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El Paso Council PTA Honors Two D49 Teachers
Amy Rogers, Vista Ridge High School math teacher, and Kendra Ramirez, Falcon Middle School sixth-grade math teacher, each received the 2020 Summit Award from the El Paso Council Parent Teacher Association.
The award honors and recognizes classroom teachers who demonstrate innovative excellence in education by meeting the needs of their students.
Rogers has been teaching for 14 years, including six at VRHS and four years at Skyview Middle School.
Rogers was nominated by Tashmai “Taz” Williams, the VRHS PTSA president. “Every time I passed by Amy in the hallway, students were engaging with her,” she said. “Every time I went into her classroom students were intrigued by what she was teaching them. Students were asking for more knowledge. She moved around the classroom with ease and the students wanted her attention. I could tell they loved being in her classroom. I also could tell she loved teaching them. They all connected.”
“Amy is one of the most amazing teachers I’ve ever worked with,” said VRHS Principal Bruce Grose. “She is a confident professional. She has a unique engagement with her students and treats them well. Amy truly deserved this award.”
“I’m honored to be recognized,” said Rogers. “I love working at Vista Ridge High School. This award lets us show off our students. They are the reason we’re here.”
Ramirez has been teaching for 21 years, including 10 at FMS and six at Meridian Ranch Elementary School.
“Kendra is committed to academic rigor and building relevance of the essential knowledge and skills to the real world, all while developing strong and genuine relationships with her students, parents, and colleagues,” said Brian Smith, executive principal of Firebird Nation.
FMS parent DeDe Bolke says, “Kendra embodies the spirit of Firebird Nation.”
“It is an amazing honor to be recognized in the region as an outstanding teacher especially because it comes from parents and students,” Ramirez said. “After all, the students are why people become teachers and I am so honored to be a part of their journey.”
Both teachers received a glass etched award and a check for $250. They also were presented with a personalized scrapbook that included letters of recommendation, pictures and materials that showcased their work.
Rogers plans to use the $250 gift to purchase computer software for the classroom. Ramirez is working with the other FMS teachers to figure out what would be a good purchase.
The recognition is for the 2019-2020 school year. The presentation of the award was postponed due to restrictions of COVID-19.
Previous winners are Julie Platt, Falcon Elementary, and Stephanie Hazelton, ALLIES.