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Distinguished Educators
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Each year, the district recognizes teachers who embody the spirit and commitment that produces a level of educational excellence and simply make others around them better each day because of who they are and what they do. Each campus selected someone that fits the description for this special honor. We are excited to recognize this group of professionals that we call Judson ISD Distinguished Educators and Novice Teachers of the Year.
2021-2022 Distinguished Educators
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Candlewood Elementary School
Sondra Guichard
Teacher
JISD employee since 1989I want for the students to realize their self-worth. They have value no matter what negative things are said about them and their community. I want them to rise above their circumstances and make their families, me and themselves proud.
Converse Elementary School
Brooke Bailey
RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 2016My favorite part of being a classroom teacher is building relationships with each of my students while encouraging, seeing and celebrating their academic growth.
Copperfield Elementary School
Jacqueline Wagner
Teacher
JISD employee since 2009My favorite part about being in the classroom is my students because I love watching them grow as the year progresses. When you see the lightbulb go off for them, it is the greatest feeling in the world.
Coronado Village Elementary School
Kaitlin Andersen
Teacher
JISD employee since 2014One thing that I would want my students to take away from my class is that everyday is a new day. Some days you might feel like everything is against you but you preserve and change the moment. You get the opportunity to start fresh every morning when you wake up.
Crestview Elementary School
Chantae King
Teacher
JISD employee since 2011I would like for my students to remember our classroom as one that was a positive learning environment (their safe place). I would also want them to leave my classroom knowing how much I loved and cared about them. I would want them to remember the saying "if you can dream it, you can achieve it".
Elolf STEAM Academy
Linda Hinds
Teacher
JISD employee since 2015One of my favorite parts of being in the classroom is building relationships with students and their families. I also love seeing the "AHA" moments when my students realize that they CAN LEARN!
Escondido Elementary School
Katrina Simmons
Library Media Specialist
JISD employee since 2003I think every new teacher should get to know their librarian! A first-year teacher hasn't built up an arsenal of resources, and doing so takes time and money that many first-year teachers don't have yet. Librarians have access to books and digital resources a first-year teacher might not be aware of. . Tapping into the expertise of your school librarian is a great way to help a new teacher be successful.
Franz Elementary School
Rebecca Casarez
Teacher
JISD employee since 2003I always want my students to know that no matter what, I am in their corner. If it is academic, the game they have on the weekend, or a spelling bee... I am there for them.
Hartman Elementary School
Rosa Guajardo-Geppert
Bilingual RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 1998My favorite part about being in the classroom is the constant interactions with students of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We get the opportunity to be part of their daily lives, struggles, and accomplishments. These experiences help me grow professionally, emotionally, and at the same time, create a bond with my students.
Hopkins Elementary School
Aimee' Tijerina-Lara
Special Education Teacher
JISD employee since 2006One thing I would like my students to take away from my class is self confidence in their ability as a learner.
Masters Elementary School
Jennifer Woodruff
Library Media Specialist
JISD employee since 2004As a librarian, the most important thing I want students to take away is a love for reading. And an understanding of how reading is foundational to academic success and pleasurable recreational activity.
Miller's Point Elementary School
Marilyn McKinney
Teacher
JISD employee since 1985I would like for my students to take away an enthusiasm for learning from being within my classroom. My favorite part about teaching is getting to work with the students.
Olympia Elementary School
Jessica Talley
Teacher
JISD employee since 2014I would advise 1st year teachers to ask questions and don't stay in your room. Collaborating with peers and mentors will be the a great way to grow profesionally and to continue thinking outside the box.
Park Village Elementary School
Kaley Andrews
Teacher
JISD employee since 2013My favorite part about being in the classroom is working with my kids and that every day is different. I like to lead by example with my students and be a facilitator for my their learning.
Paschall Elementary School
Bianca Rangel
Bilingual RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 2013One thing I want for my students to take away from my classroom is for them to know and realize they are capable of succeeding.
Rolling Meadows Elementary School
Kim Low
RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 2002I use an integrated style that fosters student engagement using various approaches to meet different learning styles. I believe in the gradual release model to promote independence and build student confidence.
Salinas Elementary School
Kristi Ann Villanueva
Teacher
JISD employee since 2007My favorite part about being in the classroom is the relationships I get to build with students and their families.
Spring Meadows Elementary School
Marta Castañeda
Teacher
JISD employee since 1994Sharing the day with my students is my favorite part of being in a classroom. There is nothing more than being a good listener to my students to help them be the best learner they can be.
Woodlake Elementary School
Rebecca Roberts
Teacher
JISD employee since 2008My style of teaching is collaborative, my students and I all help to contribute to and take responsibility in the learning in our classroom.
Wortham Oaks Elementary School
Nelly Marquez
Teacher
JISD employee since 2014Dear First-Year Teacher, Do what's best for your kids. Build the connections and earn their trust, which will produce so much more than just a score.
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JSTEM Academy
Jennifer Gilson
Teacher
JISD employee since 2014I love getting to know and connecting with my students. I absolutely love when they have accomplished something difficult and they have that sense of pride that they can't wait to share with you!
Judson Middle School
Isabel Canez
Teacher
JISD employee since 2000I believe my teaching style is that of a facilitator. I encourage students to become self-learners and continue to present new ways of learning while also building self-confidence in and outside the classroom.
Kirby Middle School
Aaron Orozco
Teacher & Coach
JISD employee since 2017I like to believe I am a blended teacher. I do lead direct teaches, but I also bring in independent and digital activities/projects to keep student engagement and interest high.
Kitty Hawk Middle School
Sarah Witte McDow
Teacher
JISD employee since 2011I want my students to know they are valued and important. They know they are in a classroom where the teacher cares about them and wants them to learn. I always tell my students that we are in a big family for 10 months and each and every person in the classroom has value. We help and support each other, and we show respect. This begins with me. I set the tone by my approach and my attitude. My students know I love them and believe they can learn.
Metzger Middle School
Felix Encarnacion
Teacher
JISD employee since 2014My favorite part about being in the classroom is working with students who are creative and inquisitive.
Woodlake Hills Middle School
Nicholas Rodriguez
Band Director
JISD employee since 2016I like to get to know my students as we set goals. The more I know them the better I can understand what style works best for them to retain the abilities and skills.
Judson CARE (JCARE)
William Magee
Teacher
JISD employee since 2007My favorite part about being in the classroom is student engagement. I want for my students to take away that they are lifetime learners with the power to impact their own lives and the lives of others.
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Judson Early College Academy (JECA)
Rene Sterling, PhD
Teacher
JISD employee since 2000I want my students to know that learning, being knowledgeable opens so many doors for them. Learning gives them the foundation for success and provides them with endless opportunities for their future. It will open up the opportunities to better scholarships, more universities, and diverse locations to settle down with a career of their choice. It will provide them with the ability to see solutions from different perspectives. It will give them the courage to overcome obstacles, rise to the occasion, and succeed because success is in the palm of every one of their hands. They simply need to realize their potential to reach it.
Judson High School
Lydia Bosquez
Teacher
JISD employee since 1977Interacting with my students, watching them learn, laughing with them, challenging them are a few of my favorite things about being in the classroom.
Judson Learning Academy
Gabriele Simpson
Teacher
JISD employee since 1996If my students would take away one thing from my class, I hope that they can be confident problem solvers, having the foundations that will be the gateway to bigger and better career goals. I would like for them to acquire the grit and determination to finish what they started and the confidence to know they are more than capable to cope with challenges that come along the way. I would like for them to recognize the benefits of treating others with respect and earning their respect in return. I would like for them to take away values that will serve them well for the rest of their lives, values like integrity, honesty and compassion just to name a few.
Veterans Memorial High School
Jeremiah Brunney
Band Director
JISD employee since 2010If I could give advice to a first year teacher, it would be the following: "If you feel like the sky is falling, find a way to breathe and overcome the obstacle. Things don't always go the way you think or want but there is a reason for that. Find a way to be a part of the conversation, learn, and be adaptable."
Wagner High School
Colin Orand
Teacher
JISD employee since 2019My teaching style is to put the students in collaborative groups and provide them avenues to rely on each other to develop conclusions. As hard as it is, I tend not to give definite answers. Instead, I redirect students through reciprocated questioning strategies to develop independent learners.
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2020-2021 Distinguished Educators
Elementary Schools
Candlewood Elementary School
Avari Jecmenek
Teacher
JISD employee since 2019"My favorite part about being in the classroom is just being with my students. They truly bring the biggest smile to my face. Not only do I enjoy being with them, but I enjoy learning with them as well. "
Converse Elementary School
Ariana Fittro
Teacher
JISD employee since 2018"One thing I would like for my students to take away from my class is that they have grit. I teach them that no matter the amount of money someone has it's their grit
that determines their success."
Copperfield Elementary School
Tracy Guerin
Kindergarten Teacher
JISD employee since 2005"I want my students to remember that I loved being with them and I loved teaching them. I want them to remember that it was never "just my job" to teach them. I hope they decide that learning is fun and carry that with them forever."
Coronado Village Elementary School
Shelly Ascolese
Music Teacher
JISD employee since 2009"My favorite part about being in the classroom is seeing when a student "gets it", especially if they have been struggling. I also love when a student goes further with a concept on their own. Seeing students produce and be proud of a product that they created is a great feeling."
Crestview Elementary School
Esmeralda Garza
GT K-5 Teacher
JISD employee since 2006"The advice I would give a 1st year teacher is to empathize with your students, create strong trusting relationships, and be patient with them."
Elolf Elementary School
Nicole Chavez
5th Grade Teacher
JISD employee since 2009"My teaching style is student-centered with collaborative groups becuase it allows the students to have authentic conversations."
Escondido Elementary School
Regina Davis-Miles
Teacher
JISD employee since 2019"The best thing about the class is building the relationship with each student. I get to hear their stories as I am getting to know them. The joy of a student that knows they are below other classmates saying ""thank you for believing I can do it"" is amazing."
Franz Elementary School
Sherlyn DeHoog
Music Teacher
JISD employee since 2008"My style of teaching is engaging and enthusiastic! Every lesson contains something that each child can engage in at their own level."
Hartman Elementary School
September Patterson
4th grade Teacher
JISD employee since 2009"Education is the most valuable posession you can acquire. It can never be taken from you. Knowledge is power, understanding is wisdom. With these you can change the world!"
Hopkins Elementary School
Claire St. Pierre
Library Media Specialist
JISD employee since 2015"I hope that each student leaves my class knowing that they are important, valuable, and cared for. I also hope that students take something that they have learned with them to use it in the future. I want students to pursue their passions and grow in empathy and compassion for each other and the world around them."
Masters Elementary School
Norma Hidalgo
Teacher
JISD employee since 2013"My style of teaching is student centered or cooperative learning. I believe in working in groups to accomplish a learning task. It promotes student accountability."
Miller's Point Elementary School
Bonnie Anderson
Music Teacher
JISD employee since 1995"I want my students to know that they can achieve whatever they want if they are motivated to work hard enough for it. The height and depth of their flight directly correlates to how much effort they are willing to put into pumping their wings."
Olympia Elementary School
Julia Bruner
Teacher
JISD employee since 2007"My favorite part about being in the classroom is the relationships that I get to make with my students. I am so thankful to work with my students all day and learn about them. I love getting to do read alouds on the carpet and watching the student's reactions to different parts of the book. I love when I get to work with a student on a concept and then they understand it."
Park Village Elementary School
Breana Kormanik
Kindergarten Teacher
JISD employee since 2016"Creating a bond with my students is the most rewarding thing about being in the classroom. The bond continues with my students even after they have moved on because of the trust that was built. Seeing them grow and build their self-esteem throughout the year in my room is astonishing!"
Paschall Elementary School
Brian Schuler
Apple K-5th Teacher
JISD employee since 2013"I would tell a 1st year teacher to be flexible and plan extra activities or topics in case the day doesnt go as planned."
Rolling Meadows Elementary School
Melissa Lozano
Teacher
JISD employee since 1999"My teaching style is The Hybrid Facilitator or blended activity model. I promote self-learning and help students develop critical thinking skills and retain knowledge that leads to self-actualization."
Salinas Elementary School
Bobbie Padilla
K-5 STEAM Teacher
JISD employee since 2013"I want my students to discover the joy of learning through making mistakes. I feel as though too often, mistakes are frowned upon, but I believe a wise person learns from his or her mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others."
Spring Meadows Elementary School
Yolanda Sanchez
1st grade Dual Teacher
JISD employee since 2015"The one thing I would like my students to take from my class, is to always wander, to always inquire, but with respect, to never forget their roots, their heritage, and their culture."
Woodlake Elementary School
Amanda Long
RTI Teacher
JISD employee since 2018"My style of teaching is dynamic, focused on the whole-child, and engaging."
Wortham Oaks Elementary School
Courtney Bonn
3rd grade Teacher
JISD employee since 2008"I want my students to leave my class knowing that when they work hard and always put their best effort on a task, they are capable of great achievement! Hard work pays off."
Middle Schools
JSTEM Academy
Angelena Watkins
Gateway to Technology (GTT) Teacher
JISD employee since 2017
Judson Middle School
Lauren Martinez
6th and 7th grade Math Teacher
JISD employee since 2018"I would like for my students to take away from my class to always keep trying! Even when it is hard, keep trying and never give up! "
Kirby Middle School
Shirley Daniel
7th grade Science Teacher
JISD employee since 2016
Kitty Hawk Middle School
Pedro Matamoros
Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish Teacher
JISD employee since 2014"My advice for a first year teacher is to put students first. Don't be afraid to ask for help and when things are going tough seek advice from people around you."
Metzger Middle School
Gerardo Bruno
6th and 7th grade Science Teacher
JISD employee since 2017"My favorite part of being in the classroom is teaching the leaders of tomorrow. I am a firm beleiver that our students won't learn an effective education without teachers building relationships with our students."
Woodlake Hills Middle School
Tabora Winston
Technology Applications and Principles of Business (CTE) Teacher
JISD employee since 2009"My style of teaching really focuses on creating culture. work hard to create a space where my students aren't afraid. They see me make mistakes- They see things not work the first time and they see me try again."
JCARE Academy
John Campos
Special Education Teacher Teacher
JISD employee since 2007"I want my students to know that they can 'be great' and that greatness comes from making lots of small, but good decisions. When good decisions become habit, greatness follows."
High Schools
Judson Early College Academy (JECA)
Jorge Aguilar
College Prep Teacher
JISD employee since 2011"My style of teaching is divergent, creative and novel. In order to keep students learning, teaching needs to be novel and engaging. The moment teaching becomes a script is the moment that learning loses its light."
Judson Learning Academy (JLA)
William Reeve
Social Studies Teacher
JISD employee since 2018"My teaching style is open and fluid. I try to bring history to the present and show that the past indeed does correlate to the present."
Judson High School
Mariya Ortiz
Librarian
JISD employee since 2018"I would tell 1st year teachers not to be afraid of failure. Failure is part of the learning cycle. The trick is to learn to fail forward."
Veterans Memorial High School
Robert Irvin
9th & 10th grade Integrated Physics & Chemisty Teacher
JISD employee since 2016"First year teachers wanting to make an immediate impact should develop relationships with their students. This will positively impact student learning."
Wagner High School
Anne Ream
10th grade Advanced Placement (AP) World History Teacher
JISD employee since 2004"My style of teaching is more hands on and interactive techniques. I love bringing history alive by engaging all my students with different types of learning styles whether it is using visuals and/or sensory strategies, having them create infographics that help them begin to develop student center DBQ’s, reenacting time era’s and/or events and the students own investigations through Scavenger Hunts that leads them to the desire to learn history."
