Just 15 educators from across the state are selected to receive a Humanities Texas Outstanding Teaching Award. North East ISD is proud to have Yvette Peña represent the District and the International School of the Americas (ISA) this year. More than 600 teachers were nominated for this year's awards.
“My teaching is guided by the philosophy that the humanities help students question and understand their role in the world,” Peña said. “They learn to analyze how people, ideas and issues are connected and expand that knowledge into action for lasting change.”
Peña is a recipient of the Humanities Texas Award for Outstanding Early-Career Teaching, which recognizes exemplary contributions of early-career humanities teachers who have completed three or fewer years of teaching. For the last two years, Pena has taught English and world geography at ISA.
“[Her] empathy, passion and understanding combined with her drive to take action make [Ms. Peña] an excellent teacher and colleague,” said ISA principal Steve Magadance. “As an early-career teacher Yvette’s impact has been immediately positive and necessary.”
Peña will receive $5,000 and an additional $1,000 to purchase humanities-based instructional materials that all ISA students and staff will benefit from.
Humanities Texas presents annual statewide awards to encourage excellence in teaching and recognize Texas classroom teachers who have made significant contributions in teaching, curriculum development and extracurricular programming. Click here to learn more about this year’s recipients.
Congratulations, Yvette!
