Teacher of the Year Award

One of Texas A&M International University's highest honor for its educators is the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award.  The recipient for this award for the 2010-2011 school year was Dr. Bernice Sanchez- Perez.

         She was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Dr. Sanchez-Perez got her Bachelor's Degree in English at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. Dr. Sanchez-Perez also got her Master's in English Literature at Texas A&M University in College Station. In 2009, she earned her Ph. D. in Curriculum and Instruction from TAMIU.

         Dr. Sanchez-Perez has over 15 years of teaching experience in the primary, secondary, and university level. She began her professional career as a Language Arts teacher in the Dallas Independent School District. As a devoted educator, she continued her work in teaching bilingual reading at the primary level. In 2004, she returned to work in the College of Education at TAMIU. She now serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of the South Texas Writing Project.

         Her passion for teaching and her ability to connect with students earned her the Teacher of the Year Award.

         When asked how she felt about being the recipient for this award, Dr. Sanchez-Perez answered, "Humbled, yet honored as a recipient of this award from the university staff, administration, and students.  It feels great to be honored or recognized by your peers and students for the work that you do on a regular basis." Dr. Sanchez-Perez humbly added, "I never expected this award, I just go to work every day hoping that I have done something to improve someone's life today, or that I motivated someone in a positive way."  

         Given the state of our economy and its effects on the Texas education system, Dr. Sanchez-Perez stated, "I would advise students to stay positive and focused during these hard economic times. Given the fiscal constraints, I would still encourage students to go to school and stay focused on completing their degree, while we cannot predict what the future holds, we can certainly predict that with a college degree students will be at an advantage in the work force."

The Bridge would like to congratulate Dr. Bernice Sanchez-Perez for receiving this prestigious award. Professors like Dr. Sanchez-Perez make higher education a great learning experience for all students. 

 (Mariela Rodriguez may be reached at mariela_rod@dusty.tamiu.edu)