1. Arissa Hayden – Sheldon ISD

With over 8 years of dedicated teaching experience, I have had the privilege of serving as a passionate advocate for literacy development as a reading and writing teacher. Throughout my career, I have consistently sought innovative approaches to enhance student learning, particularly in preparation for the STAAR testing methods. My commitment to academic excellence has been recognized through my achievements as a 2-time finalist for Teacher of the Year.

Beyond the classroom, I am deeply involved in community service initiatives, fostering a culture of compassion and social responsibility among my students. Whether through toy drives, volunteering at local shelters, or leading community clean-up efforts, I strive to instill in my students the importance of giving back and making a positive impact in society.

As a Robotics coach, I have had the privilege of nurturing students’ interest in STEM fields, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork. Through hands-on projects and competitions, I encourage students to explore their potential and develop invaluable skills for their future endeavors.

Additionally, I am proud to serve as a staff ambassador, bridging communication between faculty, administration, and parents to ensure a supportive and collaborative educational environment. By fostering strong relationships and open dialogue, I aim to create a school community where every voice is heard and valued.

In summary, my diverse experiences as an educator, community leader, and advocate for student success have equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and passion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my students and the community at large.

2. Paola Beltran-Leon – Humble ISD

My name is Paola Beltran-Leon, and I am thrilled to be nominated for this contest.

My passion for teaching started in high school when I was a newcomer who knew very little English. I was fortunate to have incredible human beings as teachers who ignited the dream of one day being someone like them. With eight years of experience teaching in elementary schools and a passion for education that spans back to my college days as a tutor for students who needed the content and language support, I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of my students every single day.

As a bilingual certified teacher, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with a diverse range of students and families, fostering an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels valued and supported. My bilingual and Middle School/High School Spanish certification further enhances my ability to offer enriching language education opportunities to my students.
In addition to my bilingual certification, I am also certified to teach dyslexic students which has been a great experience to recognize the importance of specialized instruction tailored to meet the unique needs of every learner. Whether it’s through multisensory techniques or personalized interventions, I am committed to helping each child reach their full potential.
Throughout my career, I have taught various grade levels, including 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of the developmental milestones and academic challenges that students face at different stages of their education. As a private tutor, I have worked with children from Pre-K through 5th grade, providing individualized support in math, reading, writing, and science.

One of the highlights of my career has been to serve as an interventionist at a school, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, analyze data, and implement targeted interventions to support students facing academic difficulties. Witnessing the progress and growth of these students reaffirmed my belief in the power of education to transform lives.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children, and I am honored to be considered for this recognition. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for the success and well-being of every student in our community. Together, we can inspire a lifelong love of learning and empower the leaders of tomorrow.

3. Amberlee Whitted- Cleveland ISD

I am honored to be considered for this recognition from Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union.
I began my teaching career in Earth and Space Science at Cleveland High School in 2022. When the opportunity arose to join the welding program the following school year, I knew that my background perfectly aligned with my passion for the industry, and I was excited to bring my knowledge and ten years of experience as a Non-Destructive Testing Inspector into this program and cultivate and encourage students’ interest in the industry.

My core mission is to help equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the welding and inspection industry after graduation. This dedication struck a chord with one of my students this year as he nominated me as a teacher who has made the most impact for him during Teacher Appreciation Night, specifically citing my influence and the practical skills he has gained in my class. Witnessing such growth and the impact I have on students like him is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an educator. Beyond technical learning, I am deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. I actively encourage young women in my classes to pursue opportunities in the welding and inspection industry, a field that has traditionally been male-dominated. Seeing them embrace their potential and develop the skills to become future leaders in this field is a truly fulfilling aspect of my work.

I believe classrooms should be dynamic and engaging spaces that spark curiosity, and empower student learning. I strive to create fun, real-world lessons that connect to students’ lives beyond the classroom walls. I’ve implemented project-based learning opportunities where students collaborate on projects that mirror real-world industry scenarios. These projects not only reinforce technical skills like welding techniques and blueprint reading, but also strengthen essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Cultivating strong relationships with students is a cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. I believe in creating a safe and supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and learning from their mistakes. I get to know my students on a personal level by learning about their interests and aspirations. This allows me to tailor my teaching approach to their individual needs and learning styles. Building these connections not only enhances their learning experience but also empowers them to reach their full potential.

Cleveland High School has fostered a collaborative and supportive environment for new educators, like myself. I want to shout-out two of my mentors, Krystall Mitchell and Karen Steinbach, who have been instrumental in my development. Their guidance has proved invaluable to helping me grow as an educator, and I will forever be thankful for their guidance. As a Cleveland Indian, I’m excited to continue contributing to the school’s growth, values, mission and empowering the next generation of leaders.

4. Cinthya Bustamante Ramirez – Spring ISD

My passion for teaching began with my experience as a daycare teacher at the age of 18. There, I discovered my love for teaching young children. Five years after high school graduation I decided to enroll full-time at the University of Houston Down-Town where I then earned my bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. A few years later I received my master’s in education administration from Concordia University in Austin. My philosophy and love of education is deeply rooted in early childhood because that is where we build the fundamentals for a successful learning career. Being a prekindergarten teacher implies to me the understanding that we are part of the structural academic foundation of all human beings who have access to education. It means to develop in children universal standards for learning, listening, and reflection. Therefore, empowering these future generations to make a difference and control their destiny, and perhaps the fate of their contemporary and future generations. To educate is to live out my profession everyday with hope, love, and perseverance. It is vitally important that I as a teacher understand that each student brings with him a culture, a history, and that although different, we must be able to understand, communicate, and express ourselves in a dialogic way and without prejudice to any of them.

During my 14 years as a prekindergarten educator, I have had the privilege of working with families and students alike. It has given me the opportunity to work with parents alongside their children. I help parents understand the importance of their role as their child’s first teacher and empower them to use everyday life as learning opportunities for their preschool children. I adapt and modify learning activities to increase parent involvement and growth in their confidence and ability to teach their children. I enjoy teaching others in my field as well. I have had the opportunity to share my philosophy, best practices, and methods of teaching with teachers across our state through professional development presentations. Some which include: Plant a Rainbow for the University of Houston, Harris County Department of Education, Frog Street Splash, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC), Houston Association for the Education of Young Children (HAEYC), and Kinder Teachers of Texas (KTOT). The focus of my presentations has included: Promoting parent participation, creating an age-appropriate learning environment in the early childhood classroom, and brain development in the young child.

As team lead for our prekindergarten teachers at Northgate Crossing Elementary, I strive to lead by example therefore I continue to learn and strengthen my skills as an educator. With that mindset, I strive to keep ongoing communication and collaboration with my colleagues, administrators, and parents to achieve success for all students an to produce the best possible learning environment for them. The best way to produce a great learning environment is by first holding myself accountable and being an exemplary educator both in word and action. My work ethic and dedication have been recognized by being awarded campus bilingual teacher of the year twice and winning the Suburban Houston Association for Bilingual Education (SHABE) award. I was also named campus teacher of the year twice ultimately winning Spring Independent School District elementary teacher of the year. I also had the honor of being a finalist for the Martel Award for early childhood educators, and through the Donors Choose program I have had class projects funded allowing me to receive a grant seeking achievement certificate. Being rewarded for doing something I love has only encouraged me to move forward in my pursuit of making a difference in young children’s lives. So much so it encompasses many areas of my personal life.

My faith and my community are two important parts of my life. I began volunteering in children’s ministry in 2006. Volunteering led to me holding the position of Children’s Pastor at my church as of February 2020. Working with children in the community is one of the most rewarding experiences. I can move beyond academics and truly speak to their values, morals, and spirituality. I am responsible for the education of our early childhood group ages 4-8. The weight of being entrusted and partially responsible for their spiritual growth compels me not only to lead them to a personal relationship and lifelong devotion to Christ, but it also requires me to live a life worthy of His calling. Moreover, as a leader in my daughter’s American Heritage Girls troop, I lead the girls to apply biblical truth as they work towards earning badges that encourage them to love God, cherish their family, honor their country, and serve in their community.
I have often quoted “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life” because it is true from my perspective. The past 14 years in education although difficult, have been fulfilling and I look forward to the years ahead.

5. Sabrina Bertrand – La Porte ISD

I am deeply honored to be nominated as a recipient of the 2023-2024 GCEFCU Teacher Appreciation Award. I am currently working through my eighth year as an English Language Arts Teacher. One interesting fact about me is that teaching is my second career. I became an educator at the young age of 44.

Prior to becoming a teacher, I spent my career in financial and retirement planning services. Periodically, I would entertain the idea of moving into education. Then one day, I had the strong feeling that my time with Corporate America had come to an end. It became important to me to be in a career where I made a difference in our world. Teaching was/is the answer.

I have earned a few accolades throughout my teaching career, including the 2022 HAABE Campus Teacher of the Year ESL Secondary. This nomination from GCEFCU is special because the votes came from friends, family members, colleagues, administrators, former students, and the parents of my current students. The ones who have witnessed and experienced my passion for teaching.

One of the greatest life lessons I have learned so far is that, teaching is not a job; it is a calling. I am a woman of faith; therefore, I truly believe that I am fulfilling God’s work, His plan for me. All educators can agree that we have had many days where we feel like throwing up our hands and walking away from the profession. Once I take a breather to regroup, I remind myself why I teach. The simple answer is, “my kids.” I cannot nor will I quit on our future. They desperately need us. So, when you have one of those bad days, please remember my words.

Thank you for your time and vote!

1. Aaron Boudreaux – Spring ISD

It is with great humility that I accept this nomination from the GCEFCU. I feel so honored to even be considered. My time in education has not been for awards, because the reward is getting to work with these children on a daily basis. I grew up in south Houston, relocating to Spring just for work; I am so grateful for the knowledge and wisdom I received in school as well as in surrounding communities. I feel it is now my responsibility to give back and continue in the footsteps of those that blazed before me. I followed both my mother and father into this field as educators and I enjoy every moment that comes with impacting a young person’s life.

My time at Bailey Middle School has been amazing. I am so thankful for the years spent molding lives and being able to see those young adults go on to be successful in High School. Although the process is long and sometimes difficult, it’s those trials we are able to overcome which give us our greatest sense of achievement. My time spent as the department chair on campus allowed me to step into a leadership role and work with other teachers to sharpen their craft. Our time was cut short due to the pandemic, but the ability to provide the virtual assistance when needed gave me the opportunity to work on how I am able to adjust to multiple moving pieces and produce desirable outcomes.

With the creation of Mentoring Mighty Minds, a local non-profit organization designed to work with young African-American males during the adolescence stage of life, Aaron partners with community leaders throughout the city of Houston. Mentoring Mighty Minds provides opportunities for instructional, emotional, physical, and mental growth to a population of young men often forgotten about or not addressed until there is an issue with one of the above-mentioned factors. Aaron uses his platform in the classroom to build healthy relationships with students and their families. Having a supportive figure in the classroom goes a long way in teaching a child how to learn to love to learn! For the past 13 years, Aaron has decided to shine a light on situations that plague our community and will continue to uplift those that are in the greatest need for a positive source of influence.

2. Adriana Sanchez Cantu – Alvin ISD

Mrs. Sanchez has been an educator at Alvin ISD for almost 10 years and is the Gifted & Talented Specialist at Sanchez Elementary. She is always willing to go the extra mile to help students, parents, the community, and the campus. She was recognized by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented as the 2022 Educator of the Year. Mrs. Sanchez runs after school clubs such as Destination Imagination, VEX Robotics, Chess, Math Pentathlon, and Science Club. Her team of 5th graders participated in an international competition called Mars Colony Challenge and won 1st place. She coordinates the campus UIL and is the Yearbook sponsor. Mrs. Sanchez applied and received a grant to bring PLTW Launch to the campus to build potential in the younger students and engage them in STEM. She received grants to purchase drones, 3D pens, software to create and code holograms, a hydroponics classroom kit, and funds to purchase architectural houses for 5th grade. She secured a sponsorship for a group of students to participate in an international competition called Space Camp where students practiced with simulation software and received daily feedback from NASA experts.

Mrs. Sanchez volunteers on Saturdays for student competitions. She volunteered as a judge at VEX Worlds and at TSA Photography competitions. She continues to reach out to experts and is always looking for opportunities to continue learning. She holds a national STEM certification from NISE and is part of the REMSL cohort from Rice University that focuses on STEM practices in the classroom. She holds an MBA and a Master’s in Education. Mrs. Sanchez speaks Spanish, English, French, and Italian and is completely dedicated to ensuring students are supported and engaged in learning opportunities that take them above and beyond. She is a great example of a lifelong learner, kind individual, professional, student advocate, and teacher.

3. Ashley Miller – Pasadena ISD

I started my teaching career during my high school years back in Ohio, where I grew up.
My university, Bowling Green State University, partnered with Aline ISD to bring student teachers down to the Houston area. When I joined this program I knew I wanted to help change the lives of students in the Greater Houston area. Once I graduated, I interviewed for a Special Education position with Pasadena ISD and fell in love with the students of this district. This is currently my fifth year teaching Elementary Special Education students for Pasadena ISD in grades Pre-K through fourth grade. During this school year, I had to step into multiple teacher roles and help students from all of the different Special Education programs. This role was not easy, but it was rewarding to know that each action I made was going to help change a students’ day.

In my third year of teaching, I was given the leadership role of Team Leader for our Special Education Department. As a team leader it is my responsibility to hold my peers accountable for the legal paperwork we have to complete to ensure all of our student’s needs are being met from their Individualized Educational Plans. This school year, I was nominated by my campus peers and administrators and was awarded the Teacher of the Year for Red Bluff Elementary. I was also nominated for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award. I had the honor to be one of the two co-sponsors to create a Student Council at Red Bluff. This has been an honor to bring back an active, community-based volunteer program to our school. I am serving my second year as my campus representative for our district Teacher Incentive Allotment Committee. I have been a helping hand by attending and helping plan fun and educational activities for our third and fourth grade students for our after school and Saturday tutorials. I not only work diligently hard as an educator, but I also volunteer countless hours for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This allows me the opportunity to interact with individuals across the Houston area and out of town to let them know how amazing Houston is.

It gives me great joy to know that each and every day that I come to school that my students and other students around the school wait for a good morning wave or hello. The students at Red Bluff Elementary are truly one of a kind. Knowing that I can make a difference in my students’ lives and other lives is the best reward I can receive as an educator.

4. Kristie Sparks – Sheldon ISD

In 2004 I started as a Special Education Teacher’s Aide for the Houston Independent School District, where I found my calling and fell in love with teaching. I completed my education degree while working full time at Herrera Elementary. In May of 2008 I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education EC-4th grade and taught as a first-grade teacher at Coop Elementary. The next school year I was asked with my prior experience if I wanted to work in the Special Education Life Skills classroom, and I accepted the position and never looked back! I became certified in 2010 as a Special Education Pk-12 Teacher, but I have only taught at the elementary level. I worked for Houston I.S.D. for a total of 16 wonderful years. I worked at four terrific elementary schools, Herrera Elementary, Coop Elementary, Poe Elementary and Northline Elementary. As a child I attended Northline Elementary, so it meant so much to me get to teach at my favorite school where I was once a student. I loved giving back to my community and seeing some of my old classmates from the neighborhood whose children were now attending the school. I have taught for the last three years for the Sheldon Independent School District at Carroll Elementary in the Special Education Life Skills/Autism classroom. My second year at Carroll Elementary I won a grant to create a STEM center in my classroom. With the grant money I was able to buy robots and programming tools for my students, since we are a STEM school. They were always discussing the robots and programming they were learning from our STEM teacher, so I felt we should have it available for them to learn and discover in more depth in our class. I have a total of 19 years of teaching but honestly it feels like I am just getting started. I can’t wait to see what more teaching has in place for me in the coming months and years. I love my students, staff and principal and with their support I am always looking for ways to make my classroom a better learning environment. The grants I obtain allow me to create a more calming and comfortable sensory stimulating classroom for my students with Autism, I want to have a technology center with new devices and computers to use for curriculum apps and leisure time, and outside equipment for my students who are wheelchair bound. My current goal is to go back to school and earn more of an administrative role, so that I can be an advocate for the Special Education population. As I mentioned earlier, I found my calling and I absolutely love it and I can’t wait for my next school year!

5. Ashley Henderson – Goose Creek CISD

I live by the quote that “education is not preparation for life…. but education is life itself.” This quote means so much to me because it’s something that I truly live and breathe. I’m entering my 5th year of teaching 6th grade ELA where we hold it down. I value the importance of teaching my students how to be rich; not rich when it comes to monetary value but rich in culture and education. I value building genuine relationships with my students and I make tis my number one priority of a daily basis. I helped put on E. F. Green’s 1st annual Black History Show. I held auditions, after school rehearsals, and put on 3 separate shows. I’ve held a writing workshop that was called “The Writing University” for my students. They had the chance to learn the writing process while pretending to attend a real university. They decorated their dorms (desk), and they even had a graduation ceremony afterwards where they were able to take a picture with a gown and tassel. I’ve also put on a ER themed workshop where students dressed as surgeons in order to fix some broken ECR’s and SCR’s in preparation for STAAR. I even made several raps for my students to encourage them throughout the year; in which they enjoy so much. One of the raps being called Super STAARS. I’ve dedicated my life to being the best educator that I can be and I hope it shows through the love I give in this field.