Pasadena ISD honors Teachers of the Year at annual luncheon
Posted on 05/11/2018
by Dwight Henson
PISD Communications
Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees and administrative leaders honored the district’s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year – Parks Elementary’s Mary Owens and Miller Intermediate’s Nicole Bhuyan, respectively.
The teachers were recognized during a luncheon celebration marking the end of Teacher Appreciation Week. The meal was catered by CTHS’ award-winning culinary arts program in the school’s dining hall.
Owens, who teaches first grade, expressed disbelief when presented the accolade. “I’m speechless and I’m never speechless. I work really hard and I love my children and it just feels good to be recognized,” said Owens.
Parks Principal Frances Burley beamed with pride after Owens received the award.
“I’m so proud that Mary won because she truly deserves it,” said Burley. “If a kid comes to her not able to read, they’re going to be reading way above grade level when they leave her classroom.”
Bhuyan, social studies teacher, was also in disbelief upon accepting the award. “I am shocked because this district is full of amazing teachers. I don’t think I’m special. I just do a job,” Bhuyan said.
However, Miller Intermediate Principal Mikie Escamilla was quick to disagree with her.
“She’s done a lot of work outside of her classroom,” said Escamilla. “When we had the storm at the beginning of the year, for example, she took it upon herself to mobilize the resources that were available to her to help the community. She’s a leader on our campus and in our community.”
Pasadena ISD also recognized the Teachers of the Year for each of the district’s 67 campuses, along with New Teachers of the Year: Rosa Perales, Matthys Elementary; Susie Nguyen, Roberts Middle School; Samantha Payne, South Houston Intermediate; Jose Alvarez, Lewis Career and Technical High School.
The Teacher of the Year program annually honors teachers statewide who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in education. This recognition is considered the highest honor the state can bestow upon a teacher.
Each PISD campus selects a campus teacher of the year and a committee votes on two elementary and secondary teachers to represent the district at the regional level. An event to honor the regional teachers of the year will be held in the fall.
See our Facebook album for more pictures from the event.
Parks Elementary teacher Mary Owens is named PISD Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Miller Intermediate teacher Nicole Bhuyan is named PISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.
(from left): Superintendent of Schools Dr. DeeAnn Powell, Parks Elementary teacher Mary Owens, Parks Elementary Principal Frances Burley
(from left): Miller Intermediate Principal Mikie Escamilla, Miller Intermediate teacher Nicole Bhuyan
