The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) has announced that six outstanding educators from across Texas have been chosen as finalists in the 2023 Texas Teacher of the Year program, and one of the finalists for the elementary teacher honor is Irving ISD’s very own Shelley Jeoffroy, fifth-grade math teacher at Brown Elementary School.
Jeoffroy was named the Region 10 Teacher of the Year in late July, which advanced her to the state level.
Jeoffroy’s career in education spans 17 years, with the past 15 years in Irving. Over the years, she has taught all subjects, but primarily math and science. She also has made educational contributions globally, serving students in Kenya, Peru, Mexico and Morocco.
“Having witnessed the possibilities while working with very economically challenged students in a variety of countries, I have advocated for more innovative opportunities for students in my American classrooms,” she says. “I pushed for lessons as a district curriculum writer that allowed for not simply the presentation and confirmation of knowledge, but that afforded scholars the chance to be inventive with their new learning and skills. … At first, my American students were somewhat resistant as this wasn’t their normal educational experience. However, with time, their confidence grew, and they flourished. They would approach any new knowledge with a sense of assurance and bravery, and innovativeness became second nature. … Students were much more engaged and invested because they were now the actual pilots, not just the passengers.
Jeoffroy holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and biology from the University of Texas in Arlington, where she also attended graduate school.
The other Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year finalists are:
- Lisa Mackey, Fox Elementary School, Klein ISD
- Kari Johnston, Perez Elementary School, Austin ISD
Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year finalists are:
- Chris McLeod, Brazoswood High School, Brazosport ISD
- Andrea Larson, McNeil High School, Round Rock ISD
- Tricia Shay, Borger High School, Borger ISD
“Texas teachers perform miracles every day as they inspire children even in the most challenging of times,” says Kevin Brown, executive director of TASA, which has coordinated the Texas Teacher of the Year program since 2011. “Public school teachers are critical to the success of individual children and our society as a whole. Those who choose to teach are national heroes, and these six finalists are the best among them. They have distinguished themselves among thousands of outstanding, dedicated teachers across our nation who have answered the call to serve.”
The six finalists will be interviewed Oct. 20 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 prior 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 at an awards ceremony Oct. 21 Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas, where the 40 Regional Teachers of the Year will also be recognized.
