls of my classroom. It's about equipping each student with the knowledge to fulfill his/her life's dreams and goals.
Hubbard Middle School, Jacob Payne, Seventh Grade
In school, I had teachers and coaches who influenced me to become an educator. Coach Simmons showed me hard work does pay off in basketball and life. Mrs. Caldwell demonstrated that academic competition and debate can lead to lifelong success and confidence. I seek to influence students in the same way I was influenced by my teachers and leave a lasting impression.
Robert E. Lee High School, David Howard, Biology
I have been blessed with amazing people in my life that showed me the value of education. Education can be the key to open many doors in a person’s life and I consider it a privilege to play that role in the process.
Moore MST Magnet School, Christopher Rasure, Seventh and Eighth Grades
Teaching science means fostering a love of the natural world and a joy in discovering we can comprehend that world through the use of the scientific method. It's encouraging students to embrace the questions as well as the answers, and to understand sometimes the answer is "I don't know." "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer in science and in life, as long as you follow up with the word "yet."
PACE, Joshua Graves, History
Teaching is motivation, and good teaching in the classroom motivates students to teach themselves at home.
Plyler Instructional Complex, Pennie McKeller, English
My mantra as a teacher has always been to guide and provide. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the lives of many students as they battle the journey to mature emotionally, intellectually, socially, and physically. In teaching Pre AP and the more challenging students, I have realized that all students need a structured environment in which to learn. I know all kids are unique. I believe the elements that are conducive to producing this are allowing a child’s imagination to guide their natural instinct for learning and to promote respect for themselves and others.
Stewart Middle School, Mary McGough Skinner, Eighth Grade
Being a math teacher means convincing all students, regardless of gender, race, or socio-economic status, that they are good enough and smart enough to learn math. It is my duty to use every possible tool at my disposal to give each student the quality education they deserve to help them achieve their full potential and realize their dreams.
John Tyler High School, Laura Berns, Geometry
My role is to not only teach my students math, but teach them to have confidence in their abilities and become problem solvers for anything they encounter in life. It is my goal to help them believe they can be successful in whatever they choose to do.
