Round Rock ISD named Cassie Brawner the 2024 Elementary Teacher of the Year at the District’s annual banquet Tuesday evening, sponsored by the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education (PIE) Foundation, H-E-B, and A+ Federal Credit Union.
Brawner was named the Teacher of the Year at Forest Creek Elementary School and was selected among 34 elementary educators to represent the District at the regional competition. Brawner has been an educator for over four years, all of which have been teaching third grade students at the campus.
As an elementary teacher, Brawner believes that the most impactful lessons that take place are student-centered. She tailors her lessons to students’ needs and encourages them to help guide their own learning. It’s an approach that captures the attention of her students every time as they take on new challenges and information.
“I find that one of the pillars of my teaching philosophy is giving students the opportunity to be in charge of their own learning,” Brawner said. “By introducing this agency, responsibility is instilled in my students and their interest is markedly higher. When I enable them to choose how they will express themselves while learning, they are more likely to show grit and build stamina.”
In addition to her teaching style, Brawner also captures the attention of students through the Ukulele club. She was the key player in getting it launched for third through fifth grade students this year. With a whopping 60 members, it’s a club that has grown rapidly and sparked a passion for music in students.
Another word that you will find that she uses to apply to her teaching is empathy. She strives to ingrain that within her students throughout lessons.
“It is extremely important to me that my students are not only learning the five subject areas in my classroom, but also how to go into the world as responsible and empathetic citizens in society,” Brawner said. “I like to ensure that I’m teaching to the whole child by providing opportunities for my students to give back to their community.”
Brawner will continue to the 2024 Region 13 Elementary Teacher of the Year competition where she will represent Round Rock ISD in hopes of becoming the 2024 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.
