LISD educator chosen to represent the “Best in Texas Education’ as Finalist in the 2010 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 15, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Maribel Valdez,
Esther Buckley an anatomy teacher at Martin High School and the Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Magnet School, was recently surprised in her classroom by representatives of H-E-B.
Buckley was notified that she was one of eight educators from the Rio Grande and Texas Border being recognized as the “Best in Texas Education” finalist in the 2010 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. This program is hailed as the state’s largest monetary recognition program for Texas educators that spotlights best practices and celebrates the work of Texas educators.
The honor was kept a surprise from. Buckley who learned of her status as a finalist when H-E-B representatives visited her classroom – bearing balloons, cake, flowers and a $1,000 check for herself and a check for the school.
As a finalist, Ms. Buckley will now be invited to compete in a statewide competition. She will be competing against other Texas educators for the Lifetime Achievement Secondary Category. At this level, if selected she could receive $25,000 for herself and a $25,000 for the school. The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience.
Buckley was invited to attend the celebratory dinner in Houston, Texas on May 2. After being interviewed by a panel of judges grand prize winners will be announced and awarded publicly.
Buckley who comes from a family of educators has been a teacher for 39 years. She was recently also honored as the “One Class at a Time” recipient for the month of April by KGNS and the Laredo Federal Credit Union.