The Lubbock Christian University School of Education and The Knowledge Center, Inc. annually recognizes eleven distinguished educators in the Lubbock area. Two of those eleven educators will be announced as recipients of the Lubbock Christian University Award for Excellence in Teaching at a reception on Tuesday, April 13.
The award is presented annually to remarkable educators in recognition of their diligent efforts in educating tomorrow's generations and as encouragement for the tangible impact they make through the long hours and dedicated commitment to their students. The award ceremony was hosted virtually last year, but this spring it will be held face-to-face in a reception to honor the nominees.
Dr. David Boyer, dean of the LCU School of Education, said, "As we emerge from the most challenging year in recent memory, the nation has again recognized some of the most valuable and essential professions in this country. Teachers continue to shine in the midst of it all, and we are so proud to honor these often-unsung heroes."
Area school superintendents nominated the distinguished educators for their commitment and passion for teaching and learning. Among the nomination criteria were student performance, knowledge of the subject matter, instructional resources and technology, leadership in the school and the school district, professional development, and community service.
The finalists for the 2021 Lubbock Christian University Award for Excellence in Teaching were:
- Britni Bermea- 3rd-grade math, Smyer Elementary School in Smyer ISD
- Kristi Ethridge- PreK, Roosevelt Elementary School in Roosevelt ISD
- Liz Gilliam, 6th-7th grade social studies, Slaton junior high School in Slaton ISD
- Hollie Hendrix, 3rd grade, Lubbock-Cooper West Elementary School in Lubbock-Cooper ISD
- Cindy Kohutek, 6th-8th special education, Ralls Middle School in Ralls ISD
- Robert Nuñez, 5th-grade Dual language, Willow Bend Elementary School in Frenship ISD
- Angie Redwine, math, Abernathy High School in Abernathy ISD
- Jenny Rosetta, kindergarten, Centennial Elementary School in Lubbock ISD
- Margaret Shipley, 1st grade, Idalou Elementary School in Idalou ISD
- Raye Gail Wallace, 3rd-5th ELAR, Lorenzo Elementary School in Lorenzo ISD
- Shannon Williams, 5th-grade math, Shallowater Middle School in Shallowater ISD
Dr. Sam Ayers, Director for The Knowledge Center and LCU Associate Professor, said, "The Distinguished Educators recognition was initiated in 2014 to honor outstanding Lubbock area
teachers and to focus positive attention on educators and the teaching profession. It is an honor to play a small part in recognizing the incredible work of our area educators."
At the reception on Tuesday, the LCU School of Education will announce the top two teachers, as determined by a community panel. These two teachers will receive the Lubbock Christian University Award for Excellence in Teaching with $1,000. All of the nominees will receive an engraved brass teacher handbell and $100. The corporate sponsor for this initiative is HEB.
Learn more about the LCU School of Education.
