Trinity University recognized 14 teachers from the San Antonio area for outstanding performance in public education by receiving the 2024 Trinity University Prize for Excellence in Teaching at a special ceremony on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Laurie Auditorium on the University's campus.
These committed educators were chosen by their school district for their commitment and passion for education. Among the criteria for inclusion on the list are outstanding classroom performance, leadership in the school and school district, leadership in the education profession, and outstanding service.
"This is a joyful celebration for us each year at Trinity when we come together to honor these distinguished educators and to celebrate all of our teachers and the essential role they play in this community, our state, our nation, and in the world," said Angela Breidenstein '91, M'92, Ed.D., professor and chair of Trinity's Department of Education. "I'm immensely proud of Trinity for a 43-year tradition of honoring the profession of teaching and honoring teachers from across our city and region."
Thanks to the generosity of Whataburger through their "Feeding Student Success" program, the winners of this year's prize each received a $1,000 cash prize, a $300 Amazon gift card to use for classroom supplies, a $350 Amazon gift card for a student organization or effort of their choice at their school or in the community that supports diversity and inclusion in education, and a Whataburger gift box, including free Whataburger for a year. Whataburger also provided the event catering, which the teachers and their guests immensely enjoyed. Trinity alumni, now working at Whataburger, joined the celebration to support the honorees.
The honorees also received a crystal apple engraved with their name as a gift from Trinity and a City of San Antonio commendation from Mayor Ron Nirenberg '99, stating, "This honor is a testament to your outstanding performance in public education and the positive impact you have on your students."
Rebecka Peterson, the 2023 National Teacher of the Year, served as keynote speaker for the ceremony. "Every day may not be good, but there's one good thing in every day … when we take time to notice the good [in our students], the good becomes better," shared Peterson. "Lean into your exponential power by locking arms together because the only way our kids win is when we lock arms … equity cannot happen without public education, and public education cannot happen without you. You and I believe in the mission of education to dismantle marginalization, eliminate systemic inequities, and end generational poverty."
The Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching is affiliated with the Department of Education's Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), which was established in 1982 when the first Trinity Prize was awarded. Since then, the CEL has provided thought leadership, innovative leadership programs, and professional development for the school districts.
For more information, contact Trinity's Department of Education at 210-999-7501.
2024 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching Honorees
- Alamo Heights Independent School District
Kevin Criss
Cambridge Elementary School
Subject: Physical Education- East Central Independent School District
Deena L. Ford
Legacy Middle School
Subject: 6th Grade Math- Edgewood Independent School District
Sylvia Patricia Celestino
Roy Cisneros Leadership School for Boys
Subject: 4th Grade all subjects in English- Ft. Sam Houston Independent School District
Shatonya Marie King
Fort Sam Houston COOP
Subject: Self-Contained Special Education- Harlandale Independent School District
David Cruz
Schulze Elementary School
Subject: 3rd & 5th Grade Math and Science- Judson Independent School District
Ashley Brady
Candlewood Elementary School
Subject: 5th Grade- Lackland Independent School District
Blanca Sanchez
Lackland Elementary School
Subject: Math Resource- North East Independent School District
Jennifer M. Wulff
Bradley Middle School
Subject: GT/Honors Geometry, Algebra I, 7th grade HAM and 6th Grade Teacher- Northside Independent School District
Rachel Marie Lantz
Ed Cody Elementary School
Subject: Academic Support Teacher- San Antonio Independent School District
Sharon Alvarez Martinez
Agnes Cotton Academy
Subject: 3rd Grade Dual Language- Somerset Independent School District
Paula Rodriguez
Barrera Veterans Elementary School
Subject: 3rd Grade Dual Language- South San Antonio Independent School District
Salena Rose Sanchez
Armstrong Elementary School
Subject: 4th Grade ELAR- Southwest Independent School District
Jorge Alvarez-Luna
Bob Hope Elementary School
Subject: 4th Grade Dual Language- Winston School San Antonio
Sabrina S. Archer
The Winston School
Subject: Kindergarten /1st Grade
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