I’m officially the 2020 Cleburne ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. If you’re thinking, “Wow, she must be pretty amazing,” let me assure you that I am just as surprised as you are (and incredibly grateful after the rough few months following Dad’s passing).

Firstly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in this recognition. It’s an honor to be selected by my peers and to represent our district at the Region 11 Teacher of the Year Awards. This journey has been like a rollercoaster – exhilarating, a bit nerve-wracking, and definitely unforgettable.

When I first heard about the award, my reaction was a classic mix of shock and delight. “Wait, are you sure? Me?” I half-joked to my principal, Mr. Ben Renner. He reassured me with his characteristic calm and a knowing smile, which honestly only made me more suspicious. Ben, if we paid you for your patience, the district would be bankrupt!

Let’s get real for a moment. My students and colleagues know me as the lady who loves English and will nerd out about Shakespeare any day. But this recognition isn’t just about loving literature; it’s about the community we’ve built together. At Cleburne High School, I’ve found a second family. India Garms, my next-door classroom neighbor, can attest to how many times I’ve “borrowed” her supplies or brainstormed my crazy ideas – and she still calls me her friend!

One highlight of this award was the essay I had to write for the Region 11 competition. It was about my platform if I were to win the National Teacher of the Year. Spoiler alert: I chose to talk about the need for quality education for all children. I know, shocking, right? But seriously, writing that essay was like breathing – easy and essential. And when I found out it won the best in the secondary category, I almost fell off my chair. My mom was so proud she probably shared the news with everyone she’s ever met.

Reflecting on this journey, I can’t help but think of my own teachers. Especially that one remarkable English teacher in high school who first told me I could write. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and that has made all the difference. I hope she’s looking down and smiling because this win is as much hers as it is mine.

Teaching is a family tradition for me. With parents who worked for the Texas A&M University system and a brother who’s a principal, it seems like it was in the stars. But it’s not just about the family business; it’s about the passion and the joy of seeing students discover their potential. Each morning, I wake up excited to make a difference, and each evening, I reflect on the little victories that make it all worthwhile.

To my students, past and present, you are the reason I strive to be better every day. To my colleagues, thank you for being my support system, my partners in crime, and my friends. And to my family, especially my biggest fans – my mom and my husband – thank you for always believing in me.

Winning this award is a reminder that I’m on the right path, doing what I love. It’s a testament to the power of community, the joy of learning, and the impact of a single encouraging word.

So here’s to many more years of teaching, learning, and growing together. And if you ever need a quote from Shakespeare or a chat about the latest in educational technology, you know where to find me – in my classroom, surrounded by books, and loving every minute of it.

Thank you, Cleburne ISD, for this incredible honor. Here’s to making a difference, one day at a time.

You can read a copy of the article from the Cleburne Times to learn more.