Pearl Hall Elementary music teacher Jami Lupold has been named one of six finalists for the Texas Teacher of the Year Award, to be presented in October by the Texas Association of School Administrators.
  Earlier this month, Lupold was named Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year, the first Pasadena ISD teacher in 16 years to win that honor.
  The state Teacher of the Year Award is the highest honor that can bestowed upon an educator in Texas.
  "We are so proud of Jami," Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis said. "She has represented our district well."
  A member of the Pearl Hall faculty for the past 13 years, Lupold has collaborated with a variety of organizations, including NASA, the Houston Symphony, the Society for the Performing Arts and the Houston Friends of Music on numerous projects that have had a major impact on both her students and the community.
  Jami and her mother, with whom she team teaches, established the "Building Cultural Bridges" program at Pearl Hall. The program has drawn numerous musicians, astronauts and scientists from around the globe to the campus to share their stories and expertise with students.
  Eight years ago they added music and technology specialist, Seth Fewell to their team bringing a much more sophisticated level of technology to the school.
  The Texas Teacher of the Year program annually recognizes and rewards "teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching."
  Texas Teachers of the Year serve as traveling ambassadors for public education and for the teaching profession. They set their own schedule of speeches and workshops while continuing to teach.
  They make presentations to a variety of groups, including community and business leaders, government officials, other teachers and future teachers, often for recruiting purposes.
  The winner will attend all National Teacher of the Year activities and be recognized by the State Board of Education, the Texas Legislature and the TASA. The winner will also serve on the Educator Leadership Council and will be eligible for additional technology or scholarship awards from program sponsors.