Appreciated Teacher Awards

In my eight years as a middle school history educator, I have been nominated as Teacher of the Year for 2026–2027, named a Top Ten Finalist for Humble ISD District Teacher of the Year, and served as both Social Studies Department Chair and 8th grade U.S. History Team Lead. I have worked in both Cleveland ISD (2018–2024) and Humble ISD (2024–present), helping to shift curriculum away from “sit and get” instruction toward inquiry- and skill-based learning. I have also led professional development sessions focused on classroom management and building engaging student-centered lessons.

As a history educator, I believe the most important part of history is not just the content, but the skills. History teaches students how to analyze evidence, understand multiple perspectives, and work with others. Because of that, students must do history. In my classroom, history is active. Students are engaged, discussing, explaining, and challenging each other’s thinking. They are making meaning from evidence and learning how to think, not just what to think. Through this shift in perspective and lessons, Kingwood Middle School received a Distinction for our US History performance on standardized testing.

Beyond the classroom, I work to create spaces where students feel safe, supported, and connected. I have sponsored a video game club, “Rated E Club,” where I provided access to games for students who might not have it at home, and built a space where friendships could grow with many competitions, pizzas, and prizes. I also founded the “Stitches and Yarn Club,” where students learned to knit and crochet and found a sense of belonging. One former student shared that the club was the highlight of her year, because it gave her a positive place to be with her friends.

Everything I do is centered on creating an environment where students feel seen, supported, and challenged, because when students feel that, they learn.

After graduating from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, I stepped into the classroom with a deep desire to make a difference in my students' lives. For the past four years at Sterling High School, teaching Algebra 1 has given me the privilege of not just teaching math, but of truly seeing each of my students: meeting them where they are, building their confidence, and helping them realize they are capable of more than they ever imagined. I take great care in creating a classroom where every student feels supported, valued, and encouraged to grow. I’m proud to have contributed to a campus that earned an A rating, but what means even more to me is knowing that I've helped students believe in themselves—one equation at a time.

From the beginning, as a brand-new teacher, I made it my mission to redesign Lomax Elementary Music. The first accomplishment, and arguably the most important, was learning all their names. As a teacher, my job is to not only teach my students, but to know them as people. Before learning music, they needed to learn to trust me. As we grew together, I dedicated my time to finding more resources. Endless grant applications have paid off, and now allow my students access to dozens of brand-new instruments and materials. I am currently finishing up my 3rd year here at Lomax, with a thriving program, motivated students, and exceptional musicians. Countless hours, public performances, competitions, and dedication, all to show that music has the power to bring together a small but powerful community here in La Porte. While doing all this, I decided to attend University of Houston to receive my Master of Education in Special Populations. This allowed me to have a new perspective on how to provide for and reach every single student that walks through my door. As the only music teacher here on campus, I get to see every student starting in kindergarten all the way through 5th grade. I know I am changing minds, creating lifelong musicians, and good people, one day at a time.

• TMEA Student Teacher Scholarship Recipient 2023

• TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award Recipient 2023

• Texas Woman’s University Outstanding Choral Music Education Clinical Student Teacher 2023

• La Porte Education Foundation Mini Grant Recipient 2023 & 2024

• La Porte Education Foundation Grant Recipient 2024

• LPISD Fine Arts Camp Teacher 2024 & 2025

• Sugarland Space Cowboys National Anthem Group Performance 2025

• LPISD Young Entrepreneur Club Sponsor 2025 & 2026

• Houston Astros National Anthem Group Performance 2025 & 2026

• LPISD Elementary Music Honor Choir Coordinator 2025-2026

• Lomax Elementary Leadership & CPOC Team 2025-2026

• Lomax Elementary Art Coordinator 2024-2026

• TEA Teacher Leadership Fellowship Small Group Participant 2026

• Member of Bay Area Chorus of Greater Houston 2026

Racquel Edwards is a dedicated and impactful educator with 13 years of experience teaching across grades Kindergarten through 8th. She currently serves as a 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts teacher and STEM Team Lead, where she drives continuous student growth through data-driven instruction and engaging project-based learning experiences.

Beyond the classroom, Racquel is deeply committed to her students’ overall development. She leads a campus girls’ mentor group and actively supports students by showing up to their extracurricular events, including athletics, fine arts, and important life celebrations. She also expands students’ global awareness by traveling with them out of state through EF educational tours. Her excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including Campus Teacher of the Year, TCTELA Middle School Teacher of the Year, and designation as a TIA Recognized Teacher. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Reading and Literacy, further demonstrating her commitment to educational leadership and student success.

2025 Appreciated Teacher Winner 

Last year, we received 285 nominations from over 129 school districts across Texas for our 2025 Appreciated Teacher Awards. From these nominations, our award committee selected four outstanding finalists, and the public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite.

We’re thrilled to announce that Erin Menotti from Dickinson ISD has been named GCEFCU’s 2025 Appreciated Teacher of the Year, earning 914 of the 2,774 total votes. Congratulations, Erin, and thank you to all who participated in celebrating the incredible educators who inspire our communities every day!

2025 Appreciated Teachers 

1. Erin Menotti (Winner) – Dickinson ISD 

2. Orlando Oliver – Barbers Hill ISD 

3. Lisa Russell – Pasadena ISD 

4. Renesha Hamilton – Sheldon ISD