Seventeen teachers from the local San Antonio area were recognized for outstanding performance in public education by receiving the 2021 Trinity University Prize in Education at a special limited in-person, socially-distanced presentation 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 is 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 get to come together to honor these distinguished educators and to celebrate all of our teachers and the essential role that they play in this community, our state, our nation, and in the world,” said Angela Breidenstein, Ed.D. professor and chair of Trinity’s Department of Education. “For the last year–through the pandemic–we recognize and honor all educators who, in the face of challenge, rose up and responded to the call for our profession to step up in even more integral, responsive, inventive, and needed ways.”
Each recipient was presented with a traditional Tiffany & Co. crystal apple engraved with their name and a City of San Antonio proclamation signed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg ’99. In addition, the Whataburger Foundation, the Trinity Prize event sponsor, presented each teacher with a $500 cash prize to help offset personal costs in their classroom, a $150 Amazon gift card for classroom resources and supplies, a $250 cash award (or Amazon gift card) for a student organization or effort of their choice that supports inclusion and diversity, along with Whataburger coupons for their students and schools.
Trinity Vice President for Academic Affairs Deneese Jones, Ph.D., offered a hearty congratulations to all the honorees. “Through the selection process, you have been deemed worthy of these recognitions and awards so go ahead and bask in the appreciation and acknowledgement of a job well done. Today is not the day for you to be shy; instead, kick up your heels and soar with the realization that you have made a difference!”
During the ceremony, the 2020 National Teacher of the Year, Tabatha Rosporoy, delivered the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching lecture. Rosporoy, who is from Winfield, Kansas, has used her platform to promote the importance of early childhood education and the need for social-emotional learning for all students.
The Trinity Prize in Teaching Excellence is affiliated with the Department of Education’s Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), which was established in 1982, the same year the first the 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.
2021 Trinity Prize in Teaching Excellence Honorees:
Alamo Heights Independent School District
Bryan Stanton
Alamo Heights High School
Subject: Theater
Comal Independent School District
Jessica Watson Coleman
Freiheit Elementary School
Subject: Art
East Central Independent School District
Riley Jones
Legacy Middle School
Subject: 8th Grade Algebra
Edgewood Independent School District
Ryan Mattis
Winston Elementary
Subject: 4th Grade
Ft. Sam Houston Independent School District
Francisco Serrata
Robert G. Cole Middle School and High School,
Subject: Sports Medicine and Athletic Trainer
Harlandale Independent School District
Annie Zoll
Kingsborough Middle School
Subject: 8th Grade Math
IDEA Public Schools
Caitlin McCloskey
IDEA South Flores College Preparatory
Subject: IB, Theory of Knowledge grades 1 & 2
Judson Independent School District
Bonnie Anderson
Miller's Point Elementary School
Subject: Music Education
Lackland Independent School District
Danielle Rabidas
Virginia Allred Stacy Junior and Senior High School
Subject: High School Math
North East Independent School District
Stephanie Carrier
Churchill High School
Subject: AP World History
Northside Independent School District
Gustavo Treviño
Pat Neff Middle School
Subject: 8th Grade Communication Applications
Randolph Field Independent School District
Audra Mitchell
Randolph Field Elementary School
Subject: 1st Grade
San Antonio Independent School District
Adriana Abundis
Sidney Lanier High School
Subject: Algebra, Dual Language Algebra and Mexican American Studies
Somerset Independent School District
Juan Dominguez
Somerset Elementary School
Subject: 4th Grade
Southside Independent School District
Israel Del Valle
JJ Matthey Middle School
Subject: 8th Grade Math
Southwest Independent School District
Christine Bendele
Kriewald Road Elementary School
Subject: 5th Grade
Winston School San Antonio
Brenda Lane
The Winston School San Antonio
Subject: Middle School Reading, Texas History, and American History
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