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On May 6, 17 extraordinary San Antonio teachers were awarded the prestigious �԰����� Prize in Teaching. First awarded in 1982, the prize is widely recognized across districts and schools as a tremendous honor for individuals and a collective call for professional recognition of educators and Pre-K-12 and post-secondary education in our city and region.

This year’s in-person event featured the honorees’ respective school principals and district superintendents. The National Teacher of the Year, Juliana Urtubey, spoke and the event partner—Whataburger—and �԰�����’s undergraduate and graduate students were in attendance. Additionally, the ceremony was livestreamed for the teachers’ school campuses, district offices, and families and friends. 

The winners of this year’s prize received a Tiffany Crystal Apple as a gift from the University and the Office of President Danny Anderson. In addition, they received from Whataburger a $500 cash prize, a $250 Amazon gift card for a student organization or effort of their selection at their school or in the community that supports diversity and inclusion in education, and a Whataburger gift basket, including Whataburger for a year. The Department of Education and Center for Educational Leadership awarded an additional $150 Amazon gift card for classroom supplies. 

One recipient, Rebecca Roberts, is a Pre-K through 4th grade teacher at Woodlake Elementary in Judson ISD. She says, “I became a teacher because teachers are where all other jobs and careers begin, and I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. I feel honored to be a part of the community that helps to continue to make the world a better place.”

2022 �԰����� Prize in Teaching Excellence Honorees

Julie Allen-Ruiz
Ft. Sam Houston Independent School District
Ft. Sam Houston Elementary
Subject: Pre-Kindergarten 

Kristy Archibald
Lackland Independent School District 
Lackland Elementary 
Subject: Kindergarten

Kristin Ashley 
Winston School San Antonio 
Subject: Lower School (Reading, Language Arts and Math)

Terrena Bernal 
Southside Independent School District
Heritage Elementary School 
Subject: 5th grade STEAM

Christen Cozart 
San Antonio Independent School District
Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Subject: U.S. History 

Heidi Curry 
North East Independent School District
Driscoll Middle School 
Subject: Science and PALS

Shalonda Davis 
Comal Independent School District
Canyon High School 
Subject: Science and Student Leadership 

Judy Hudson 
Northside Independent School District
Dr. Linda G. Mora Elementary
Subject: Music 

Regina Kazmir 
Edgewood Independent School District
Las Palmas Leadership School for Girls
Subject: Music 

Clarissa Kretz
Harlandale Independent School District
Stonewall Flanders Elementary & Fenley Center
Subject: Instructional Support

Roger Lawson
East Central Independent School District
Oak Crest Elementary 
Subject: Math, Science, and Social Studies

Alejandra Martinez 
Alamo Heights Independent School District 
Cambridge Elementary 
Subject: Spanish 

David Padilla 
South San Antonio Independent School District
Dwight Middle School 
Subject: STEM

Rebecca Roberts
Judson Independent School District
Woodlake Elementary
Subject: Pre-K through 4th teacher

Julie Schanberger 
Southwest Independent School District 
Southwest High School 
Subject: Physics 

Heather Strable 
Randolph Field Independent School District
Randolph Elementary
Subject: Kindergarten

Rachel Trimmer
Somerset Independent School District
Somerset Junior High 
Subject: Science