HEB Excellence committee names two KISD Teachers State-Wide Semifinalists |
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Third grade teacher Sandra Klein from Tom Daniels Elementary School and B.T. Wilson Sixth Grade science teacher, Suzie Robinett, were selected by the H-E-B Excellence in Education Committee as state-wide semifinalists. The two teachers were chosen from 1,200 applicants in this annual competition for public school educators. Sandra Klein was named a state-wide semifinalist in the Rising Star category. This level recognizes teachers with one to ten years of classroom experience. Klein has been teaching third grade students at Tom Daniels Elementary School since 1998. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio and she holds a Masters in Education from Schreiner University. Says Klein, “To me, teaching is like conducting. The students are the musicians, the parents and administrators and support staff much like “behind the scenes” people and the season ticket holders. Together we play sweet music when I lead them to play their own instruments, despite the differences in socioeconomic levels, family units, race, religion, or ability. Being a part of this orchestra allows us to bask in the spotlight of both individuality and teamwork.” Suzie Robinett was named as a semifinalist in the Leadership category. This level recognizes teachers with 10-20 years of classroom experience. Robinett has been teaching in the Hill Country since 1989 and currently teaches at B.T. Wilson. For the past 13 years she has taught sixth grade science and has extensive training in school safety, currently serving as the District Assistant Director of Safety. Robinett represented KISD at the National Safety Summit in Washington, D.C. in 2004 and the National Emergency Response and Crisis Management Conference in Washington, D.C and in San Francisco, CA in 2005. Robinett is a graduate of Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado. Says Robinett, “Teaching, and my students, has taught me far more than I ever expected. I have learned to look for the diamond in the rough. Sometimes a simple act of kindness and compassion is all it takes to let kids know that someone believes in them.” Created in 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. As described in the application, “H-E-B pays tribute to educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.” Teachers are nominated by the public in the fall and must complete an extensive application for submission in January. All regional finalists or semifinalsts were announced in April. Both Klein and Robinett received a Certificate of Excellence and $250 from H-E-B. For more information on the award process, visit their website at www.heb.com. For information on the KISD staff selections, contact Lisa Winters, KISD Public Information Specialist at (830) 257-2200, ext. 233. Photos attached (by Lisa Winters) |
