Texas State Teacher of the Year and Sommer Elementary School TAG teacher Revathi Balakrishnan took to the podium Friday morning to address the State Board of Education as part of the board’s general meeting.
Balakrishnan was joined by Westwood High School advanced placement statistics teacher Penny Smeltzer, who was recognized as one of the state’s Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) finalists.
Smeltzer is one of five Texas teachers to be named a finalist. The award, which is given to teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions, recognizes educators who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning, according to the National Science Foundation.
PAEMST winners receive $10,000, a certificate signed by the President of the United States and a fully funded trip for two to Washington, D.C. to attend recognition events and professional development opportunities.
Balakrishnan joined Texas Superintendent of the Year Mary Ann Whiteker, Hudson ISD, and Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year Martha Saucedo, Brady ISD, in addressing the SBOE. Balakrishnan shared a message about standardized testing and the need to allow teachers more flexibility in providing depth in lessons.
“What I want to happen is for every student in Texas to get excited for learning,” Balakrishnan said. “I want every child in every hallway in Texas to say ‘I can’t wait to go to school today.'”
