Here Are Some of the East Texas Teachers Nominated to Win $1,000

At the end of every semester, we team up with Whataburger to award an East Texas teacher a $1,000 classroom grant. So far, eight area educators have received this award, and we'll be doing it again at the end of this semester.

It's easy for a teacher to be in the running to win the $1,000 grant.  Someone simply needs to nominate the teacher on our KICKS 105 App or online at our KICKS 105 Website.

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We still have several weeks before we draw for our ninth winner, but we thought we would go ahead and post some of the wonderful things being said about teachers in the nominations that we have received this school year.

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Shonda Kelsey (Central Elementary) - "She’s an amazing teacher, mother of 3, and wife to her husband of 34 years. She has taught at central for over 24 years and loves science. She has a passion for children and loves watching them learn and grow, especially while they are all having fun. She deserves this, in all of her years of teaching she has not had any credit that she deserves & for someone like me she’s made a huge impact on my life."

Marsha Phillips (All Saints Episcopal) - "Her willingness to embrace change and innovate on behalf of her students is what sets her apart from her peers. Coach Phillips serves those children not only in her gym/classroom, but sets them up for long term success on the field and off."

Laura Mosley (Bonner Elementary, Hudson) - "Yes, she’s my wife, but this lady goes the extra mile and really cares about her students. For example, she had a student move out of state not too long ago. She called teachers from another state just to let them know what teaching methods had been found to work best for this particular student. Just to try to help the teachers be able to immediately pick up where her and the other teachers at her school had stopped. Another example is, she’s had a couple of students that may have been a little less fortunate. She’s gotten with all of her family and friends and collected clothes and presents for these kids, just so they could have a Christmas, too. Just not only a great wife and mother, but an amazing teacher and person, too."

Rebecca LeBoulanger (Pineywoods Community Academy) - "We were blessed with a "Knock it Out of the Park" sixth grade math teacher this year! Even though students are learning during a time of pandemic uncertainty, Mrs. Rebecca LeBoulanger makes that learning engaging everyday. Each day begins at 7:30 with students staying current on world events by watching CNN10. Her lessons are designed with students in mind and how they work best in the learning process. Students are talking the math concepts, supporting their peers in learning, and completely focused on the different daily tasks. She seeks success for EVERY student and that is obvious by the way she finds moments in the day to pull a struggling student to help them better understand a topic. She spends several afternoons, without pay, working with students in tutorials. Students walk out of her room saying, "It's fun today!" Initial 6th grade math scoring results scream, "THIS IS A KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK EDUCATOR WHO HELPS ALL STUDENTS SUCCEED!" Whatafabulous Educator Rebecca LeBoulanger is to students at Pineywoods Community Academy!"

Bottom row of pictures (l-r)

Amy Glasgow (Timbercreek Elem, Livingston) - "Mrs. Glasgow is a special needs teacher at Timbercreek Elementary. Students and parents love her! Parents are always so pleased with not only the progress their child makes in her class but the overall strides accomplished. Mrs. Glasgow has a special way with her students, she instills independence and structure. Not certain what her secret ingredient is but her recipe is such a blessing to so many at LISD."

Keeli Sanderson (Central Jr High) - "This is Ms Keeli’s first year to teach and she is doing such a wonderful job. She has such a passion for teaching and the kids adore her. She goes above and beyond for all of her students! We love Ms. Keeli!"

Ima Adams (Brookhollow, Lufkin) - "Ima loves the children in her class and all children. She talks about them all the time and takes their problems to heart."