By: Kadey Heidrich
PISD Communications
As social distancing measures due to the coronavirus pandemic continue, this year Pasadena ISD chose to host its Teachers of the Year celebration in an unconventional way-- virtually using Zoom.
The annual awards celebration, hosted by Superintendent of Schools Dr. DeeAnn Powell and the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees, celebrates PISD educators who are uniquely dedicated to excellence in their profession.
Superintendent Powell kicked off the event by acknowledging the changes in this year’s awards banquet.
“We wish we could be together in person, but this is a different time,” said Superintendent Powell. “We’re going to celebrate and honor our teachers in a new way.”
Julia Montes, a Literacy Peer Facilitator at Matthys Elementary was chosen as the Elementary Teacher of the Year and Susie Haas, a science teacher at Thompson Intermediate was chosen as the Secondary Teacher of the Year.
”We all love Susie. She has created life long bonds with her students,” said Thompson Intermediate principal Tannis Griffin. “She is one in a million and I am so thankful and blessed that I have the privilege to work alongside her.”
Teachers of the Year Montes and Haas will represent Pasadena ISD as they advance to the Region IV competition later in the year.
“On behalf of the Board and myself, we appreciate all of the phenomenal things you have done,” said PISD Board of Trustees President Marshall Kendrick to the nominees. “We appreciate your care. Thank you for your drive and dedication, we know you are giving us your very best.”
Despite the changes in the format of the event, many members of the PISD community were in attendance to support the nominees. This year’s event sponsors, Bayway Auto Group and Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union joined on the call, as well.
GCEFCU provided each of the winners with gift baskets and Bayway Auto Group announced that they will provide Teachers of the Year winners, Montes and Haas, with a Jeep or Ram for their personal throughout the summer. As an extra bonus in this time of crisis, Bayway Auto group will also provide a special discount to PISD employees who purchase a vehicle from them.
“We’re excited to honor these incredible teachers,” said Linda Wischnewsky of Bayway. “We take great pride in being part of the PISD family.”
The 2020 Pasadena ISD Teachers of the Year are:
-Elementary New Teacher of the Year: Belinda Arredondo, Music teacher at Pomeroy Elementary School.
-Middle School New Teacher of the Year: Mary Purvis, sixth-grade English and Language Arts teacher at Lomax Middle School
-Intermediate School New Teacher of the Year: Jose Lozano, English and Language Arts teacher at Thomspon Intermediate.
-High School New Teacher of the Year: Jacqueline Ordaz, Special Education and Teen Leadership at Sam Rayburn High School.
-Elementary Teacher of the Year: Julia Montes, Literacy Peer Facilitator at Matthys Elementary
-Secondary Teacher of the Year: Susie Haas, Science Teacher at Thompson Intermediate School