KHS teacher named a state simifinalist for Excellence in Education

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Maestra Monica Stephens, Spanish teacher at Kennedale High School is an H-E-B 2020 statewide semifinalist for Excellence in Education. (Maestra is Spanish for female teacher).?{{more:? continue …}}

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Created in 2002, the H-E-B

Excellence in Education Awards?are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment.

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Since its launch, the effort has awarded more than $11 million to deserving educators. Through this program, H?E?B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.

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This honor is designed to recognize teachers and is based on the following criteria:?

• Passion and commitment to the teaching profession

• Innovation and creativity in the classroom

• Professional growth and development

While not making the finalist list, it is an honor to be named a semifinalist. It reflects well on the school district and on Maestra Stephens.

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?“I love teaching …”

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Stephens was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. She graduated from Ysleta High School in 1988 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. She has taught in different cities throughout the state of Texas, including; El Paso, Pearland (Houston), Fort Worth, Arlington and Kennedale.

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She has taught all levels of Spanish (Level I-AP Level V). This is her 26th year of teaching.

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?I love learning and helping others learn,? posted Stephens. She adds, ?I knew that I was going to be a teacher since I was 7 years old. I love teaching and I can not see myself doing anything else.?