Articles
Each year, Humanities Texas presents statewide awards to recognize Texas classroom teachers who have made exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development, and extracurricular programming. We are pleased to feature three 2024 Outstanding Teaching Award recipients and their award presentations. Each award winner received $5,000, with an additional $1,000 for their schools to support further excellence in the instruction of the humanities.
Read more about these amazing Texas teachers, and stay tuned for upcoming newsletter features on our other winners!
Monica Alvarez Suárez, PSJA Memorial Early College High School, Alamo
On October 25, 2024, Texas State Senator Morgan LaMantia presented Monica Alvarez Suárez with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a presentation at PSJA Memorial Early College High School in Alamo.
Suárez, who is in her seventh year of teaching, currently teaches a dual language Mexican American studies course that she developed with the school district. A key element of her teaching practice is creating activities that foster cooperative learning and discussions that allow students to make relevant connections to real world issues.
"It has been proven that the humanities foster critical thinking skills and enhance collaboration and communication in the classroom," Suárez said. "They also promote ethical judgment, foster empathy and understanding of different perspectives and cultures, and create a sense of community and social responsibility with worldwide issues."
"Monica is a dynamic scholar, poet, and teacher leading the way in dual language education and Mexican American studies here in the Rio Grande Valley," said Emmy Pérez, creative writing professor at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. "Her innovative teaching methods are sure to become a national model of success once more people find out about them."
Tyler Clements, Spring Branch Middle School, Spring Branch
On November 20, 2024, Humanities Texas Director of Grants Marco Buentello presented Tyler Clements with an Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award during a presentation at TMI Episcopal in San Antonio.
Clements, who was at Spring Branch Middle School when nominated for his award, is currently in his twelfth year of teaching both U.S. and Texas history. Seeing his students as "historians-in-training," Clements asks them to interact with dynamic materials to learn about the state's physical and cultural geographies and travel back to the mission system in Texas. His teaching style emphasizes hands-on activities, such as milling corn, learning Spanish, and exploring the architecture of the time.
"An education in the humanities serves the entire mind and soul. It prepares students to see beyond themselves and into the world around them. It teaches the value of people. Humanities education opens horizons and perspectives for learners to engage in democracy as a global citizen," Clements wrote.
"Mr. Clements pushes colleagues by leading professional development" said Spring Branch Middle School Principal Sally Bratton, "[He brings] new ideas not only to his classroom but to all classes on campus by applying for and winning grants that benefit every teacher and student."
Julia Mixon, Aldine Middle School, Houston
On November 19, 2024, Humanities Texas Exhibitions Curator Jenny Peterson, Humanities Texas Board Member Elizabeth Chapman, and Gloria Moreno, district director for Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, presented Julia Mixon with an Award for Outstanding Early-Career Teaching during a presentation at Aldine ISD’s M. B. “Sonny” Donaldson Administration Building in Houston.
Mixon, who is in her third year of teaching English language arts, is an exceptional teacher whose commitment to her students' success goes beyond the classroom. Mixon has created a classroom environment where every student feels valued, with a particular emphasis on supporting those with learning disabilities and language barriers. A notable example of her impact is her creation of personalized "student success plans" for students facing difficult home situations, which not only provides them with individualized tutoring outside of the classroom but has also led to significant academic growth, including a 55 percent improvement on her students' State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Reading tests.
When describing her efforts to instill a love of learning in her students, Mixon said, "Watching students gain confidence in their reading and writing abilities makes me prouder than I can ever explain. With a little encouragement, care, and hard work, there is no limit for their future accomplishments!"
"What truly sets Ms. Mixon apart is her unwavering commitment to making personal connections with her students to ensure that each student reaches their full potential," said Alicia Lewis, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Aldine Middle School. "She truly embodies the qualities and values this award seeks to honor."