Pasadena ISD hosted its 2022 Teacher of the Year celebration on Friday, May 20. With this year’s theme celebrating the 70s, one might say the event was a groovy way to honor outstanding teachers districtwide.
The awards luncheon was hosted by Superintendent of Schools Dr. DeeAnn Powell, the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees and campus development associate superintendents.
Jessica Garza, of Williams Elementary, was named the district’s Elementary Teacher of the Year and Tim Laza of South Houston High School, was honored as the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Garza was recognized as the Elementary Teacher of the Year for providing innovative curriculum and activities for teachers to use in their classrooms.
“Her teaching style is in a league of its own, but what stands out most is her heart,” said Dr. Powell.
Laza was selected as the Secondary Teacher of the Year for bringing history to life and for serving as a strong role model for many students and teachers.
“Students are actively engaged, seeking a deeper knowledge from the lessons being taught. This great teacher models what is expected in a special education partnership in the classroom,” Dr. Powell said.
Bayway Auto Group and Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, this year’s major sponsors, were in attendance at the event. GCEFCU provided each of the winners with gift baskets and Bayway Auto Group announced that they will provide Teachers of the Year winners, along with the district’s Principals of the Year (who were announced recognized earlier in the school year), Christine Coppedge and Derek Moody, with checks for $1,000.
The district Teachers of the Year will represent Pasadena ISD as they advance to the Region IV competition later this year.
The 2022 Pasadena ISD Teachers of the Year are:
New Elementary Teacher of the Year: Ambika Adimoolah, Atkinson Elementary School
New Middle School Teacher of the Year: Hurschella Dunavant, Milstead Middle School
New Intermediate Teacher of the Year: Melissa Sparks, Bondy Intermediate
New High School Teacher of the Year: Brock Wilson, Sam Rayburn High School
Elementary Teacher of the Year: Jessica Garza, Williams Elementary
Secondary Teacher of the Year: Tim Laza, South Houston High School
Other sponsors included Cristina Womack from the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, The San Jacinto Museum, The Lonestar Flight Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Check out the following link for the Teacher of the Year 2022 Photo Gallery on our SmugMug page!
Secondary Teacher of the Year, Tim Laza of South Houston High School, and Associate Superintendent Joe Saavedra.
Elementary Teacher of the Year, Jessica Garza of Williams Elementary, with Associate Superintendent Dr. Angela Stallings.