IN THE CLASSROOM

Continued from page 11 world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.’ That’s what we do as teachers. We make an impact together and create ripples in our students’ lives so that they will continue to have the desire and want for learning.”

Growing up in poverty in rural Arkansas, Tiffany Ryals said she needed school to meet her emotional, social and academic needs. After a teacher made her feel valued, Ryals says she grew up believing she could be someone important. That desire led her to become a teacher so every child could see their importance and worth.

“I am a first-generation high school graduate and the first in my family to receive a master’s degree,” Ryals says. “Through my example, I aim to inspire new generations of students to overcome generational poverty.”

After eight years in education, including time as a classroom teacher in grades 2-5, Ryals has found her calling as a school librarian, making it her mission to ensure every student learns to love reading. “Being a school librarian is the most magical and rewarding profession I could have ever dreamed of,” she says. “Instead of teaching 44 students a week, I reach 500.”

She also serves as a dyslexia interventionist for Humphrey’s Highland Elementary in Amarillo ISD, which is a Title I duallanguage campus, and teaches STEAM classes daily.

“A day in our library might include playing a ‘Floor is Lava’ directional coding game or experimenting with erupting clay volcanoes,” she says. “There is no better feeling than seeing students jumping up and down, unable to contain their excitement as they walk toward the library. Nothing is better than library day; I get to provide that every single day.”

Ryals is passionate about foundational literacy and utilizing STEAM education to ensure students can develop skills needed to be successful and competitive in a future workforce. But, she says, it can be challenging to always be on her “A” game to keep students engaged.

“Young children deserve happy teachers who are passionate about their jobs,” she says. “Whenever I don’t feel this way, I think back to my theater days in high school and I prepare for a performance. My classroom becomes a stage, and I aim to deliver the best performance possible.”

She also turns to other teachers on her campus when she needs help. “Teaching different grade levels allowed me to build relationships with many amazing educators around my school. When I have a problem, I need to talk through, I have an arsenal of talented and experienced teachers at my disposal.”

Ryals says one of the reasons she became a teacher is the vast opportunities to continuously grow as a learner. “It’s as easy as picking up a book, attending a local workshop, following other great teachers on social media, observing local teachers, or reading up on the latest in educational research,” she says. “What other careers offer as many opportunities for you to develop into the best version of yourself?”

Patricia Villarreal

“Being named Region 15’s Teacher of the Year was surprising and exciting for me, but being selected and named Region 15’s Teacher of the Year twice, 10 years apart, was like being struck by lightning — unbelievable and nearly impossible. I am extremely humbled by these honorable accolades, especially knowing the caliber of teachers that work alongside me on my campus, district and region every day.”

2023 Region 15 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Current job: Fifth grade teacher at Lamar Elementary School in San Felipe-Del Rio CISD

TCTA member for 26 years

Education: Associate’s degree, Southwest Texas Junior College; Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Sul Ross State University

Certifications held: Elementary Reading (1-8), Elementary Self-Contained (1-8)

Growing up, Brittany Wright had little interest in following her mother’s footsteps to become a teacher. She was passionate about marketing and public relations.

But when she realized she could teach students about marketing, Wright found her true calling.

“The opportunity to provide real-world information and experiences to high school students who may not otherwise have had the opportunity makes the shift into teaching much more meaningful,” she says.

Wright has spent the past 10 years in the classroom, teaching marketing and serving as a DECA adviser at Lubbock-Cooper High School in Lubbock-Cooper ISD. She is also the District 8 Director for DECA, a co-curricular

Tiffany Ryals

“A ‘good teacher’ is someone who connects with individual students and strives to deliver the best instruction that meets the needs of all learners. Our schools are full of good teachers who dedicate themselves to their students and I wish they could all receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve. I am incredibly honored to represent this profession.”

2023 Region 16 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Current job: Librarian at Humphrey’s Highland Elementary School in Amarillo ISD

TCTA member for 2 years

Education: Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, West Texas A&M University; Master’s in Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman’s University

Certifications held: EC-6 Generalist, English as a Second Language, School Librarian (EC-12) program that prepares high school and college students to become leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

She loves seeing her students succeed. “My favorite moments are watching students walk across the stage at a DECA competition, realizing their hard work has afforded them a big trip to the national stage,” she says. She also loves seeing them cross the stage on graduation day. “I cherish the long hug from each one and hold the happy tears back as best I can as we say our last goodbyes.”

Her students are her motivation.

“I have a folder and drawer of kind letters and notes from students in previous classes,” Wright says. “In my most challenging times, I go back and read them. Every time they

Brittany Wright

“Many other teachers deserve this award as much, if not more, than myself. As a CTE teacher receiving this award, it means so much. I feel honored and humbled to have the opportunity to spotlight just one of the MANY exceptional programs our Texas public schools offer students in CTE programs.”

2023 Region 17 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Current job: Marketing teacher and DECA adviser at Lubbock-Cooper High School in Lubbock-Cooper ISD

TCTA member for 9 years

Education: Bachelor’s in Public Relations with a minor in Business, Texas Tech University; currently working on a master’s in Strategic Communications and Innovation at Texas Tech

Certifications held: Generalist (4-8), Art (EC-12), Family and Consumer Science (6-12), Marketing Education (8-12) make me smile or help shed a tear to move on to the next moment the day throws at me.”

Wright encourages other teachers to focus on building relationships with students.

“They all have stories, and their stories are defining,” she says. “Allow them to have a voice in their learning and make it real-world and meaningful.”

Doing that has helped her get through the many obstacles and roadblocks she encounters.

“Teaching takes work,” she says, but following her heart and working with her colleagues has brought her joy.

“It takes a team of teachers to create an environment where students can thrive, and I believe our students come to school for our programs in the CTE departments.”