San Angelo ISD Teachers Recognized by District with Annual Awards Ceremony

SAN ANGELO, TX-- In the spirit of Teacher Appreciation Week, San Angelo ISD recognized the district's best teachers by presenting their Teacher of the Year Awards on Wednesday.

Twenty-five teachers from the district were honored at the ceremony inside the Family Center of the Johnson Street Church of Christ. Seventeen elementary school teachers and eight secondary school teachers were selected as the best in the school district.

Fort Concho Elementary fifth grade science teacher Macy Smithson took home the overall Elementary Teacher of the Year award as well as the Fort Concho Teacher of the Year award in her ninth year at SAISD. During that time Smithson has spent time at three different campuses in SAISD.

"I was very shocked," the Texas Tech alum said. "I had no idea. When they started listing accomplishments and what they've done, I finally realized it was me and I was totally shocked. It's very exciting"

Smithson has mentored kids through various programs in SAISD such as the Apple Vanguard program. Through her role with the kids, Smithson pounds home the idea that failure doesn't define someone.

"I just talk to students about perseverance and just keep on going," Smithson said. "If you fail at something, it's not a failure. It's another attempt to get to do something. I just try to build relationships with the kids and I just hope they succeed in life. That's all I want for them."

 Just nine years into her career, Smithson is still as upbeat about teaching as she was when she first got into the field with plenty of ideas left in the tank to give out to her students.

Carver Learning Center Science Teacher Bonnie Smith was the recipient of the campus' Teacher of the Year Award and overall Secondary Teacher of the Year Award, much to her surprise after previous nominations .

"This was a total surprise," Smith said.

Carver is the alternative school for kids in San Angelo ISD who "may have made a recent mistake," as SAISD Director of Communications said to the crowd on hand. Because of that, this award is that much more special for Smith, a 26-year teaching veteran.

"I went to Carver because I love kids and they needed somebody that cared," Smith said. "I had no idea [I won]. I still can't believe it."

While some people are quick to pass judgment on troubled kids in today's society, Smith hopes that other teachers will "be kind" and "know the situation" before writing off a kid.

Alta Loma Elementary's Jill Lovett, Austin Elementary's Chelsea Smith and Belaire Elementary's Megan Miser took home Teacher of the Year awards for their respective campuses.

Bethany Schmickle, a kindergarten teacher with seven years of experience, took home the Teacher of the Year award for Bonham Elementary School.

Bowie Elementary third grade math teacher Holly Hartsfield took home her campus' Teacher of the Year award.

Bradford Elementary's Devin Hagan, a fourth grade math teacher, was the recipient of that campus' award in her fourth year of teaching.

Crockett Elementary's Cathy Tanguma, Fannin's Lindsey Anderson, Glenmore's Victoria Gutierrez, Goliad's Pat Gibson, Holiman's Lisa Olivas-Chaumont, Lamar's Michelle Weber, McGill's Taylor Gohlke, Reagan's Kendra Cain, San Jacinto's Kalei Bailey and Santa Rita's Trish Meads also won campus Teacher of the Year awards.

William Lightfoot won the Special Education Teacher of the Year award for his work with students with special needs.

Glenn Middle School eighth grade math teacher Blake Bien, an Angelo State University grad, was awarded the Glenn Middle School Teacher of the Year Award.

Susan Underwood, a 22-year teaching veteran, was awarded the campus Teacher of the Year award for Lee Middle School for her work as a Special Education-English and Language Arts teacher.

Amy Lewallen, a sixth and eighth grade social studies teacher, received the campus Teacher of the Year award for Lincoln Middle School.

Sherrie Ventura was named the Central Freshman Campus Teacher of the Year in her tenth year as a teacher.

Lake View's Georgia Edwards was named the teacher of the year at that campus for her work as an Art and Ceramics teacher for the Chiefs and Maidens.

The Teacher of the Year award for Central High School went to Angela Pidgeon, an English and Spanish teacher.