Vasquez has always been focused on her professional development…taking in every workshop and training she could.
“Several years ago when I was with a different school district, I attended a workshop and wanted to apply what I’d learned, she added. “We had a senior that was passing all of his classes but had scored the lowest grade on his TAKS writing essay. We worked together on his writing strategies for several months. But when he retook the exam, he still received the lowest score. At that point, the principal had to inform him that he would not graduate with his senior class.
Our school district wrote a letter to the Texas Education Agency requesting a re-evaluation of his essay. Two to three weeks later, they called requesting more information. I told them the student had demonstrated the criteria for a passing essay in my classroom. After some discussion, they agreed…rescored his exam…and gave him a passing grade. After hearing the positive news, I cried. I still share this story to inspire my students and to remind them that teachers never give up on them.“
Vasquez also said she is proud to be a part of the Weatherford ISD family.
“I am blessed to be at Weatherford ISD with top quality students, staff, and administration,” she said. “There is never too big a challenge at our campus. We strive for more and celebrate the successes with strong leadership not only from teachers and administration but also from our students, which to me represents teaching and learning.”
Picture Information
Hall Middle School Campus Teacher of the Year Teresa Vasquez (left) and Weatherford ISD Education Foundation Past-President Donna Dickinson (photo by DERIK MOORE).