Keller educator named State Elementary Teacher of the Year

by PegNews wire

Hidden Lakes Elementary fourth-grade teacher Grant Simpson was named the 2007-08 State Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

This is the second consecutive year that a teacher from Keller ISD has won the state award. Fossil Ridge High School teacher Nika Maples was chosen last year as the 2006-07 State Secondary Teacher of the Year by TEA.

"Simpson is a remarkable person and an extraordinary teacher," said Dr. James R. Veitenheimer, superintendent of schools, "He impacts students' lives each and every day and serves as a shining example to both his students and his peers. It's wonderful to see such a great teacher awarded with such an enormous honor."

Simpson was one of three elementary teacher semifinalists to be interviewed in Austin by a selection committee of 11 educators and administrators on Sept. 22. Prior to that, Simpson was chosen from a pool of 42 teachers representing 23 public school districts to become the Region XI finalist.

"Grant demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional educator every single day," said former Hidden Lakes Principal Laura Lockhart. "He teaches with passion and energy and captures the hearts of each of his students by building relationships and trust. He loves his students, maintains high expectations, and is an incredible role model to all those around him."

Simpson was named Student Teacher of the Year by Texas Directors of Field Experiences in 2002-03, but says he is most honored by the awards he's given by his students such as "You Rock," and "Greatest Teacher Ever."

"One of my daily goals is to model a love for kids and my job to those around me," said Simpson in his Teacher of the Year application. "The students honestly do this for me, so I guess I can't take any credit for this. Being a child advocate with students like I have taught in my career is quite possibly the greatest and easiest job in the world."

Source: Keller ISD