RISD 2022-2023 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

RISD celebrated the close of the 2022-2023 school year by naming Mary Altmann and Ernie Huben as Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Middle School Teacher of the Year, respectively. Mary, a sixth-grade math and science teacher at Prestonwood Elementary, grew up in Plano and now lives in Addison with her husband, Sean. She has been teaching for eight years. Ernie is an eighth grade algebra teacher at Liberty Junior High School who lives in Richardson with his wife Janet, an instructional coach at Lake Highlands Elementary, and their two children. Ernie has been teaching for twenty-seven years.

We asked Mary and Ernie to share a bit of wisdom with us in the form of advice or stories. As you send your own children or grandchildren back to school this year, know that they are in good hands with teachers like Mary and Ernie in the classroom.

the seeds, and revel in the results. Staying in Richardson has allowed me to see the fruits of my labor, the success stories of my former students who come back to visit long after they have graduated. I never judge success by financial gains, but rather by those who do what makes them happy. I have talked to teachers, doctors, lawyers, auto mechanics, veterinarians, and more with one thing in common: they all had me as a teacher. I continually have my “George Bailey moments,” thanks to my students.

I am truly blessed to have grown up in Richardson and now make my living in some of the same schools I attended. It is an honor to give back to the community that made me feel safe, valued, loved and excited about learning, all at the same time.