Pasadena ISD names Teachers of the Year

Pasadena ISD names Teachers of the Year
Posted on 05/28/2019
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By: Jade Wise
Pasadena ISD Communications



Pasadena Memorial’s Kevin Ackerman and Schneider’s Juliette Broussard were recently named Pasadena ISD’s 2019 Teachers of the Year during a luncheon celebration at the Lewis Career and Technical High School.

“It’s an incredible feeling (to be named) and I didn’t expect it because there are so many people in the district who could receive this honor,” said Ackerman. “The district has done so much for me and to help me become who I am. I’m so happy to be doing what I’m doing and this is just icing on top of the one of the best cakes ever.”

Broussard added, “Receiving this award means the world to me. It feels great and it encourages me to strive for even more.”

The two educators were also surprised with a free vehicle to drive for the summer, courtesy of Bayway Auto Group. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you Bayway,” said Broussard. “I hope your business prospers because of the seeds you are planting.

Ackerman, a father of three, also expressed his gratitude to Bayway for the generous gift that will benefit him and his family. 

“I am just speechless at the kindness and love that this community has for its teachers,” said Ackerman. “To know that there are people out there that are willing to do things like this for us is remarkable.”

Pasadena ISD also recognized the Teachers of the Year for each of the district’s 67 campuses, along with New Teachers of the Year: Kortnie Rieck, Red Bluff Elementary; Brenda Del Valle, Fred Roberts Middle School; Cindy Allen, San Jacinto Intermediate School; Josh Prater, Sam Rayburn High School.

“When we looked at our winners, we could find essays written by their principals with information gathered from their peers,” said Rhonda Parmer, Associate Superintendent for Campus Development. “What made them stand out is that they are not just teachers of content. These teachers go above and beyond to reach students, to understand them and their individual strengths and needs, meet their families, go to their homes and are involved in extracurricular activities. They are amazing, every single one of them brought a tear to our eye as we were reading the applications.” 

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 principal nominates the campus teacher of the year and a committee votes on an elementary/middle and a secondary teacher to represent the district at the regional level. An event to honor the regional teachers of the year will be held in the fall.