McNeil High School teacher Andrea Larson was named the Region 13 Secondary Teacher of the Year at an event in downtown Austin honoring Teachers of the Year from the more than 50 school districts in the Central Texas/Region 13 area.
Larson, an English language learner teacher, was named Round Rock ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in May. She was selected among 20 Round Rock ISD secondary educators to represent the District at the regional competition. She has been an educator for 22 years, 20 of which have been serving the McNeil community in her current role. As Region 13 Secondary Teacher of the Year, she will now compete for the title of Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year among 20 state finalists.
The announcement came as a surprise at the luncheon. During her comments as she accepted the award, Larson praised her fellow teachers for showing up “over and over again to ensure that our students are well cared for.” She encouraged them to be sure to support each other as well.
“So please, as we start this school year, make an intention to take care of yourself. Find your people on your campus and check in with them regularly,” she said. “Just as we are all in this work for the students, we have to be here for one another. Our work is important, and you are important.”
Abilene Christian University announced at the luncheon that the Region 13 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year will receive a full scholarship to earn a graduate degree through ACU’s partnership with Region 13. In addition to several master’s degree programs, ACU is launching a doctoral program in education and organizational leadership in the fall.
