(Garland ISD) June 20, 2013 – Already named the top educators at their campuses, Bladimir Palacios and Robert Quach now have new titles—Garland ISD’s Elementary and Secondary District Teachers of the Year.
Superintendent Bob Morrison surprised the 2012-13 winners with their awards before school released for the summer.
Earning the highest honor a GISD educator can receive, Palacios and Quach first claimed Campus Teacher of the Year awards at Club Hill Elementary and the Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School. Palacios teaches fourth grade bilingual classes while Quach teaches eighth grade algebra and pre-algebra.
“Their passion for profound learning is unmistakable,” commented Morrison. “They strive for innovation, to connect with students and to create a culture of continuous improvement on campus. I commended not only Bladimir and Robert, but all 70 of Garland ISD’s Campus Teachers of the Year. They’re truly committed to quality education and doing what’s best for students.”
To Palacios, teaching isn’t a job, but rather a desire to help young minds reach their highest potential. As a teenager, he often helped neighborhood children with homework. In college, he found himself always teaching, clarifying or explaining something.
Fifteen years ago, Palacios began his educational career and has spent the past four at Club Hill. He says his inspiration for teaching comes from his father, a native of Colombia who quit school at age nine to help provide for his family.
“My father was forced to mature when he wasn’t ready,” Palacios said. “We need to focus on education to create a more equitable society. Children need to be nurtured into believing in themselves, recognized for their achievements and shown what’s right and wrong.”
Growing up as a first-generation Asian-American living in Section 8 housing, Quach also knows the importance of education. Seven years ago, he dedicated his life to inspiring students to become successful members of their communities. Serving at Brandenburg the past six years, Quach relates to ESL and at-risk pupils. But he also pushes them to work beyond their potential and overcome any obstacles.
“I strive to motivate the unmotivated learner because a quality education opens lifelong opportunities,” he commented. “I believe that all students can learn when they are given the proper resources and support. I also believe that enthusiasm is infectious. If teachers are excited about their work, students will find that learning can be fun.”
Quach and Palacios will now advance to regional Teacher of the Year competition.
Submitted by Tiffany Graber, Communications Specialist, Garland ISD.
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