VIDEO | Southridge Elementary's Alexis Miller Named Finalist for Texas Teacher of the Year

Miller advances from Region 11 Teacher of the Year to finalist in the State Teacher of the Year Program.

On Lewisville ISD's first day of in-person learning for the 2020-2021 school year, LISD Superintendent Dr. Kevin Rogers popped into Alexis Miller's third-grade classroom at Southridge Elementary to share some good news.

After being named the district teacher of the year in May, Alexis advanced to the Region 11 Teacher of the Year program and was named Region 11 Elementary Teacher of the Year in August. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, Dr. Rogers shared with Miller that she is now one of three finalists for the Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.

"Teaching during a pandemic certainly has its challenges, but Dr. Rogers' visit to our school speaks volumes about his leadership," Miller said. "I was ecstatic our scholars were able to witness such a moving moment. On our first day back to school for in-person learning, his presence reminded us that we are truly in this together. It made the surprise even more special. It definitely fueled our school family to start the year in a remarkable way. We are beaming with pride."

Miller along with five finalists, three for elementary and three for secondary, will be interviewed Sept. 12, 2020, by a panel of judges composed of representatives of educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education, and former Texas Teachers of the Year.

The panel will select two state-level winners — Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year — and designate one to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program. The winners will be announced during the virtual TASA|TASB Convention on Sept. 30, 2020.

The Texas Teacher of the Year program has honored excellence in classroom education since 1969. The program, facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) since 2011, annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.

In TASA's official announcement on Wednesday, Sept. 9, they shared the following excerpt from Miller's Texas Teacher of the Year application.

“In my classroom, I motivate my scholars to reach their highest potential through goal-setting. As their teacher, it is important for me to guide them to understand that a setback or even failure can lead to discovering grit,” Miller said. “Fostering grit in education has a direct impact on our community because students who value grit will likely grow to take risks leading to academic success, entrepreneurship, and civic development. Grit is instrumental in everyday situations and I feel privileged to help my scholars discover how powerful they are.”

Take a peek inside Miller's classroom by watching LISD's highlight video below.

Learn more about the Texas Teacher of the Year Program here.