Corpus Christi ISD Teacher of the Year winners share love for students, public education
Thursday evening, the district recognized the top teachers of the 2024-25 school year for elementary and secondary schools. They were chosen by a committee of district faculty and staff members.
Amalia "Dolores" Barragan, who teaches fourth grade at Creekside Elementary School, was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Barragan has been a teacher for 18 years. She believes education can transform lives, Superintendent Roland Hernandez said Thursday.
"Teaching is more than a profession," Barragan said. "It's a calling, a passion and a privilege."
Teachers do not succeed alone, she said. Students are the heart of the work.
"Every lesson, every breakthrough and every small victory belongs to them," Barragan said.
Pedro Benavidez, who teaches chemistry at Ray High School, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Benavidez strives to instill resilience, adaptability and the importance of lifelong learning in his students, Hernandez said.
Benavidez said he encourages everyone to remain curious throughout their lives. He has worked at Ray High School for 18 years and believes strongly in public education, he said.
Both Barragan and Benavidez will now be considered for the Regional Teacher of the Year honors, competing with teachers from across the Coastal Bend. The winner of the regional competition is then eligible to be named Texas Teacher of the Year.
In addition to the elementary and secondary district winners, the district also honored finalists Barnes Elementary School third grade teacher Alexandra Romero, Metro Elementary School second grade teacher Whitney Copeland, Driscoll Middle School eighth grade U.S. History teacher Selina Garcia and Student Support Center middle school math teacher Casandra Jackson.
The Caller-Times previously reported on the full list of nominees from each Corpus Christi ISD school.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi ISD announces Teacher of the Year winners
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