Regional Teachers of the Year Honored in Coastal Bend Region

The Education Service Center Region 2 has announced the winners of the Regional Teacher of the Year awards for elementary and secondary education, recognizing outstanding educators who contribute significantly to quality education and lifelong learning, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.

Honorees and Their Journeys

1. Pedro Benavidez – Secondary Teacher of the Year
   • Chemistry teacher at Ray High School.
   • Previously considered medical school, worked as an infectious disease researcher, and in construction before choosing teaching.
   • Emphasizes curiosity and resilience in learning, encouraging students to explore and not fear failure.
   • Believes in the value of public education as a foundation of equal opportunity, supporting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
2. Lauren Jardine – Elementary Teacher of the Year
   • Pre-K teacher at London Elementary School.
   • Holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Arizona State University.
   • Focuses on creating a safe, equitable classroom environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and strong relationships.
   • Contributes to SDG 4 by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education from early childhood.

Selection Process and Future Plans

• The winners were selected from nominations submitted by local school districts within the Coastal Bend region.
• Pedro Benavidez and Lauren Jardine are eligible for the Texas Teacher of the Year award, competing with regional nominees statewide.
• Education Service Center Region 2 plans to introduce a Charter School Teacher of the Year award next year, further promoting inclusive education.

Additional Recognitions

• Regional Superintendent of the Year: Eddie Hesseltine, Orange Grove Independent School District.
• Regional School Board of the Year: Port Aransas Independent School District Board of Trustees.

Coastal Bend School District Teacher Nominees

Local school districts nominated exemplary teachers who demonstrate commitment to quality education and contribute to SDG 4 and SDG 10. The nominees include:

• Alice Independent School District: Samantha Neely (5th Grade English Language Arts), Berta Wymore (8th Grade Science)
• Aransas Pass Independent School District: Yolanda Cribb (6th Grade Science), Amanda Sides (5th Grade)
• Beeville Independent School District: Aliza Carabajal, Mandy Vasquez (8th Grade Reading Language Arts)
• Corpus Christi Independent School District: Amalia Barragan (4th Grade Math), Pedro Benavidez (Science)
• Flour Bluff Independent School District: Nicole Biggerstaff, Amanda Zartuche (7th Grade Science)
• George West Independent School District: Ellie Jimerson (5th Grade Social Studies), Bridget Emerson (High School Math)
• Gregory-Portland Independent School District: Olivia Banda (1st Grade), Kristie Hayward (7th Grade English)
• Ingleside Independent School District: Patricia Oliver (1st Grade Bilingual), Jeffery Groseclose (Physiology and Environmental Systems)
• Kingsville Independent School District: Yesenia Rubalcaba (1st Grade), Marisa Hamilton (Biology and Physics)
• London Independent School District: Lauren Jardine (Pre-K), Amy Lewallen (Agricultural Science)
• Mathis Independent School District: Diana Sanchez (4th Grade), Daniel Gonzales (Career and Technical Education)
• Odem-Edroy Independent School District: Rita Jasso
• Orange Grove Independent School District: Monica Davidson (4th Grade Math), Jordan Salas (Adaptive Education and Coach)
• Riviera Independent School District: Lazara Perez (7th and 8th Grade English)
• Robstown Independent School District: Apolonio Paredez Jr. (Theater)
• Rockport-Fulton Independent School District: Leslie Glenn (Pre-K), Warren Mitchell (High School Math)
• San Diego Independent School District: Sylvia Cardenas (2nd Grade Reading)
• Santa Gertrudis Independent School District: Diana Oliveira (5th Grade Reading and Social Studies)
• Skidmore-Tynan Independent School District: Laurinda Mann, Amy Smith-Jehling (Special Education)
• Tuloso-Midway Independent School District: Emelda Gamboa (2nd Grade Dual Language), Esmeralda Romero (Geometry)
• West Oso Independent School District: Samantha Ybanez (2nd Grade), Andre Mack (High School Math)

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

The recognition of these educators highlights their vital role in advancing the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all students.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ensuring equal access to education regardless of background, fostering inclusive classrooms.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supporting career and technical education that prepares students for future employment opportunities.

Additional Educational Initiatives

• Corpus Christi students are engaging in summer career exploration programs, supporting SDG 8 by enhancing skills and employability.
• Gregory-Portland ISD has implemented teacher pay raises, promoting decent work conditions and retention of quality educators.
• Recent Texas STAAR results provide insights into student learning outcomes, informing efforts to improve education quality.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on recognizing outstanding teachers and promoting quality education in the Coastal Bend region.
   • It highlights efforts to provide safe, equitable classrooms fostering curiosity, independence, and strong relationships.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Mentions alternative certification programs and career changes, reflecting lifelong learning and decent work opportunities.
   • Teacher pay raises and professional recognition support economic growth and decent work conditions.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Focus on equitable classrooms and inclusion of diverse student populations (e.g., bilingual education, special education).

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.1: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education.
   • Target 4.2: Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development and pre-primary education.
   • Target 4.c: Increase the supply of qualified teachers through teacher training and certification programs.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including equal pay for work of equal value.
   • Target 8.6: Promote youth employment, education, and training.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Proportion of teachers with the required qualifications (related to Target 4.c), implied by the mention of alternative certification programs and teacher qualifications.
   • Completion rates of primary and secondary education (Target 4.1), implied by the focus on quality teaching and student engagement.
   • Access to early childhood education (Target 4.2), implied by the recognition of pre-K teachers and emphasis on early childhood education.
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Average earnings of teachers and pay raises (Target 8.5), implied by the mention of teacher pay raises.
   • Employment rate of youth in education-related fields (Target 8.6), implied by career changes and alternative certification.
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Proportion of students in inclusive education settings (Target 10.2), implied by mentions of bilingual and special education teachers.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: caller.com