Celebrating Excellence in Education

Claudia Castillo

Northbrook High School

Grade 9, World Geography, Pre-Advanced Placement World Geography

Education

Houston Baptist University, Bachelor of Arts, Composite Social Studies, 2010

Teaching History

Northbrook High School, Spring Branch ISD, 2010-Present

Four years total of teaching experience

In her own words…

“My most significant contribution in education has been building positive and motivating relationships with and between each of my students. . . . I want each of my students to feel individually recognized by me and by their peers whether they are introverts or extroverts, high achievers or low achievers, rule-followers or rule- breakers.”

In the words of others…

“Claudia Castillo is an excellent example of what the Spring Branch Teacher of the Year should be. She is extremely strong and effective in the classroom, a leader in the curriculum area, and a kind and compassionate person who you want around kids.”

–Nancy C. Jackson, Northbrook High Social Studies Dept. Chair

“For two years, Claudia and I taught together in the Childress Foundation Academy. Her students would become my students. It was easy to tell what a great job she was doing in the classroom by how prepared her students were when they got to me. The creative ideas that she put into her lessons and her hard work made it possible for her students to be successful.”

– Donald W. Miller, Retired Northbrook High school teacher and Childress Foundation Academy leader

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Northbrook High School Teacher of the Year, Spring Branch ISD, 2013-2014

World Geography Team Leader, Northbrook High School, SBISD, 2013-2014

Word Geography District Curriculum Writing and reorganization, 2012-2013

New Teacher Mentor, Northbrook High School, SBISD, 2012-2013

Nicole Harris

Academy of Choice

Grades 9-12, World Geography, Government, Economics, Psychology, Sociology

Education

Wayland Baptist University at San Antonio, Master’s of Education, Educational Leadership, 2007

Texas Lutheran University (Seguin, Texas), Bachelor of Arts, Secondary Education, 2003

Teaching History

Academy of Choice High School, Spring Branch ISD, 2011-Present

J. Frank Dobie Junior High, Schertz Cibolo University ISD, 2003-2011

11 years total of teaching experience

In her own words…

“Giving of love, knowledge, or passion does not draw from your stock, but plants a seed to help others cultivate their own. Students blossom with independence and are able to attribute their successes and learning back to themselves.”

In the words of others…

“Ms. Harris is a tremendous asset to our team at the Academy of Choice. Nicole maintains a high degree of flexibility and understanding as a professional educator. These standards, among many others that Nicole possesses are crucial to the nontraditional goals set forth in the mission we have here at the Academy of Choice.” –Michele Hilberth, Ed.D. , Academy of Choice Principal

“Nicole is beloved by her students because she offers an alternative to the typical; her class is project based, and students engage in verbal presentations, visual art based projects, creative writing, and discussions to display their knowledge of content.” –Anita Wadhwa, Ed.D. , Academy of Choice Instructor

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Academy of Choice Teacher of the Year, Spring Branch ISD, 2013-2014

Outstanding Student Teacher Award, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8456, Navaroo ISD

Abigayla Flores

Landrum Middle School

Grades 6-8, Spanish Language; Spanish Pre-Advanced Placement

Education

University of St. Thomas (Houston, Texas), Bachelor of Arts, 2011

Teaching History

Landrum Middle School, 2011-Present

Three years total of teaching experience

In her own words…

“If one were to step into my classroom, they would see students working on projects that allowed them to creatively use their strengths. I am a firm believer in project-based learning that brings together all types of intelligence. My students are always given the opportunity to succeed through their strengths.”

In the words of others…

“Mrs. Flores truly cares and works with students in her classroom, but also feels the urgency to impact every student on this campus. She makes a daily commitment to show students how to build on their strengths and potential for the future. . . . She dedicates her life to making an impact daily on the lives of students.”

– Patricia Thomas, Landrum Middle Interim Principal

“Abigayl’s greatest strengths are her flexibility, creativity and the ability to adapt to change within her subject matter as it pertains to presenting it to her students. Her passion for teaching, open-mindedness and placing students’ needs first makes her a great candidate for this great honor in SBISD.”

– Brenda De La Rosa, Landrum Middle School Assistant Principal

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Landrum Middle School Teacher of the Year, Spring Branch ISD, 2013-2014

PTA School Bell Award Nominee, February 2014

Houston Rockets Teacher Appreciation Night Honoree, February 2014

Teacher of the Month, Landrum Middle School, December 2012

Naomi Ford

Hunters Creek Elementary School

Grade 3/ ESL

Education

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Certified Church Educator, 2006-2008

Austin College (Sherman, Texas), Master of Arts in Teaching, 2003

Austin College (Sherman, Texas), Bachelor of Fine Arts/Psychology, 2002

Teaching History

Hunters Creek Elementary, Spring Branch ISD, 2008-Present

St. Philip Presbyterian Church (Hurst, Texas), 2005-2008

McKamy Elementary, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, 2003-2005

Nine years total of teaching experience

In her own words . . .

“My contribution is my heart. I’ve been in different schools and worked with students at each extreme. No matter rich, poor, dyslexic, gifted, English-language learner, boy or girl, I hope that the time I invest in them has made a difference to them. I hope that they know that I continue to believe in them and they are loved.”

In the words of others . . .

“Omi has extremely high expectations for herself and her students. She helps each student reach his or her full potential. She is able to keep each student challenged, and right on the cutting edge of learning, without causing the child to be stressed. Her bright students are challenged and motivated to learn. Her struggling learners are challenged and motivated as well. She’s able to provide each student with just the right amount of support to “be the best” that he or she can be.”

– Robye Snyder, Hunters Creek Elementary Principal

“Mrs. Ford embraces SBISD’s T-2-4 initiative by ensuring that all students reach their full potential by providing the needed support to develop a solid foundation on which to build. She sets high expectations for students and expects only the very best from them.”

– Belinda Henry, Hunters Creek Elementary Assistant Principal

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Hunters Creel Elementary Teacher of the Year, Spring Branch ISD, 2013-2014

West Houston Area Council of Teachers of English, member, 2013-Present

Grade 3 Team Leader, 2012-2013

Campus Improvement Team (CIT), Member, 2010-2011

Delfino Guillen

Buffalo Creek Elementary School

Kindergarten Bilingual/Former Grade 3 Bilingual

Education

Lamar University (Beaumont, Texas), Doctoral Degree (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership

University of Houston-Downtown, Master’s Degree in Teaching, 2007

University of Houston, Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies-Bilingual Education, 2004

North Harris Community College, Associate of Arts, May 2000

Teaching History

Buffalo Creek Elementary, Spring Branch ISD, 2009-Present

Parent Institute of Quality Education (PIQE) 2011-2012

Treasure Forest, Spring Branch ISD, 2004-2009

10 years total of teaching experience

In his own words . . .

“From a young age, I knew that my career would be in helping people. That desire, in combination with my father’s example of having hard work ethics, led me to feel the need to take advantage of every educational opportunity so that I may better serve.”

In the words of others . . .

“He is the most loved teacher on our campus. When he walks the hallways, students from kinder through fifth grade run to him to give him hugs. This is a reflection of how amazing Delfino is. He selflessly gives all that he has to the students at our school, the parents, and our community. We are all better because of him.”

– Fourth-grade Bilingual Teacher Sandra Ramirez

“Mr. Guillen has a great love for his students and for making sure he meets each child’s needs. He embodies the true spirit of campus and district Teacher of the Year.”

– Buffalo Creek Elementary Principal David Rodriguez

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Buffalo Creek Elementary Teacher of the Year, Spring Branch ISD, 2013-2014

Farkhunda Yasmin Azeem

Spring Oaks Middle School

Grade 6, Science

Education

Bombay University (Bombay, India) Master of Science in Textile Chemistry, 1991

Bombay University (Bombay, India) Associate Degree, Business Management, 1990

Bombay University (Bombay, India) Bachelor of Science in Sciences, 1989

Teaching History

Spring Oaks Middle School, Spring Branch ISD, 2004-2014

Iman Academy (Houston, Texas), 2003-2004

11 years total of teaching experience

In her own words…

“I believe that teaching students to learn, think and reflect on their learning and thinking are the keys to producing lifelong learners who will be ready to meet the challenges of 21^st century careers. Students need to have authentic, personally meaningful experiences to help them learn to use technology effectively, solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, communicate clearly, and live ethically.”

In the words of others…

“Mrs. Azeem is that one in a million teacher who has all the tools, abilities, and, of course, the desire to be successful and help kids.”

–Paul Suess, Spring Oaks Middle School Principal

“Ms. Azeem was from Day One and incredibly gifted teacher. Her smile and her ease with students, her natural love of learning, her ability to see from the students’

Perspective, and her knack for finding interesting and engaging learning activities were all indications of a master teacher who just needed a few years to fully develop her craft. “

–David Sablatura, Ed.D., Former Spring Oaks Middle Principal, now Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Region IV Collaborative STM, Member, 2012-Present

Spring Branch ISD e-Trainer, 2009-Present

Grade 6 Team Leader, Spring Oaks Middle School, 2006-Present

Jane Primrose

The Guthrie Center

Grades 6-12, Agriculture Production

Education

Lamar University (Beaumont, Texas) Med-Educational Leadership, 2012

Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, Texas), Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences, 2003

Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas) Bachelor of Science-Animal Science, 2001

Teaching History

The Guthrie Center, Spring Branch ISD, 2012-Present

Brazos High School, Brazos ISD, 2012

Spring High School, Spring ISD, 2001-2010

Bay City High School, Bay City ISD, 2003-2005

10 years total of teaching experience

In his own words…

“My most significant accomplishments in education are my students. Many students return from college and mention that they have significantly less struggles in college because I taught them ‘how to learn,’ or that they are more comfortable expressing themselves because of my classes. I have attended weddings, baby showers, college graduations and birthday parties of some of my students, and feel blessed to have been a part of many of their journeys.”

In the words of others…

“When a parent or student comes in before class with a question about a sick animal, a class assignment or FFA question, she is ready, willing and able to help. . . . She is always willing to help with the what, when, why and how questions that come by the hundreds each day. I know this to be true because my son, wife and I have been on the asking end of many of those questions over the past couple of years.”

–J. Ken Johnson, Texas FFA Foundation Chair

“[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

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Campus Improvement Team, The Guthrie Center, 2014

Glazier Agriculture Teacher of the Year, 2009

Bay City Rookie Teacher of the Year, 2004

Joseph Maurer

Spring Woods Middle School

Grade 8, Mathematics

Education

University of Houston Graduate School of Education iSmart (Integrated Science Mathematics and Reflective Teaching) cohort member, 2013-Present

Houston Community College, Associates of Sciences in Health Sciences, 2011

University of Houston, Bachelor of Arts, English Literature & Linguistics, 2006

Teaching History

Spring Woods Middle School, Spring Branch ISD, 2011-Present

Spring Forest Middle School, Spring Branch ISD, 2006-2011

Seven years total of teaching experience

In his own words…

“I believe that all students can be successful with time, resources, inspiration and each other. Children are curious about the world around them. Given the opportunity, students can and will come together to learn about anything that captures their attention. Students are self-directed learners who will surprise us with their insight, ideas and creativity. What makes me an outstanding teacher is that I provide students the structure and spark to drive their curiosity about the mathematics we learn in class.”

In the words of others…

“Mr. Maurer is a team player, serves as an instructional leader on our campus as well as Math Department Chair. He is inclusive in his leadership of his math team and has encouraged other teachers to try the flipped classroom and other instructional methods for student success. “

–Karen Liska, Spring Woods Middle School Principal

“In his classroom the flow of learning begins the moment a student crosses the threshold because, as he says, ‘Every minute counts!’ His math class is an active place where students are learning and then demonstrating what they have learned. You may often see students up in front of the class teaching their classmates what they have learned, and the students are excited about this!”

–Cathy Lassiter, Spring Woods Middle Educational Diagnostician

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Spring Woods Middle School mentor Teacher, 2012-Present

National Council for the Teachers of Mathematics, 2013-Present

TExSOL Conference presenter, October 2013

Lorenza V. Garay

Ridgecrest Elementary

Grade 2, Two-Way Dual Language

Education

University Houston Downtown (Houston, Texas), Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies, - Bilingual

University of Houston (Houston, Texas), Cum Laude, 2010

Houston Community College, Associates Degree of Arts

Teaching History

Spring Branch ISD, Ridgecrest Elementary School, 2011-present

Neighborhood Centers Inc, 2003-2011

Three years total of teaching experience

In her own words…

"I remind them [my students] that dreams can come true. This one year, one [of] my students asked me what my dream was. without a thought my response to him was, 'I live my dream every day when I am here teaching in the classroom.'"

In the words of others . . .

“Mrs. Garay is an over-comer, a problem-solver, an innovator, and a dynamic member of our 4^th grade team. Her enthusiasm, love, and passion for teaching our second language learner from poverty cannot be rivaled by any other candidate.”

–Ridgecrest Elementary School Principal Patricia Thomas

Mrs. Garay “builds sound relationships with her students and is committed to learning about them and their interest so that she can speak on each of them on a more personal level. She knows who is playing on a soccer team, what each student’s pet is named, and what students are looking forward to having a new baby brother or sister soon.”

–Christine Tuckett, 4^th Grade Teacher, Ridgecrest Elementary

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

J. Landon Short Mini Grant for Educators, recipient, 2013

Cum Lade, University of Houston, 2010

Noemi Gomez de Alonso

Spring Branch Elementary

Kindergarten

Education

Autonomous University of Guadalajara (Jalisco, Mexico) and Region 4 for Bilingual ACP Early Childhood (EC) to 4^th Grade, 2007

Multiple courses at ITESM Technological of Monterrey Institute (Monterrey,NL, Mexico), Ciudad Juarez, 2003-2007

Jose E. Medrano Superior Teaching School (Chihuahua, Mexico) , Ciudad Juarez, Educational Sciences Diploma, 2003

UNAM Autonomous University of Mexico (Mexico City, Mexico), General Medicine, 1981

McHenry County College (Crystal Lake, Ill.) Associate Degree, 1975

Teaching History

Spring Branch Elementary, 2009-Present

Spring Branch Elementary, 2007-2009

Technological of Monterrey Institute (Monterrey,NL, Mexico), Ciudad Juarez ITESM, English at professional level; Biology and Health services at high school level,2003-2006 UACJ Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez (Chihuahua, Mexico) , School of Medicine, 2004-2006

10 years total of teaching experience

In her own words…

“Teachers are role models for what we do, for what we say, for how we listen, for how we conduct ourselves. Alone or along with parents, the future of a child, a group of children, a generation of children, generations of students, is in our hands…It is an honor and a responsibility to be a teacher.”

In the words of others . . .

“Many teachers just teach what they can in class and tutor if the school requires it. Not Mrs. Gomez. On a regular basis, she will take the time to tutor students who need it after school in her classroom. She takes a step further by teaching the parents as well.”

– Juanita Irwin, Music Specialist, Spring Branch Elementary

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Pre-Kindergarten Team Leader, Spring Branch Elementary, 2012-2013

Teacher of the Year Nominee, Spring Branch Elementary, 2007

Lori Davis

Nottingham Elementary School

Kindergarten, All Subjects

Education

University of Houston( Houston, Texas), Early Childhood Endorsement, 1987-89

Millikin University (Decatur, Ill.), Bachelor of Science Vocal Music Education, K-12, 1980

Teaching History

Nottingham Elementary School, Spring Branch ISD, August 2013-Present

Terrace Elementary School, Spring Branch ISD, August 1987 – August 2013

KinderCare, 1985-1987

Taylorville Community Schools (Taylorville Ill.), 1980-1981

29 years total of teaching experience

In her own words…

“There is a quote I love from the Bengali poet, Tagore, ‘each child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.’ As a kindergarten teacher, I am so privileged to work with our youngest learners and am present as their gifts and talents are reveled. “

In the words of others . . .

“Ms. Davis was a kindergarten teacher at Terrace Elementary School for 24 years, and this year she joined our staff at Nottingham Elementary and has served as our Kindergarten Team Leader. . . .She hosted a ‘Gingerbread Night’ of reading where students and their parents came together in their pajamas to enjoy some hot cocoa and a good book.”

– Principal Roy Moore, Nottingham Elementary School

“Where do I begin? Lori is . . . amazing. Incredible, compassionate, and special! Lori makes every child feel cared for and accepted just as they are. She should be teaching classroom management in-services to every teacher in our district.”

– Laurie Cerda, former student

Selected Honors, Awards & Activities:

Social Studies/Kindergarten Curriculum Writer, 2012-2014

Teacher of the Year, Nottingham Elementary, 2013

Teacher of the Year, Terrace Elementary, 2011

Faculty Covey Trainer, Terrance Elementary, 1997-1998