Eleanor Malone

2014-2015 Tyler ISD Campus Teachers of the Year

Elementary Campuses

T. J. Austin Elementary School, Kristal Greinert – 5th Grade

Descartes said, “Cogito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), but I say, “Cogito ergo doceo” (I think, therefore I teach)! Teaching means thinking, and also thinking about thinking, but especially teaching my students to think more, think deeper, and most importantly, think for themselves.

Bell Elementary Global Communications Academy, Karen Antique – 5th Grade Bilingual

Being a teacher, to me, is looking at my students and seeing lifetime leaders and citizens. I strive to cultivate in them not only academic knowledge, but also character and decision-making skills. I may not always be the one who sees the fruits of what is planted in the classroom, but I pray their future educators and employers will be.

Birdwell Elementary School, Sonya Sukiennik – 3rd Grade

Being a teacher means building relationships with my students by showing them kindness and compassion. It means challenging them to think critically and creatively, while inspiring them to love learning. Being a teacher means showing my students I believe in them so they will in turn believe in themselves.

Bonner Elementary School, Jill Zavala – PPCD (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities)

Being a teacher means being part of a winning team that includes the students and their families; a team that shares the sole purpose of making each child successful. My students are my inspiration and their bravery and resilience in the face of great adversity makes me feel privileged and grateful that I chose to be a part of the noble teaching profession.

Caldwell Elementary Arts Academy, Nikki Aubuchon – 1st Grade

Being a teacher means that I get to shape the future. I cherish being able to share my love of learning with my students; having the opportunity to positively influence and challenge them, creating a brighter future for both them and our community.

Clarkston Elementary School, Rhonda Proffer – 3rd Grade

Teaching is sharing knowledge with others, whether a student or an adult, and watching that person grow in their knowledge. It is encouraging a love of learning and a problem solving way of thinking. Teaching is hoping that today I will make a difference in someone’s life.

Dixie Elementary School, Mario Moreno Rangel – 4th Grade

My greatest contributions and accomplishments in education are the successes I’ve achieved with my students. The true rewards come from their accomplishments.

Douglas Elementary School, Madai Gamez – 4th Grade

As a student in this district, there were several teachers throughout my life that ignited a passion for this profession. These admirable educators have helped to mold and shape me into what I have become today. With their support and encouragement, I discovered hidden talents and courage to conquer whatever the world would throw at me. Thank you, Ms. Criss and Mrs. Burleson – you made a difference in my life.

Griffin Elementary School, Eleanore Malone – 4th Grade

I was inspired to become a teacher because of Larnell Johnson. She was the type of teacher that would go out of her way to make sure that her students were successful in and out of the classroom. She was the type of teacher that showed her students how much she cared for them not only as students, but also as future leaders of tomorrow; not to mention she’s also my favorite aunt.

Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School, Amy Walker – 4th Grade

I aspire to teach; but mostly, I teach to inspire every child every day. Teachers get the wonderful opportunity to instill hope and shed a positive light on all facets of life and learning.

Jones Elementary MST Academy, Kre’Shenda Gipson – 1st Grade

Teaching means inspiring and motivating students to help them develop a passion for learning which will enable them to become lifelong learners. It is also being there for ALL students and giving them the skills they need to help them be successful.

A.W. Orr Elementary School, Debra Tompkins – 3rd Grade

Teaching is a great privilege and responsibility. Showing students that learning can be fun, challenging and rewarding is what I like most.

Owens Elementary School, Jennifer Reeves – 3rd Grade

Being a teacher means knowing how to encourage a child to be and do their best. Being a teacher means knowing the curriculum beyond the expected level so students have all the resources they need to do their best, regardless of their present ability or learning style.

W. A. Peete Elementary School, Hernan Castro – Kindergarten Bilingual

For me, being a teacher means to share knowledge to future generations so they can become self-determined citizens with critical thinking skills that will allow them to help build a better community to live in.

Ramey Elementary School, Brenda Evans – 4th Grade

Teaching is a divine calling, more so than a choice. I strive to inspire and motivate students beyond their potential; while enhancing their self-image. I realize it’s not about me but about each student that crosses my path.

Rice Elementary School, Tammani Frazier – Kindergarten

Teaching kindergarten means that I have the privilege of working with the most creative, enthusiastic and impressionable group of students each day. It means that the way they feel about school, their capabilities, and other classmates is largely in my hands. Teaching means that I have a responsibility to the children, parents and our community to make this first experience one worth remembering and repeating throughout their academic career.

Andy Woods Elementary School, LeAnn Hall – 3rd Grade

In my eyes teaching is not just working in a classroom with students, it’s making a difference in their lives and teaching them how to become great citizens. I chose to become a teacher so that I could help students understand, listen, and help them be the best that they can be in whatever venture they pursue in life.

Secondary Campuses

Wayne D. Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs, Diana Garen – 8th – 10th Grades Life Skills

Being a Life Skills teacher gives me the opportunity to impact my students’ daily lives in a meaningful way. I strive to make our classroom a positive environment where each child’s individual strengths and accomplishments are nurtured and celebrated. I love finding fun, interactive and meaningful ways to bring curriculum to life for my students.

Boulter Middle School, Jennifer Olivares – 6th Grade

The role of a dedicated teacher is crucial and complex. We are role models, a second parent, an analyst, a creative developer, counselor, motivational speaker, leader and advocate for hundreds of students on a daily basis to ensure their success. However, at its very core, it’s not my role that defines teaching for me; rather, it’s the daily laughter, patience, ever-evolving of my own knowledge, empathy for my students and a million highs and lows I experience with my students that define my role for me.

Dogan Middle School, Kimberly Benjamin – 8th Grade

Being a teacher is all about the daily sacrifices we make for the sake of our students by helping them individually and showing them unconditional support, motivation and encouragement. It is more than simply being a figure in front of the classroom. It means we must inspire the souls of our students and be positive role models they can look up to.

James S. Hogg Middle School, Matthew Bradley – 6th- 8th Grades

I show up to school every day because I get the opportunity to speak truth into my student’s lives. It is a chance to help them in becoming awesome young men and women.

Hubbard Middle School, Angelica Brown – 8th Grade

So many students seem to have a mental block when it comes to math; I know I did. Being a teacher means reaching students and making information accessible, useful, and even fun. I enjoy being able to spark an interest in a topic or actually see a student in that moment when they truly understand the concept.

Robert E. Lee High School, Amy Norris – 10th- 12th Grades

Every day, 140 parents send their children to school to spend 45 minutes with me. It is the most honorable profession to be a part of when parents put their trust in you to prepare their children to be ready for the world. Being a teacher means never underestimating the importance that teachers play in the lives of students and their families.

Moore MST Magnet School, Teresa Easterling – 7th Grade

My students and I do more than just have class together; we participate in a learning community. Teaching is a privilege and being a part of a child’s life is a huge deal. I’m here to make a difference!

Plyler Instructional Complex, Pamela Rader – 6th- 8th Grades

I feel excited and honored to spend my time with young people and I thoroughly enjoy helping them discover and master new skills and concepts. We are always learning from each other. I am proud of them not just when they are successful, but when they give their best effort. Their energy is contagious and I am convinced that my students help keep me young!

Stewart Middle School, Kimberly Simmons – 6th Grade

Being a teacher is more than just a job, it’s something that you must be passionate about. It requires hard work, dedication, compassion, and most of all love. Getting a chance to play an integral role in the lives of my students means the world to me. Becoming a teacher never crossed my mind growing up, but I strongly believe that God placed me where he needed me the most and I’m so thankful that He did. Looking back, having great teachers like my high school math teacher, Mr. Weaver, showed me how much teachers are able to influence their students. I am eternally grateful for these positive examples that ultimately helped shape me into the educator I am today.

John Tyler High School, Sharmecia Jackson – 9th – 12th Grades

Dr. Daphene Singleton, former Director of the Accelerated Alternative Teacher Certification Program at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas impressed upon me 10 years ago to enter into the field of education. Through her mentoring and encouragement, along with other key Jarvis personnel within the Education Department, these powerful elements have set me on a course to influence change by enabling me to mold, shape, and touch young lives for the past six years. I am truly grateful for this life changing opportunity to be a teacher!