More than 160 Northside ISD teachers were deemed "Simply the Best" at the District's Educator of the Year celebrations, held annually to honor those teachers who go the extra mile to make a positive impact on the lives of children.
Every year, each Northside school nominates a first-year educator of the year and a veteran educator of the year, who are recognized by the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees during a special ceremony.
The ceremony has been dubbed "Simply the Best," because the campus winners parade into the auditorium to Tina Turner's famous song by the same name. Earlier this week, the winners were given the red-carpet treatment by whirling spotlights and cheering family members and co-workers hoisting signs and banners.
Because of the popularity and high attendance, the "Simply the Best" event is split into two nights to accommodate all honorees and their guests. The Elementary Educator of the Year ceremony was held March 18, and secondary educators were honored March 19.
The highlight of each ceremony was the announcement of the districtwide Educators of the Year and Northside's nominee for the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
In addition to receiving engraved plaques, first year awardees received checks for $250, and the veteran teachers and Trinity nominee received $500 checks.
A panel of NISD educators selected the district winners from the pool of campus educators of the year.
The 2009 Northside Educators of the Year are:
- Maricela Alarcon, Burke Elementary School
- Stephanie Balderas, Zachry Middle School
- Mandy Muniz, Brandeis High School
The 2009 Northside First Year Educators of the Year are:
- Mariela Mayte Martinez, Villarreal Elementary School
- Rene Espinosa, Zachry Middle School
- James M. Payne, O'Connor High School
In addition, Clark High School's Karen Pumphrey was named the nominee for the 2009 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
Please see the complete list of all
campus educators of the year. To purchase a DVD of the ceremony, please fill out
the order form and send with payment to: NISD Communications Department, 5900 Evers Road, San Antonio, TX 78238.
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