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The Texas ASCD T.E.A.C.H. Award

The purpose:  To recognize an educator for his or her pioneering efforts in the classroom that strongly affect the learning of the students they teach.

This year's winners are:
Caroline Coffin - Elementary
Sergio Roitberg - Secondary

Recommendation letter for Caroline Coffin:


As the Principal at Old Town Elementary in Round Rock LS.D., I am able to observe and work with all teachers on my campus. In my seven years as a principal, Mrs. Coffin, a second grade teacher, exemplifies good teaching by the way she delivers instruction as well as the positive relationships that she develops with each student.

When students enter Mrs. Coffin's classroom at the beginning of the school year, she assesses each student to find out where he/she is academically in each subject. She then tailors instruction and activities in her lessons to meet the needs of each of her students. She works diligently at moving each child forward from where they begin in second grade and assisting them to progress throughout the school year at least one full grade level, and often times her students progress more than one full grade level. If a student enters her classroom well above second grade level, she extends and enriches the curriculum to challenge the student. If a student enters her classroom below second grade level, she modifies and adapts the curriculum so that each student may be successful.

Mrs. Coffins utilizes research-based best teaching practices. Her students are involved in the workshop model where the activities are tiered within each work station to meet each student's need. She consistently develops lessons that are motivating to her students and her students are often saying, "This is fun!" Mrs. Coffin is able to make learning enjoyable for students, and they remain motivated and excited about learning which enables them to do well academically.

Our school is a TRIBES school where each student is taught and practices using attentive listening, mutual respect, the right to pass/participate, appreciations/no put downs, and doing your personal best. This program helps students work together as a team and take responsibility for their actions as well as foster a community spirit within the classroom and school. Mrs. Coffin frequently holds classroom community circles where students share celebrations and/or concerns.  In the community circle within Mrs. Coffin's class, problems are discussed and resolved and celebrations are acknowledged.

Mrs. Coffin is looping to third grade with her students next year. Every parent in the class is requesting that their child be placed in Mrs. Coffin's class for the looping experience. They are doing this because they know that Mrs. Coffin strives to create a very enriching and positive learning experience. Mrs. Coffin bas developed wonderful relationships with her students and parents. One student was placed in the District Alternative Educational Program. Mrs. Coffin has visited that student on numerous occasions because she cares about the student as she does all of her students.

Many teachers on our campus have observed Mrs. Coffin teaching her class. They walk away with many teaching tips and lesson ideas that can be adapted to their classroom instruction. The teachers often discuss that the classroom environment in Mrs. Coffin's class is one that is positive, collaborative, respectful, and challenging.

It is for these reasons that I nominate Mrs. Coffin for the T.E.A.C.H. Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Classroom.

Sharon Wilkes
Principal - Round Rock Independent School District


Recommendation letter for Sergio Roitberg

Hola!  was the first word I heard from a tall, blonde, blue eyed Argentinean.  Sergio Roitberg was hired to take over my position as a Business teacher when I was promoted to the Counseling Department. Even though I was a little jealous to leave my position of eighteen years I immediately knew that the students of La Joya High would be in great hands. I was assigned to be his mentor for his first year of teaching and part of my responsibilities were to observe his teaching style and evaluate him. It was always enjoyable to see Sergio working and teaching the students Economics. He has a unique and genuine way of teaching that is so enjoyable that I always felt that I was a student myself. Sergio also teaches migrant students after school with the Long Distance Learning Program through the University of Texas in Austin. Sergio has never turned in a time sheet to get paid for these services. He will help students during his conference period, and after school.

Sergio sponsors the Migrant Club and Business Professionals of America. These organizations allow students to get involved in academic competitions, extracurricular activities, participate in community service activities and partake in fund raisers.  Monies raised are used for community activities such as a Needy Family Drive where students adopt a family in dire need and provide basic necessities. The money is also awarded to students as scholarships so they can further their education. This year Sergio was able to travel to Nevada with one of his BPA students to compete at the State level in Accounting.

The best part about Sergio is his big heart. He is always willing to donate not just his time but his money when there is a need. Sergio is an outstanding example of what a true teacher should be. He loves his teaching and serving others and his students love him. Here at La Joya High we are truly very fortunate to have a teacher with the qualities that Sergio Roitberg has. Sergio Roitberg is an excellent candidate for the T.E.A.CH. Award.

Sincerely,
Oralia Gonzalez, Migrant Strategist
La Joya Independent School District


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