Washington named Teacher of the Year

Story by Mackenzie Phillips, Feature Editor

April 8, 2013

English teacher Monica Washington sits in the honorary Teacher of the Year chair after being presented the award today during one of her English classes.

The principals gathered in the hallway. One brought the flowers. One brought the famous orange throne. They all brought their smiles, ready to honor English teacher Monica Washington as Teacher of the Year.

The administrators surprised Washington in her classroom today with the announcement as she was in the midst of teaching her English class.

“It feels amazing,” Washington said. “I try everyday to work really, really hard and not be a worksheet teacher. I put my all into it and try to plan things that are exciting and fun. Sometimes you get in the cubbyhole of your room and don’t know if your coworkers or the principals really know what you do and all the things that you put into what you’re doing. For somebody to recognize that feels amazing.”

Principal Brad Bailey said Washington was a deserving recipient.

“I think it’s incredible. I think she’s an incredible person,” Bailey said. “She puts so many extra hours into the day helping her students get better. She spends the mornings before school preparing, making sure activities are engaging and making sure the classes are fun and they are learning a lot in class. We are very proud of her to get this award.”

About the Contributors

Mackenzie Phillips, Co-Feature Editor and Photographer

Mackenzie is a senior in her first year of Commercial Photography and is co-feature editor of Tiger Times. She is also involved in band, NHS, and Mu Alpha Theta. She is excited about AP Calculus and reading all the Harry Potter books for the first time. She enjoys fried foods, old people music and pretty things.

Caroline Prieskorn, Photographer

Caroline is a senior at Texas High and in her second year of photography. She is considered a goddess in the photography room by her fellow photographers. She is an avid traveler and has been all over the world. She loves spending time with her friends, saving children in third world countries and taking pictures...of course. Her favorite foods consist of anything healthy, but she absolutely hates pickles. Never bring any around her. She may come off as shy when you first meet her, but once you get to know her she is one of the funniest people you’ll meet.