.png)
April has been a rollercoaster of events for Pasadena ISD; however, the most sought-after has been The Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education (HAABE) Teacher of the Year ceremony.
With a search state-wide, Pasadena ISD is proud to announce the selection of three teachers being honored at this year's Teacher of the Year ceremony in hopes of becoming winners for the district.
This year's honorees perfectly capture the essence of excellence in Pasadena ISD.
Pasadena ISD's primary mission provides an unparalleled level of educational possibilities that encourages and prepares every student to create their own narrative by equipping them with principles and opportunity-based possibilities to lead a future of success. Take a look at the finalists below.
HAABE Pasadena ISD Teacher of the Year finalists:
- Sonja Aune: Elementary ESL - V. W. Miller Intermediate School
- Lizbeth Estrada: Bilingual - L.F. Smith Elementary School
- Monica Fernandez: Elementary ESL - Pomeroy Elementary
These three Pasadena ISD bilingual educators have continued to be a resounding force in advocating for multilingual and multicultural education as they drive the importance of maintaining a compelling language acquisition journey for entry and secondary English students in the district.
Their passion has opened a window of success not only for Miller, L.F. Smith, or Pomeroy campuses but through the entirety of Pasadena ISD, showing how a few teachers' impact can change the trajectory of a district's growth.
As time winds down, all HAABE Teacher of the Year finalists were celebrated during the 2024 HAABE TOY banquet on Saturday, April 27, from 11 am to 1 pm at the UH Hilton.
Winners were recognized and honored for their advocacy, inclusive initiatives, and unwavering support towards bilingual education in the state of Texas will be celebrated.
With much deliberation from judges and the tremendous amount of excellence spread throughout the Houston area from several teachers nominated, Pasadena ISD is proud to announce the district's very own Ms. Sonja Aune at V. W. Miller Intermediate School was announced the 2024 HAABE Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year.
Pasadena ISD Bilingual ESL and Dual Language Coordinator Ronaldo Merchan celebrates as he highlights PISD finalists: "When evaluating the nominees, we looked for stellar teachers who are engaged in expanding the cultural language dynamic in the district. All three finalists are dedicated, which is what our ESL program should be for the kids in Pasadena ISD".