Lubbock Christian University’s (LCU) School of Education in partnership with The Knowledge Center, Inc. are honored to make their yearly recognition of distinguished educators from Lubbock County. This year, seven outstanding educators were recognized, and two of those individuals received the LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching at a reception on Tuesday, April 11, on LCU campus.

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. World events in recent years have made the need to appreciate and encourage teachers even more evident. 

Area superintendents nominated a teacher to represent their district, and these individuals responded to reflective questions addressing practice and service to their students, campus, and district. 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.  

2023 Distinguished Educators of Lubbock County and LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching Finalists are:

• Sandy Carr, Lorenzo ISD, 7^th-12^th Life Skills
• Carlos Cortez, Abernathy ISD, 9^th-12 math
• Melissa Grimes, Roosevelt ISD, 8^th grade history
• Randa Hughes, Lubbock ISD, Kindergarten
• Trey Ogletree, Frenship ISD, 6^th grade math
• Heather Tressler, Lubbock-Cooper ISD, 6^th-8^th RLA Resource
• Becky Woodell, Idalou ISD, 1^st-12^th Dyslexia Therapist/5^th-6^th G/T

A community panel reviewed the responses and selected the top two recipients of the LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching. The awardees were Sandy Carr, of Lorenzo ISD, and Trey Ogletree, of Frenship ISD.

Sandy Carr earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology at the University of North Texas and teacher certification through ESC Region 18. She also earned a master’s degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Carr worked as a Nonviolent Crisis Interventionist for several years and as a Special Education Instruction Coordinator providing training to teachers, parents, and paraprofessionals. She volunteers as a Special Olympics Coach for bowling, basketball, and track, and currently serves as the teacher for 7^th-12^th grade Special Education Life Skills in Lorenzo ISD. Carr’s superintendent is Kayla Morrison, and her principal is Jessica Crabb. 

Carr's EPEC Director Kris Lamm states, “Sandy Carr is an absolute gem as an educator. Since I have worked with Ms. Carr over the last five years, one of the greatest attributes I have witnessed is how she genuinely loves and cares deeply for all her students. She is 100% committed to ensuring the students are met where they are academically and socially. Because of this, I have observed every student she teaches transform as a learner, and more importantly a positive contributor to our society. We are beyond blessed to get to have Ms. Carr as a teacher in our community, and our students are so fortunate to have her as their teacher and advocate.”

Trey Ogletree earned a bachelor's degree in Exercise & Sports Science at Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership at LCU. Ogletree began his career as a 4^th grade interventionist at Centennial Elementary School in Lubbock ISD. He then taught 4^th grade math at Centennial and Miller Elementary Schools and math at McCool Academy in Lubbock ISD. He currently teaches math at Heritage Middle School in Frenship ISD. Ogletree has served as a mentor to high school students in the Ready, Set, Teach Program and a Site Supervisor for clinical teachers in the Tech Teach Program while also serving as the Campus Academic Leader for math. He has also shared teaching tips through the Knowledge Nuggets video series sponsored by the Knowledge Center and coaches UIL Number Sense. Ogletree’s superintendent is Dr. Michele McCord, and his principal is Chelsea Campbell. 

Ogletree's principal, Chelsea Campbell, states, “Trey treats each one of his students with great dignity and respect. He has helped us create a positive environment that is centered around serving our students and community. Trey is dedicated and compassionate. In Trey’s classroom, each person’s ideas and opinions are valued. Students feel safe expressing their feelings and learn to respect and listen to others. He creates a welcoming learning environment for all students, and student growth is always at the forefront of his plans. Trey has been revered as a fantastic teammate. He is always exceptional in everything he does. His quick wit, attention to detail, and loyalty to his students have endeared him to his colleagues. He is a true champion for education with a tireless commitment to serving our students.”

Director of Graduate Education for LCU, Dr. Sam Ayers, shared, “It is an honor to have served the Lubbock community as a public-school teacher and school administrator. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to recognize Lubbock area educators who represent the best in teaching and learning in their school districts.”

The speaker for the reception was LCU alum Brittany Michaleson, who serves as an Anchor, Producer, and Reporter for KCBD-Channel 11 and KJTV-Fox 34. The recipients of the LCU Award for Excellence in Teaching for 2023 each received $1,000 and all nominated teachers received $100 and an engraved brass teacher handbell. HEB was the corporate sponsor for this event.

Learn more about the LCU School of Education.