On the field at Minute Maid Park

Being on a professional baseball field was not something I ever dreamt of doing, yet I found myself standing on the Minute Maid field with about 30 other Teacher's of the Year. What an awestruck moment to walk through the same hallways the players walk through and onto the soft green grass. I remembered waiting in those hallways with Greg for Tampa Bay pitcher Jeff Neimann, but now I was able to keep walking on my own reward. Scanning the audience for my supporters, Mom, Amy, Andrew and Sharon, they snapped pictures. I somehow became a "line leader" and in rows of two, made my way towards home plate. As we smiled and waved while the announcer explained our reason for being on the field (no one was really listening, who listens to those things) the camera scanned the lines projecting us onto the JUMBO TV in outfield. I couldn't help but look to see if I was up there and sure enough, there I was smiling back. What an out of the park experience!

Crystal Award

The intercom at school announced the faculty needed to gather in the community center real quick because the principal needed to talk with us. (announcements like this always leave us on edge with imaginations of the worst possible situations) In my head I was thinking maybe she wanted to give an announcement about the recent TAKS scores. Since the meeting was going to be quick, we didn't sit at the tables and she started by saying the Houston Chronicle had called a few minutes before to announce that one of our own had been announced as one of four Crystal Award winners. She turned and looked straight at me. "No way," I thought "this can't be possible, you have GOT to be kidding!" This award is given by the Houston Chronicle to outstanding teachers, and my name had been submitted by the PTA president. So for a second time in one year, my mind tried to process how just doing my job had turned into this grander of recognition. After 31 years of comparing myself to my brother and sister's athletic trophies, God was having me realize that He calls us to where He wants us and equips us for His purposes. I truly love teaching and have desired to serve Him in this area with my whole heart. The trophies that I longed for growing up, have come in different shapes and sizes, but only after I have learned that God treasures me more than any trophy that could identify me as valuable.

After six years as a 4th team, this was such a special moment to have them all there to celebrate with me.

My cousin Brian and I had the same 9th and 10th grade English teacher. She had a huge impact on how I challenge students to reach for high exceptations, so it was an honor to have her with me.
This memory can not be described in words because family is so important to me. Support and love are words that hardly seem adaquate. At this point trophies no longer seemed important because to be recognized in such a way with those who love you through the good and ugly days was monumental to who I have become as a person. Thank you Dad, Mom, Amy, Erin, Phillip, and Andrew who I know would have been there if you could!

Cool slide show they played as they read about my accomplishments as a teacher.

Region 4 District Teacher of the Year Dinner

Region 4 Dinner for all of the District Teacher of the Year winners. We were presented with a nice trophy..of course it has an apple on it.



Valerie, my principal. It's always an honor to be supported by your administration.

And even more of a blessing to have your parents support you!

Spring Branch ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

Desert had come, we had finished the meal, listened to last year winners give speeches and now were waiting for the announcement of the Elementary and Secondary district winners for Teachers of the Year. Although desert looked amazing, my stomach was filled with butterflies as they played the video of pictures and comments from the finalist. Like a RED Carpet moment, our Superintendent opened the envelope, paused to glance at the name and read the winner of the Elementary District Teacher of the Year is Lisa Luce. You know that moment when you think you heard something, but it seems too big to believe...that's what happened. I was still unsure my name had been read, why would they pick me? But as my principal, math SIS and mom turned to congratulate me, I knew it was real! Trying to appear calm, I walked up to the stage to receive my apple trophy and thank the committee for choosing me. Desert was so much sweeter as I sat thinking what an honor!

Sasha(math SIS), Me, Valerie (Principal)

The year of flowers

I wrote a month ago about these beautiful flowers I kept receiving and wanted to post pictures of two more from parents of students in my class. Amazing how flowers can brighten your day!

And now I'm a Spring Branch ISD finalist

Thanks to everyone who has given such warm wishes for my recent teacher of the year award. More excitement this week as I received an email congratulating me on becoming one of the Spring Branch ISD finalist. I will go to the district office along with 5 other winners for an interview on Wednesday. The person voted for this will become the teacher of the year for the district and then move onto interview for the region.