For the 2022 TOY showcase, we asked campus winners, “What does it mean to be a leader in the classroom?”
NOTE: The District and Texas TOY program awards teachers until the next school year. Therefore, they are awarded and named TOY for the next year and not the current year.
Middle School Teachers of the Year
Leaucreshia Hall, Sixth Grade Special Education
C.D. Fulkes Middle School
Being an educator in the classroom means that I can enhance the students’ love for learning and show them that knowledge is power. If they work hard, they can achieve anything. Being a leader in the classroom allows me to be a positive model for my students while being their biggest cheerleader. I can celebrate the success with the students and be there to help and guide them when they need it.
Jessica Harper, Seventh Grade ELA
Canyon Vista Middle School
Third grade was when I announced to my parents: “I want to be a teacher when I grow up,” and I never considered any other profession. I have been fortunate to have many wonderful teachers throughout my life. I will never forget how much my third-grade teacher made me feel smart and loved. I am forever indebted to my sixth-grade teacher, who taught me the value of hard work. I became the person I am today because of my high school leadership teacher, who pushed me to take risks. The combination of these experiences makes me the teacher I am today. When students enter my classroom, I want them to know that they are cared for and that I will push and challenge them. As an educator, I do my best to lead by example. I feel responsible for cultivating an environment where students take ownership of their learning and strive to do their best.
Chen Li, Seventh Grade Math
Cedar Valley Middle School
Being a leader in the classroom means I need to support and assist the students with their math learning in any possible way, from designing effective but easy-to-understand lessons to providing immediate and detailed feedback for the daily assignments. It means I need to be a good observer and a good listener. Every student is unique and has different learning styles and different needs. But not every student will tell you about their learning styles or their needs. As an educator, I need to be proactive and thoughtful, finding ways to accommodate students’ possible different needs. No students should be neglected whether they vocalize for themselves or not. It also means I need to reflect and improve. What is working? What is not working? Keep what is working and change what is not working—seeking help from other educators as needed. Knowing when to ask for help is a life skill. It certainly applies to me.
Sarah Bilski, Seventh Grade ELA
Chisholm Trail Middle School
Being an educator and leader in the classroom to me means helping students understand what is going on around them and being able to have their own observations and opinions.
Karen Searles, Instructional Technology Specialist
Deerpark Middle School
Being an educator means having a say in what the future holds. It means molding the thinkers and tinkerers. It means teaching those who will lead, will create change, and discover well beyond your means.
Blanca Badillo, Spanish
Grisham Middle School
As a teacher, I am always learning through teaching and teaching through trial and correction, especially as I involve students in the feedback and collaboration aspect of the class. This is the difference between just teaching and leading students in the classroom and modeling universal values and life skills that they will benefit from for the rest of their lives; it means teaching students about the world through the lens of the content area, especially teaching them to validate themselves, take responsibility for their actions, understand their learning style better, and accept that they can always choose to be better and live a better life. Moreover, leading in teaching means I am taking my experience and skills and offering workshops for my colleagues or presenting at conferences to transform the landscape of world languages teaching.
Kelly Perch, Sixth Grade Science
Hernandez Middle School
Since I was young, I wanted to be a teacher. I wasn’t the best student in the class, but I loved school and always tried my hardest. It wasn’t until I became a college student and I was tested and diagnosed with dyslexia that I understood why I was a different learner from all the other kids. At that point, I was determined to become the teacher I never had, which was the teacher who would support all forms of learners and embrace the usual learning styles with compassion and understanding. I would lead by example. I was dyslexic and proud. Yes, I struggled, but I graduated from college with an understanding that all students can learn no matter their “gift.” Every child has a gift, and we have to find out what it is. That is what teaching means to me.
Robin Vasser LeSane, Seventh Grade History
Hopewell Middle School
Being an educator and leader in the classroom means developing a relationship with the students, starting day one. It means leading by example, which means showing empathy, kindness, and grace. Finally, it means inspiring my students’ success in and out of the classroom.
Holly Pazos, Sixth Grade ELA
Pearson Ranch Middle School
Being an educator and leader means I stand shoulder to shoulder with the learners and share a vision of what can be or how to make the past better. It means exploring facts and leading to profound questions that instill marvel and astonishment. Being an educator means assisting learners in their journey through the joys and frustrations of trying out something new. I am there to support, encourage and lend a guiding hand to what can be at times the “painful” experience of learning deeply.
Robin Young, Instructional Technology Specialist
Ridgeview Middle School
I want to model being a lifelong learner who takes risks and tries new things, and empowers others to keep learning and growing in their practice.
Victoria Sanders, Seventh Grade ELA
Walsh Middle School
Coming second to a child’s parents, a teacher is the most important adult in their life. I want my students to know that the minute I see their names on my roster, I already love them. I strive to be the teacher who leads by example, who shows up every day with their happiness and success first on my to-do list, and gives them unconditional love and support, no matter their circumstance. My students will never get anything less than my best, and I will always be their loyal confidant, their biggest cheerleader, their ultimate champion.
High School Teachers of the Year
Kelly Foster, Architecture and Engineering
Cedar Ridge High School
In a typical class period during an average school year, I spend much of my time running from student to student or group to group as they develop their design work. Visitors to my classroom say it feels like a collaborative office environment where everyone works towards a deadline. I try to lead my students through career-based work the way a good boss would empower his or her employees. It’s a way of leading that centers on the ones being led and giving them the guidance, encouragement, and challenges they need to grow.
Jaynelle Nowell, Biology
Early College High School
Being a leader in the classroom means being willing to grow and change to improve and support my coworkers and students continually. I want to support my students emotionally and academically, and being ready to grow and change is the primary way I do that. Being a leader also means that you are willing to mentor and assist students and co-workers when they need extra support.
Ryan Arnold, Automotive Tech
McNeil High School
Being an educator and leader in the classroom means always keeping the student’s education as the goal. Keeping that as the top priority will always keep you focused on the right things. All connections and experiences are focused on helping further the real-world knowledge in career and technical education classrooms.
Photo taken prior to 2020-2021 school year
Susana Fletcher, English
Round Rock High School
Education, at its purest, is meant to empower students to think critically about the world and communicate their ideas effectively. I’ve realized that my students naturally bring ideas into the classroom, and, as an educator, I can allow these ideas to inform the curriculum. This co-facilitator model requires me to practice vulnerability, uplift student voices and experiences, and make room for meaningful and challenging conversations.
Zachary Foust, Macroeconomics and Geography
Stony Point High School
As an educator, I want to make sure that every student has the opportunity to express genuine curiosity. This means allowing students the freedom to share their thoughts and beliefs while redirecting students who occasionally disrupt or deride their peers. When I can make every student feel like they have a vested interest in the success of their classmates, I will meet my personal goal.
Joanne Passwaters, Special Education
Success High School
Being an educator and leader in the classroom means that I share my passion for learning with both my students and my peers. I am thankful to work with such fabulous students and peers every day. I am also humbled that my peers and students come to me for advice and guidance. Building relationships with my students and collaborating with my peers means the world to me.
Amy Leftwich, Special Education
Westwood High School
Being an educator and leader in the classroom means never giving up on students, treating every day as a new opportunity for learning, and striving to bring out the best in myself and my students.
Alternative Education Teachers of the Year
Amy York, Special Education
GOALS Learning Center
It means being there, no matter what.
Archie Johnson, High School Social Skills
Round Rock Opportunity Center
Being an educator and leader in the classroom means being in-tuned to what my students need and addressing those needs to help them to succeed in class and life.
