Campus Secondary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Katie Wood-Sponsel

Katie Wood-Sponsel
Cornerstone Academy

8th Grade - Social Studies, Yearbook Advisor, Yoga and other student electives

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, San Diego State University, San Diego, Calif., 2002
Alternative Certification Program, Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston, Texas, 2003

Teaching History
Cornerstone Academy, 2003-Present

Total Years in Education - 12 Years

In her own words . . .

“I love being a Social Studies teacher and I love teaching at Cornerstone Academy. My number one goal is to make my class a place that kids look forward to because they know I care about them and their learning.”

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Campus Elementary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Maria Luna

Maria Luna
Spring Shadows Elementary

3rd Grade - Bilingual Math & Science

Education
The University of Texas at Brownsville, Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, 2010
University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas, Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, 2014

Teaching History
Spring Shadows Elementary, 3rd Grade Bilingual, 2012-Present

Total Years in Education - 3 Years

In her own words . . .

“My dream had always been to be a teacher. I loved going to school, and I had mostly positive experiences. The students are the ones that inspire me to teach. Every child has something to bring to the classroom, and it is exciting to walk in and see each individual personality put in a piece to make a whole. My goal as a teacher is to inspire my children, be a positive role model for them, and engage them in meaningful lessons that will later be applied in the real world.”

In the words of others . . .

“Mrs. Luna speaks softly but is a powerful force when it comes to her ‘passion’ – Spring Shadows Elementary and its children.  During the 2014-15 school year, she was instrumental in organizing and serving on the school’s PTA, started the Student Council, served on the Campus Improvement Team (CIT) and District Improvement Team (DIT) and completed her master’s degree. She speaks softly, but is a ‘passionate, powerful force’ at Spring Shadows.”
- Jerona Williams, Spring Shadows Elementary Principal

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Campus Elementary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Kala McKnight

Kala McKnight
Sherwood Elementary

3rd Grade

Education
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, La., Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, 1996
Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, La., Master of Arts  in Curriculum & Instruction and Reading Specialist, 2004

Teaching History
Sherwood Elementary and Spring Branch ISD, 8 Years

Total Years in Education - 17 Years

In her own words . . .

“What inspires me to teach is the reaction of a student when they finally ‘get’ it. The light in their eyes and the expression on their face is PRICELESS!!!”

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Campus Secondary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Jane Primrose

Jane Primrose
The Guthrie Center

9th-12th Grade, Agricultural Sciences

Education
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, 2001
Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences with Education focus, 2003
Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, Master of Education in Instructional Leadership, 2012

Teaching History
The Guthrie Center, Agricultural Sciences , 2012-Present

Total Years in Education - 12 Years

In her own words . . .

“I am motivated by the ‘ah-ha!’ moments that my students discover every day. Instead of reading about digestion, for example, they watch animals on different feeds respond to changes in their diets. Teaching Agricultural Sciences gives me a way to help students connect their core subjects and their lives in a tactile and meaningful way. I am also inspired when students return to reveal how the academic and social/life lessons that they learned in my classes assisted them in their subsequent lives whether just making positive, informed food choices or being successful in veterinary and/or medical school.”

In the words of others . . . 

“[I quickly realized] that Jane was the real deal. She expects the same high standards from her students that she demands of herself. She listens to her students, parents and coworkers and responds with empathy without accepting excuses. Jane approaches even the most difficult situation or person with professionalism, tact and a sense that nothing is insurmountable or irresolvable.”
- Joe Kolenda, Principal, The Guthrie Center

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Campus Secondary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Andrew Maddocks

Andrew Maddocks
Westchester Academy for International Studies
6th-12th Grade - Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre, International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre

Education
University of Houston-Downtown, Master of Arts in Teaching, 2013
University of Houston-Downtown, Bachelor of Arts in English, 2005

Teaching History
Westchester Academy (WAIS), Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre, International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre, 2012-Present
Westchester Academy (WAIS), Grades 6-12, Spanish; Grades 6-8, Dual Language, 2007-2012

Total Years in Education - 7 Years

In his own words . . .

“I’m a product of Spring Branch IDSD. I attended Housman Elementary, Landrum Middle and Northbrook High School. I had several wonderful and inspirational leaders who taught me to love learning. As I faced personal challenges and health scares, my teachers went above and beyond to let me know I was loved, that I was more than a face in a chair to them. They showed me that teaching does not start, nor end, in the classroom. If you’re passionate about what you do, people around you can feel that. They may never love the subject you teach, but they will never be able to deny that it left an impression. Education can change preconceived notions. Watching that passion ignite in the hearts and minds of my students, and seeing it change them, is what inspires me most.”

In the words of others . . .

“Andrew is the first teacher to tackle the difficult art of a Shakespearean play and produce it beautifully. He did not shy away from the complexities, but tackled them head on. He never doubted the kids’ potential and it showed in their performance. The confidence they possessed and still portray is a direct reflection of his efforts.”  
- Lindsey Faliero, Westchester Academy Choral and Musical Theatre Deparment Director and IB Music Teacher

“He was instrumental in putting lesson plans online and cheerfully solved various computer difficulties. He volunteered for several school committees and was deeply involved, not just showing up for meetings. His dedication to making students and the school “the best” is evident in any task he undertakes.”   
- Janet Smith, Westchester Academy Foreign Languages Department Chair

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Campus Secondary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Rachel Rose

Rachel Rose
Westchester Academy for International Studies
7th Grade - Language Arts/Social Studies

Education
Texas A&M University at College Station, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
Hallmark Institute of Photography, Turner Falls, Mass., Certificate

Teaching History
Westchester Academy (WAIS), 7th Grade Middle Years Program Year 2 Language Arts/Social Studies, 2013-Present
Burnet Middle School, Burnet Consolidated ISD, 2008-2011 and 2012-2013

Total Years in Education - 6 Years

In her own words . . .

“I love to teach because I want to make history relevant to today’s youth.”
“I give my students the opportunity to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. No one student is alike, and I believe that multitasking and flexibility are crucial in a classroom. It has often been said that middle school students have been ‘caught in the middle.’ Students in my class will feel ‘right in the middle.’”

In the words of others . . .

“Mrs. Rose works with children ages 10 to 14 with the complicated task of teaching them the important T-2-4 skills of reading and writing, which we all know are critical for post-secondary success. Mrs. Rose gives every kid her best and they love working with and for her in the classroom.”
- Jennifer Collier, Westchester Academy Director

“Mrs. Rose is more than just a teacher to these kids: She is a mentor, a confidant and a role model as well. She is not overbearing, meddling or boring. She is stern, adaptable, creative, fun loving and happy. And when kids see an adult who is happy in her job, they realize that they, too, can be happy in their own.”
- Denise Turner, Westchester Academy Parent

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Campus Secondary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Marcos Altamirano

Marcos Altamirano
Spring Woods Middle School

6th-8th Grade - Orchestra Teacher and Director

Education
University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Miss., Bachelor in Music Performance, 2003
Music Performance Studies at Victoriano Music School, Honduras

Teaching History
Spring Woods Middle School, Music/Orchestra, 2005-Present
Spring Woods Middle, Sumer Adelante Spanish Summer Program
National Music School, Honduras, Bass Teacher, 1994-95
Honduras Symphony Orchestra, Principal Bass player, 1993-97

Total Years in Education - 10 Years

In his own words . . .

“Music gives students the necessary tools and skills to collaborate in small and large groups, and this will help them in any field they choose later in life. Students in band or orchestra are more likely to succeed in other subjects because they do not want to miss any concert or musical contest. Music education can greatly contribute to student intellectual development.”

In the words of others . . .

“Teaching is Marcos’s passion! This easy-going, good humored, inquisitive, intelligent teacher continually seeks to broaden his professional horizon – and it appears so effortless with him. He challenges himself to improve his orchestra classes each year, broadens the programs that he participates in professionally, and is actively participating in professional orchestra concerts around Houston.”
- James Herrington, Spring Oaks Middle Lead Counselor

“He not only teaches, but empowers. His students learn music, but more importantly, they learn how to be musicians. They learn all the little things that will set them apart from others in the future. Characteristics like independence, hard work, dedication, focused practice, and grit.”
- Joseph Maurer, Spring Oaks Middle Math Department Chair

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Campus Secondary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Sheila Larang Whittle

Sheila Larang Whittle
Spring Oaks Middle School

8th Grade - English Language Arts

Education
Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J., Bachelor of Science in Education, Magna cum Laude, 2006

Certifications
English Language Arts (Grades 4-8), English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental, Special Education, English

Teaching History
Spring Oaks Middle School, 7th and 8th Grade English Language Arts, 2013-Present
Linwood Middle School, Linwood, N.J., Special Education Resource Language Arts and Other Subjects, 2006-2011

Total Years in Education - 7 Years

In her own words . . .

“This quote by Nelson Henderson encompasses what motivates me as a teacher: ‘The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.’ Helping students realize their potential, understand their worth, and suddenly ‘get it’ are the greatest rewards teaching has to offer. Every day, my goal is to nurture and grow these students into the people they are to become.”

In the words of others . . .

“Mrs. Whittle stands out by what she does and not by what she says. Never the one to draw attention to herself, but always the first one to volunteer to help out, go the extra mile for her students and her co-workers. Always the first person to smile, laugh and offer words of encouragement and support.”
- Paul Seuss, Spring Oaks Middle Principal

“Being a good teacher, as anyone who has been in the trenches knows, is so much more than classroom instruction. It’s about relationships – with students, with other teachers, with parents, with administration, with staff. Sheila knows this, and lives it out every single day.”
- Kelly Treleaven, Spring Oaks Middle English Language Arts

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Campus Elementary 2015 Teacher of the Year - Shannon Wall

Shannon Wall
Terrrace Elementary

1st Grade - English as a Second Language (ESL)

Education
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, 2007

Certifications
Generalist (Early Childhood to 4th Grade), English as a Second Language (ESL) (Early Childhood to 4th Grade)

Teaching History
Terrace Elementary, 1st and 3rd Grade ESL, 2007-Present

Total Years in Education - 8 Years

In her own words . . .

“Every student must feel that their teacher cares about them. It may be as simple as a smile, a nod of thanks and approval, a sticker or a pat on the head from a teacher that cares and understands. If the students know that they are cared for, then that student can be successful.”

In the words of others . . .

“Her students are consistently engaged and excited about learning due to her purposeful and thoughtful planning. You cannot help but smile when you walk into her classroom. She creates a joyous learning environment for her students and their happy attitudes are quite contagious.”
- April Falcon Blanco, Terrace Elementary Principal

“Her students adore her and the relationships she forms with them are unbreakable bonds. They hang on her every word during lessons and her former students stop her in the hall for hugs and love daily.”
- Mary Katherine Cox, Terrace Elementary Teacher

“One gift that Shannon has is that she can successfully teach primary and intermediate students. As a third-grade teacher, she achieved a 100 percent passing rate on the Reading TAKS. As a primary teacher, a high percentage of her students leave her classroom reading on or above grade level expectations.”
- Navaz Dickerson, Terrace Elementary Teacher and Parent

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Spring Branch ISD