Page 9 - CoE Impact Report

Alumni Spotlight

For Amber Simpson (’99 Curriculum
and Instruction alumna), that honor
tripled when she learned that apart from
being named a recipient and earning a
$25,000 prize, she was also the first winner
from her district, the sole Texan to receive
the honor for the 2016-17 season, and among
only 33 honorees nationwide.
Ironically though, Simpson had initially
rejected the idea of becoming a teacher.
“Both of my parents were educators, and
I saw the hard work they put in every day
with very little pay,” said Simpson. “I was
determined to do something different and
decided I was going to go into meteorology.
Throughout high school I babysat for friends
and family. I volunteered at the elementary
school in Lytle and always enjoyed it. I was
a substitute in college and realized that I
really loved children and was meant to be a
teacher. Shortly after beginning my college
career I changed my major to education. I
have never looked back.”
Barrera Veterans Elementary, the
school Simpson works at, is a rural school
that serves a predominantly high-poverty
Latino population. To improve educator
instruction and student achievement, it has
been implementing TAP: The System for Above: Texas Governor
Teacher and Student Advancement through Greg Abbott presents
its partnership with the National Institute Amber Simpson with
for Excellence in Teaching. As a TAP her Milken Educator
master teacher, Simpson is a vital part of Award envelope
the school’s TAP leadership team, sharing as veteran Milken
duties with the administrators and fellow Educator Dr. Gary Stark
master and mentor teachers. (AR ‘01), CEO of the
In her role, Simpson works with National Institute for
pre-kindergarten through fourth grade Excellence in Teaching
and a representative
teachers. She helps facilitate weekly
Rising Star of Texas professional development meetings, of the Milken Family
Foundation, looks on.
observes educators in the classroom, models
and tests new instructional techniques,
addresses the crowd
introduces curriculum and assesses Left: Amber Simpson
students’ learning along the way. Beyond the gathered in her honor
What the Oscar is to film, the Grammy is to music, or the Nobel Prize is school, Simpson serves on several district at Barrera Veterans
to science, the Milken Educator Award is to teaching. And, unlike most curriculum committees and mentors new Elementary School for
teacher recognition programs, the Milken Educator Award has no formal TAP master teachers in the district. her surprise Milken
Educator Award
Well-known in the community and
nomination or application process. Instead, candidates are sourced respected by parents, Simpson provides notification.
through a confidential selection process and then reviewed by blue one-on-one tutoring for students, with
“Teaching is one of the hardest, and
ribbon panels appointed by state departments of education. Those most whom she develops long-term relationships. Milken Family Foundation. “I commend yet most rewarding, professions,” said
Amber for her commitment and thank her for
She motivates students to excel in school,
exceptional are recommended for the award, with final approval by the encourages them to plan for college and choosing teaching as a career.” Simpson. “It can be mentally, physically, and
Milken Family Foundation. To be chosen is truly an honor. attends their graduation ceremonies. The Milken Educator Award targets emotionally draining, but your students need
Simpson’s former students return often to early-to-mid career education professionals you. It’s normal to go through ups and downs
Barrera to share their successes with her. for their already impressive achievement — remember why you chose the profession
“Amber Simpson is an exemplary leader and, more significantly, for the promise of when you begin to lose your passion. Always
and mentor who works every day to ensure a what they will accomplish in the future. As do what’s right for kids and never give up.
quality educational opportunity for Barrera Simpson continues to excel, she knows how Teachers make a difference — be a positive
Veterans Elementary students,” said Lowell difficult and gratifying teaching can be, and difference.”
Milken, chairman and co-founder of the offers honest advice for soon-to-be educators.

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