Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2024-25

EDUCATION

learning together. - Danielle Cadenhead, LCISD 2022-2023 Elementary Teacher of the Year A: If students leave my classroom with more knowledge than the day before and internalize that they are loved and capable, it has been a good day. - Simbry Wedemeyer, KISD Districtwide Rookie Teacher of the Year of Jeanette Hayes Elementary Q: What role do you believe teachers play in shaping the future of their students? A: It might sound cliche, but without the teachers, we wouldn’t have any other professions. Doctors, lawyers, athletes, mechanics…they are all who they are because they had a teacher who taught them and helped them along the way. Teachers play the most important role in shaping the future. Also, it’s not just one role they play. Teachers play multiple roles in the lives of our students. They serve as nurses, chefs, counselors, moms, dads...the list is endless. Teachers spend more hours with students sometimes than they spend at home. We must honor this work and recognize the important roles they play. - Laura Haugvoll, LCISD Elementary Principal of the Year, Beasley Elementary A: I believe teachers are the ones on the front lines, shaping the future for our students. They do all of the hard work and the rest of us are there to support them. Students in 2024 want to have positive relationships with their teachers. That is where teachers make the most difference. Students will learn anything from a teacher when they know the teacher loves them. - Mary Strickland, Ed. D, Principal at Faith West Academy A: I believe it is important to ensure students’ success in the classroom; however, I believe it is vital to help guide them beyond the classroom to ensure their success in the real world. One of the best parts of being a caseload manager is writing the transition portion of individualized education plans (IEPs). I don’t write IEPs “just to get paperwork done.” The transition portion of the IEP comes to life post-graduation. I feel rewarded for playing a role in helping students become functional citizens of society. I help students see their value by setting post-secondary goals. I hold them accountable for stepping stones in high school to meet their future goals, like coming to class on time, turning assignments in with integrity, and engaging in class discussions. All these goals keep them focused on their learning while pushing them towards authentic and applicable skills needed in their future. - Anjelica Werning, KISD

all stakeholders involved. - Hermoine Gallow, LCISD 2022-2023 Secondary Teacher of the Year A: When a student knows you love them, believe in them, and that you’re rooting for them, they believe more in themselves and their abilities. Before any major grade I assign, I guide my kiddos through a few affirmations to remind them that they are capable and they have the tools they need to be successful. A video compilation was made for Teacher Appreciation Day last year where a student was chosen to say what they appreciate about a staff member. One of my students said that I make her feel confident and loved. That moment reaffirmed that I am exactly where I’m meant to be, doing exactly what I’m meant to do – cheering my kiddos on. - Danielle Cadenhead, LCISD 2022-2023 Elementary Teacher of the Year Q: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of education? A: Influencing students and families is by far the most rewarding part. The word “influencer” has become a buzzword in modern society. As a

Q: In your opinion, what makes a successful day in the classroom? A: I work hard so students can enter and leave my classroom knowing they can make someone of themselves. My students are more willing to tackle difficult concepts because I value their success beyond the classroom. I am a resource science teacher; I understand not every one of my student’s goals is to become a scientist, but I tailor my teaching to meet their interests, strengths, and needs to make science engaging. A successful day in the classroom is when students are engaged and expressing their knowledge in creative ways. - Anjelica Werning, KISD Districtwide Rookie Teacher of the Year, Taylor High School Special Education 9-12 A: I know it was a successful day in the classroom when some learning happened, some laughter happened, and some good classroom discussions were had. A successful day looks like kids being so engaged in the read aloud that they get upset when we need to move on, and they’re left on a cliffhanger. A successful day is one in which my brain is as tired as my kids’ brains because we were working hard

principal, I like to refer to my staff as influencers. Yes, they laugh a little, but I truly believe educators have the power to influence others and help students achieve their dreams. It takes a village to raise kids, and I find it rewarding to be an influencer on that journey. – Dr. Andrew Lowry, KISD Woodcreek Junior High Principal A: Of course, it is all about the relationships with my students. So many of them are talented in so many ways. It is an honor to play a small role in their academic and personal development. - Matt Lobin, KISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, Mayde Creek High School A: Serving others and building relationships that make a difference. Both of those things are core values in my life so the opportunity to be able to serve my students, staff, parents, and community every single day is the most rewarding part of the job. The relationships I have built along the way with students, and with adults who are in the business of helping and caring for children make everything I do each day worth it. - Laura Haugvoll, LCISD Elementary Principal of the Year, Beasley Elementary

66 FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2024-25 ISSUE