Here's which Coastal Bend educators are finalists for an H-E-B education award
Windsor Park Elementary School Principal Kimberly Bissell was expecting an emergency when she asked to rush back to campus for an urgent matter Thursday morning.
Braced for a water main break as she stepped into the school cafeteria, Bissell instead found the entire school gathered to greet her with cheers. Bissell was surprised with the announcement that she is a finalist in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
The awards honor Texas public school professionals, offering winners and finalists grants for themselves and their campuses. This week, educators across South Texas have learned that they are up for an award through surprise visits featuring H-E-B representatives and classroom celebrations.
"I am thrilled beyond measure," Bissell said during her surprise Thursday. "I am up here just teary-eyed and quaking because it is a great honor to represent you."
Bissell has been an educator for 34 years. She's led Windsor Park Elementary School for 14 years.
"We love you," one student called out as Bissell spoke.
Later, the students erupted into claps and stomps, chanting "Dr. Bissell" repeatedly.
"What's really important is empowering students and educators to use their talents to provide the very best in a rigorous, creative learning experience," Bissell said.
On Wednesday afternoon, Kolda Elementary School teacher Amalia Barragan was surprised mid-lesson. Desks pushed to the side, Barragan's fourth-graders where literally walking through division problems, shoes off and standing on large posters.
"It's a kinesthetic activity where they actually walk the steps of division so that it helps their brain make the connection of dividing numbers," Barragan said.
Kolda Elementary School Principal Shea Hernandez said that Barragan is a hands-on teacher who mentors other educators.
"That's why she is so good with her math scores, because it isn't paper and pencil, sit and get," Hernandez said. "It is immersion into mathematics."
Barragan said that as a child, she struggled with math until she learned to believe in herself and developed strategies to help herself learn.
"I want to give that back to the kids," Barragan said "I don't want them to struggle. I don't want them to have a hard time. I want to give them the tools they need to be successful."
Other finalists in the Coastal Bend include William Adams Middle School art teacher Samantha Srp in Alice and Brundrett Middle School teacher Trevor Green in Port Aransas.
Additionally, Gregory-Portland ISD is a finalist for small district of the year and Corpus Christi ISD's Board of Trustees is being considered for "outstanding school board."
Teacher finalists earn $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their schools. Principals finalists earn $1,000 for themselves and $2,500 for their school. Statewide winners will be announced in May.
If they win, finalists can earn between $5,000 and $25,000 for themselves and their schools depending on the award category. The winning school district will earn $25,000, while winning school districts, while the winning small school district will receive a $50,000 grant.
In the Coastal Bend, finalists from Flour Bluff ISD and Corpus Christi ISD took home statewide awards last year. Corpus Christi ISD was also named the winning large school district and received a $100,000 grant.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: H-E-B surprises Corpus Christi educators
