TYLER, TX (EAST TEXAS NEWS) – Tyler ISD announced its 2022 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year for the District at the annual Tyler ISD Educator of the Year banquet sponsored by Cooperative Teachers Credit Union (CTCU). The evening also celebrated Tyler ISD’s 2022 Rookie of the Year and Principal of the Year.
In front of administrators, board members and special guests from Tyler ISD, the event opened with the announcement of the District Rookie of the Year. The Rookie of the Year award recognizes a teacher who demonstrates outstanding performance and superior instructional skills during their first year of teaching. The 2022 District Rookie of the Year is Grace Anderson of Hubbard Middle School.
The Principal of the Year award honors a principal for outstanding leadership among students, staff and the community. The 2022 Principal of the Year is Geoffrey Sherman of Hubbard High School.
“Traditionally, campus teachers and principals were the most revered members of a community. And that is a tradition that has not disappeared in Tyler, Texas,” said Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. “We live in an era filled with opportunities for talented educators, so it is essential to surround them with our support and recognize their work with students.”
The president of CTCU, Tim Miller, joined Crawford on the stage to honor the 30 campus Teachers of the Year. Crawford then announced La’Shunda Wright of Andy Woods Elementary School as the District Elementary Teacher of the Year. Wright is a fourth-grade math teacher with 21 years of teaching experience.
“I think I have to start each day remembering that it’s about helping my students be the best they can be and making our campus the best place for students,” Wright said. “To teach you have to be selfless and walk in each day with a service mindset.”
Alejandra Grijalva of Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School was announced as the District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Grijalva teaches English Language Arts, Social Studies and Spanish 1 and 2 to sixth and seventh graders and has five years of teaching experience.
“Being a teacher means providing opportunities and experiences to students to help them grow as individuals and help them discover their talents and strengths,” Grijalva said. “I believe giving students a space where they can explore and engage in different activities as they learn will help them get to know themselves and the areas in which they feel strong.”
Wright and Grijalva will now compete for the Regional Teacher of the Year title through Region 7 Educational Service Center.
“Tonight is one of the many ways we can show our appreciation, advocating for Teachers of the Year district-wide, the Rookie of the Year, and our Principal of the Year,” Crawford said. “We are honored to share the name of our great city as the name of our school system and proud to present our Educators of the Year as Tyler’s Educator of the Year.”
Other sponsors of the event were Tab and Bonnie Beall and Purdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP.
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