TEACHER OF THE MONTH/YEAR

Tyler ISD Announces 2013 Teachers of the Year
Tyler – Tyler ISD announced the 2013 Teachers of the Year at the annual Teacher of the Year Banquet held Tuesday, May 14 at Harvey Convention Center. The District honored Campus Teachers of the Year before naming Griffin Elementary School Science Lab Teacher Kimberly Whaley as Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Robert E. Lee High School Pre-AP Biology Teacher Elgin Johnson as Secondary Teacher of the Year.

To celebrate the dedication of Tyler ISD’s outstanding team of teachers, the theme of this year’s Teacher of the Year Banquet was “Legacy of Caring.”

With more than 14 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Whaley says her passion for teaching began at a very early age.

“Even as a child setting up a classroom in our garage where I taught my sister and her friend, or my stuffed animals when no one else would cooperate, I knew I would spend my life teaching others,” Mrs. Whaley said. “Supporting children and their families through their educational journey gives me great joy. I am driven by the needs of children and finding creative and engaging ways to help them reach their goals.”

Mr. Johnson has spent the past 14 years teaching at Robert E. Lee High School. He credits his family and faith for his success as an educator.

“I truly believe that I am a teacher because that is the way God wants to use me at this point in my life. I have had the good fortune to be around people my entire life that knew the value of education and learning,” Mr. Johnson said. “Education is not limited to within the walls of the schools, but extends to the entire community. The charge we have as educators is to create and cultivate meaningful relationships with not only students, but parents and the community.”

Twenty-nine teachers were named Campus Teachers of the Year. Criteria for selection of both the campus and District Teachers of the Year included, among other items: playing an active and useful role in their community, commitment to the teaching profession through continuous improvement, and lessons that creatively engage and inspire students to achieve high academic standards.

More than 500 guests attended the banquet, including Tyler ISD staff, administrators, teachers, sponsors and members of the community. The District winners will compete at the regional level this summer.

Tyler ISD – Melanie Thomas – Rice Elementary

Winona ISD – Jerry Whorton – Winona High School and Middle School Band

Troup ISD – Lori Burke – Troup Middle School

Lindale ISD – Kaela Deslatte – Lindale Early Childhood Center

Chapel Hill ISD – Jennifer Nichols – Kissam Intermediate School