Mrs. Katie Schirmer
2nd Grade

First Year Teacher of the Year

Katie Schirmer was born and raised in San Antonio and attended all Northside schools.  She went to Texas State University to get a BS in Education.  Katie did her student teaching here at Bob Lewis. As a student teacher she motivated her students.

Abigail Boyett, first grade teachers says, "Katie has become a great addition to our faculty. Her sweet disposition makes her a great team player. She is also always eager to find new ways and ideas to help out her students. She truly is a Spectacular teacher!!!"

"When Katie student taught with Mrs. Branch I was impressed by the way she worked with the team. She was always ready to learn and try out new strategies. She has a very positive attitude and is a joy to work with," says first grade teacher, Maria Cardenas

Student Cody Dandridge says, "Mrs. Schirmer read interesting books to us. She made class exciting. We loved doing projects involving the Magic Tree House book."

Katie has involved her students in technology integration projects and activities from the very beginning of the school year.

Fellow second grade teachers say Katie is a wonderful addition to their team. The team truly enjoys working with her. They have obtained many delightfully, creative and engaging lesson ideas and activities from Katie. Her hard work, dedication, and fresh ideas has been very inspiring for the entire Lewis staff.

Eva D'Antonio says, " Katie is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who empowers students by her positive attitude and caring ways."

Laura Claborn adds, "Katie is a wonderful and caring teacher! She loves the world of teaching and all it entails. She uses activities in her classroom that get the students active in learning and challenges them also. Katie Schirmer is a true example of New Teacher of the Year!"

Veronica Gamez states, "I have truly enjoyed working with Katie Schirmer. She is a great colleague and team player!
Way to go, Katie!"

Katie is a joy to work with in 2nd grade. She has a sunny disposition and works hard to make her students successful. Although young, she offers good ideas and suggestions for activities to engage the children and always happily displays their work outside her door. She truly deserves the honor of Teacher of the Year, says Linda Fields, 2nd grade teacher.

Mrs. Jessica Salazar
BMC Teacher

Teacher of the Year

Jessica Salazar is the "on-call" teacher at Bob Lewis Elementary. She is always very eager and willing to assist general education teachers, special education teachers, administration and parents wherever and whenever her help is needed. This willingness to help is one of her strongest attributes. She is always there when you need her. Jessica has been in education for 14 years, the last 3 years being in Northside. Within her 3 years in Northside, Jessica has shared her knowledge of special needs students and discipline management with the Lewis staff. She collaborated with Administration to establish the Lewis Cafeteria Rules and Expectations and has lead staff developments on Win-Win Discipline and the importance of class meetings.

Jessica is also "on-call" for Northside as well. Jessica's program has served as the "model classroom" for new BMC teachers within the district. Jessica is always willing to share her new and innovative ideas with her peers. Jessica was selected to present her Behavior Management System to other new and veteran BMC teachers during district meetings. She also piloted a new district behavior data collection program prior to the districts implementation. Jessica makes sure to stay knowledgeable of the latest research regarding behavior management. She endured a 2 year study through Region 20 where she had to research and fulfill many hours of observation and attend weekly classes in order to obtain a Behavior Coach Certification.

Oceans, Dinosaurs and Jungles Oh My! These are the themes you might find when walking into Jessica's classroom. The ultimate goal for Jessica's students is to become respected self-managers. The students earn this title by managing a folder that contains their personal goals and expectations. It is their responsibility to follow directions, complete assignments and have good behavior. Every morning, they check in with Jessica and check-out at the end of the day. At this time Jessica holds a mini conference with every student to review the day's events. Jessica strongly agrees that you teach the students respect by showing the students respect. This is why it is imperative for her to meet on a daily basis for a mini conference with each student. Over 90% of Jessica's students become self-managers through Jessica's guidance and teaching.

Ofie Ruiz, Special Ed. Coordinator at Bob Lewis states, "When Jessica came to Lewis 3 years ago, she put a positive spin in the BMC classroom. I have witnessed both parents and teachers work as a team for the success of the students because of Jessica's leadership".