Red Bluff Elementary’s Samantha Cortez selected as ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month
Red Bluff Elementary’s Samantha Cortez selected as ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month
Samantha Cortez, a bilingual third-grade teacher at Red Bluff Elementary, was recently selected as the ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month.
ConocoPhillips has partnered with the Houston Astros to recognize six teachers during this year’s baseball season. Teachers were nominated and then selected based on several factors including the educator’s leadership skills, use of traditional and non-traditional teaching tools and commitment to excellence in mathematics.
Cortez was nominated for the award by Janet Nuzzie, a math specialist for Pasadena ISD. Cortez was selected out of 500 entries to receive the title.
“I nominated Ms. Cortez for many reasons,” said Nuzzie. “She has an extensive resume of experiences working to support the young mathematicians on her campus and in our district. She has also worked to provide support for educators within and outside of Pasadena ISD.”
After Cortez learned of her selection, she was shocked and excited.
“I’m a huge Astros fan,” said Cortez. “I wanted to cry. I was so excited!”
As a winning teacher, Cortez will receive the following:
-pre-game recognition and stadium tour;
-up to 10 game tickets
-virtual school appearance by Orbit, the Astros’ mascot;
-$1,000 donation to her school;
-$100 gift card for classroom supplies;
-ConocoPhillips and Houston Astros gift package;
-pre-game radio interview;
-and recognition on the ConocoPhillips website.
As one of the finalists, Cortez will also have the opportunity to take a trip to Florida to watch the Astros during their spring training.