Tag Archives: Elementary Teachers

Texas educator Mabel Grizzard: One of the founders of DKG

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Elementary school teacher Mabel Grizzard of Texas was one of the original founders of DKG. (Photo credit: DKG)

In 1929, a group of accomplished women educators founded an organization to advance the interests of women teachers. These women, who came from all over the state of Texas, formed the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG). The goals of the organization were to advance professional preparation, to recognize women’s work in the teaching profession, and to provide scholarships for those needing help to advance their professional expertise. One of these esteemed founders was Mabel Grizzard of Ellis County.

Mable was born in Waxahachie, Ellis County, on April 2, 1884, the daughter of Henry and Hattie (Youree) Grizzard. As a child, Mabel attended private schools before graduating with honors from Waxahachie public schools. After high school, Mabel earned a degree from the North Texas State Normal School in Denton, where she was a student of Dr. Annie Webb Blanton. Dr. Blanton was later elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and she was the first woman in Texas to be elected to a statewide office. In her later years, Mabel attended Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, and the University of Denver.

Mabel inaugurated her career as an educator in Bristol School in Ellis County. She also taught in the State Orphans Home in Corsicana, and at a large elementary school in Waxahachie. There she served for 40 years, first as a teacher and then as a principal. During that 40-year period, Mabel took a two-year leave of absence to serve as the elementary supervisor of rural schools in Texas. In the summers, Mabel served as an assistant to State Superintendent Dr. Blanton. She also spent many summers engaged in research and study.

In addition to her classroom and administrative responsibilities, Mabel took an active part in several educational organizations. She served on the Executive Board of the North Texas Division of Elementary Principals. Also, she was president of the Ellis County unit of Texas State Teachers Association. She was active with National Principals of the NEA and the National Society for the Study of Education. As recognition for her hard work, the PTA of her elementary school gifted Mabel with a life membership in the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.

At Dr. Blanton’s invitation, Mabel attended the initial meeting of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society in 1929 in Austin, Texas. She became one of the organization’s founders, and was also instrumental in founding the Alpha Alpha Chapter of DKG located in Ellis County in 1931.

Mabel passed away on July 14, 1968, at the age of 84. She was interred in Hillcrest Burial Park in Waxahachie.

To read more about this amazing chalkboard champion, click on this link DKG Founders.

 

 

Kim Broomer selected Washington state’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

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Kindergarten teacher Kim Broomer has been named the 2025 Teacher of the Year for Washington State. Photo credit: Washington Education Association.

It is always my pleasure to share the story of an outstanding educator who has earned accolades for their work in one of our country’s public schools. today I share the story of Kim Broomer, a kindergarten teacher from Washington. She has been named her state’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Kim teaches at Ruby Bridges Elementary School in the Northshore School District in Woodinville. She says her primary goal is to build connections and nurture relationships. But above all, inclusivity is at the heart of everything she does in her classroom.  “I view my role as a community builder,” she asserts. “Creating safe spaces in which students are seen, heard and that they matter.” She credits this emphasis to her own diagnosis of ADHD. “Knowing that I have ADHD, there is a beautiful fit and connection between my students and me,” she says, “making my classroom a safe space in which we can all belong, learn, love, and grow together, just as we are.”

Her career as an educator spans 23 years, but Kim’s decision to become a teacher can be traced back to her mother, who ran a small in-home day care center, she reveals.

Her selection as Teacher of the Year is not the only recognition Kim has earned. She was named Ahead of the Class by the Renton Chamber of Commerce, an Innovative Teacher of the Year by the Northshore School Foundation, and one of the Heroes in the Classroom by the Seattle Seahawks.  And the State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has selected her to work towards improving inclusionary practices statewide. In addition, Kim has received numerous grants for innovation, leadership, and community outreach.

Kim earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from the University of Washington. She earned her Master’s degree in Teaching from the same institution. In 2010, she earned her National Board Certification.

To read more about Kim Broomer, click on this link to a story about her published by the Washington Dept. of Supt. of Public Instruction.

 

NYC PE teacher Reyes Andon garners a 2025 Golden Apple Award

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Elementary school teacher Reyes Andon has garnered a 2025 Golden Apple Award from the New York City Department of Education. Photo credit: Reyes Andon

There are many excellent teachers who work in New York City schools. One of them is Reyes Andon, a physical education teacher who has earned a Golden Apple Award from the New York City Department of Education.

Reyes teaches students up to grade 5 at PS 376, an elementary public school located in Brooklyn. There he uses sports as a vehicle to inspire learning, leadership, and community. Reyes strives to make his classroom instruction inclusive and culturally responsive. But the key to his success as an educator, says Reyes, is that he promotes peer leadership by promoting student agency and responsibility through meaningful roles the coach, assistant coach, and equipment manager.

“Beyond the classroom, I serve as a national trainer with the US Soccer Foundation, facilitating programs like Soccer for Success, the Coach-Mentor Blueprint, and Just Ball to help educators and youth leaders across the country harness sport for positive development,” says Reyes. “I also collaborate with NYCFC City in the Community, leading initiatives that engage families and expand opportunities for underserved youth,” he continued. In addition, Reyes has organized several community partnerships and after-school and weekend programs that address access gaps in physical activity and organized sports for families facing economic barriers.

Reyes is one of ten New York City teachers who garnered a Big Apple Award this year. The honor recognizes teachers who demonstrate excellence across four key areas: inspiring students to reach their full potential, modeling equitable learning with high expectations, affirming students’ unique identities and gifts, and enriching school communities through meaningful partnerships with families and community organizations. In addition to his Big Apple, which came with a $25,000 check for Reyes to use to enhance the physical education program at his school, the Chalkboard Champion was featured on an episode of the NBC Today Show.

CA teacher Alex Friedrichs publishes award-winning children’s book

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Elementary school teacher Alex Friedrichs of California has written a children’s book that has garnered a Parents’ Pick Award. Photo credit: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Many outstanding classroom teachers achieve success as authors. One of these is Alex Friedrichs, an elementary school teacher from Menifee, California. He has written and published a children’s book that has garnered a Parents’ Pick Award!

Alex’s book, entitled Sweet Rescue, is a story about a caterpillar named Hungry Joe. When the caterpillar falls into a pie, his sister, Becky Butterfly, spearheads a major rescue effort. Once he is safe, Hungry Joe declares that he’s still hungry. The tale was was inspired by Alex’s experience competing with his former students on the game show Play-Doh Squished. A former instructional aide at the school, Kayne Carter, illustrated the volume. Sweet Rescue, recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 6, can be purchased on amazon.com.

Sweet Rescue earned the Parents’ Pick Award for 2025 because of its high entertainment value and its universal themes about teamwork and sibling love. The Parents’ Picks Award is the leading national program recognizing products approved by parents.

Alex teaches third graders at Callie Kirkpatrick Elementary School. He has worked as an educator for the past 31 years. He is unusual among elementary school teachers: he is a man. In fact, in 2025, CareerExplorer reported that only 13% of elementary school teachers nationwide are male. Alex also uses unconventional instructional strategies. “My classroom is very unique,” he asserts. “It is extremely competitive, and we have competitive games going on throughout the day to keep the kids’ interest and attention,” he continues. “I tell parents every year that I have to compete with You Tube and Tic Tok, so my classroom is extremely interactive.”

Alex, now age 55, was raised in Riverside, California, where he attended schools in the Alford Unified School District. He earned his degrees from California Baptist University, a private school which he attended on a baseball scholarship.

 

WI Special Education teacher Lisa Van Hefty earns state honors

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Special Education teacher Lisa Van Hefty of Mishicot, Wisconsin, is one of five educators who have been named a 2026 State Teacher the Year. Photo credit: O. H. Elementary School

Lisa Van Hefty, an elementary Special Education teacher from Michicot, Wisconsin, is one of five educators throughout her state who have been named a 2026 Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year!

Lisa teaches at O. H. Elementary School in the School District of Mishicot. She has worked at the school for the entire length of her 27-year career. Throughout those years, Lisa has been a Chalkboard Champion for inclusive education and student advocacy, building strong, meaningful connections with her students, families, and colleagues. Among her co-workers, Lisa has earned a reputation for creating nurturing, student-centered learning environments that foster growth, independence, and confidence.

Lisa declares that her mission has always been simple: make every student feel valued. “Just include them. They are people just like us,” she asserts. “They want to be seen, they want to be heard, they want to be treated like everyone else. It’s our responsibility as citizens and community members to do that for them,” she continues.

Her colleagues say that Lisa goes to great lengths to provide a stable, encouraging learning environment for her students, ensuring they all receive appropriate and equitable lessons. She creates a sense of trust with the kids in her care and with their families to achieve educational goals that help them learn and thrive outside of the classroom. In addition, she mentors new teachers and helps them develop the necessary skills needed to become successful in their classrooms.

The Wisconsin Teacher of the Year awards are presented annually to five elementary, middle school, high school, and special services teachers who go above and beyond in their profession. The recognition comes with a $3,000 award.