The Gazette-Enterprise

SEGUIN — Some of Seguin ISD’s finest educators were honored Thursday with a special banquet recognizing their teaching expertise.

Gerry Richardson and Veronica Silva were recognized by their peers as Seguin’s best educators at the Teacher of the Year Recognition Banquet at the Seguin ISD Administrative Offices at Oak Park Mall.

Richardson, an English teacher at Seguin High School, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year for her efforts in getting her students to learn about various cultures, lifestyles and beliefs through literature “so they can better function in an ever-changing world,” said Seguin ISD spokeswoman Judy Peschel.

“I am very honored, not only to be honored by my peers, but by my students who said they were very proud of me,” said Richardson, a 36-year educator.

When it comes to teaching and inspiring her students, Richardson said she has one goal in mind.

“I try to reach every student and make them challenge themselves and excel,” Richardson said.

Silva has taught bilingual education for nine years at Ball Elementary. Peschel said when she and the rest of the Teacher of the Year selection committee went to Silva’s classroom, they noticed how she connected with her 19 students.

“One committee member commented on how genuine and sincere Veronica is,” Peschel said, “and how her students feel this sincerity and respond accordingly.”

Silva said her colleagues at Ball have been very supportive of her, which she said has made her a better teacher.

“We have a unique campus,” Silva said. “Everyone helps each other. I have learned from the best.”

Silva said the love she gets out of teaching comes from being involved in “seeing the children succeed and grow.”

Silva and Richardson were also awarded the Mirabeau B. Lamar Award from the Guadalupe Masonic Lodge No. 109. Both teachers were given medals and certificates from Masons Richard Benford and Arthur Woytek.

Lamar was the second president of the Republic of Texas from 1838-41 and a Mason. He is known as the “Father of Texas Education” for his efforts to establish a public education system in Texas.

The Teachers of the Year from each campus were recognized. They were Susan Almaraz, Koennecke Elementary; Carolyn Freeman, Saegert Sixth Grade Center; Janet Hudson, Mercer-Blumberg Learning Center; Cecilia Jackson-Moore, Burges Alternative School; Matthew Johnson, Jim Barnes Middle School; Viki Perez, McQueeney Elementary; Betty Ponish, Weinert Elementary; Artie Rittimann, A.J. Briesemeister Middle School; Emilie Rohde, Vogel Elementary; Angie Vasquez, Jefferson Avenue Elementary; Jennifer Wells, Patlan Elementary; and Donna Zipp, Juan Seguin Pre-kindergarten; Richardson and Silva.

Peschel said all 14 honorees ranged in years of teaching experience from five to 39. Peschel said the teachers with five years or less of experience have stuck it out when so many new teachers have left the profession.

“You, instead, are being held up as role models for excellent teaching, and your colleagues now look at you as mentors,” Peschel said.

Peschel said the four honorees who have dedicated themselves to a combined 124 years of teaching — Richardson, Freeman, Zipp and Ponish — still care for the well-being and success of their students.

“Some folks with this resume might just kick back and coast,” Peschel said. “Not you, you make each day exciting, challenging and rewarding for your students, and you truly embody the essence of master teacher.”

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