The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) has announced its 2018 teachers of the year, and one of our very own is on the list.
Tara Bordeaux, a media arts teacher from Austin ISD, was chosen as the 2018 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year and will represent the state as Texas Teacher of the Year in the National Teacher of the Year competition, TASA announced Friday at an awards luncheon at the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.
“My hope is that as a teacher, I can inspire my students to persevere, and succeed in ways I never could. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn from teachers who truly care about the impact they are making in a child’s life,” said Bordeaux. “I chose to become a teacher because I wanted to give students the chance to chase their dreams and learn how to believe in themselves even if the world gives them reasons to stop believing.”
Bordeaux has taught media arts at Lanier High School since 2013, prior to which she spent 10 years working in television and film production in Los Angeles, TASA reported. As an educator, TASA said Bordeaux has built a nationally recognized and award-winning media arts program, and her students' work has been featured in national advertising for Alamo Drafthouse, PSAs televised on PBS, and in documentary short films at SXSWedu.
Marissa Torres, a third-grade teacher from White Settlement ISD near Fort Worth, was selected as the 2018 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Both Torres and Bordeaux will receive a cash award and a commemorative trophy, TASA said.
“I congratulate Tara and Marissa on this achievement. Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor our state bestows upon its teachers,” said Johnny L. Veselka, executive director of TASA. “These dedicated educators work hard to create learner-centered environments that inspire students to reach their full potential.”
Regional Teachers of the Year and the finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year were also honored at the luncheon. Those include Amy Hooten, Paris ISD; Andrea Lucas, San Antonio ISD; Andrea Garza, United ISD; and Gary Strickland, Coleman ISD.
Region 13 Elementary Teacher of the Year Allie Duffy of Round Rock ISD was recognized as well.
