Distinguished Educators of the year
2020
Mr. Tommy Hooker
Superintendent, Thrall ISD
Mr. Tommy Hooker is a life-long learner, who strives to stay connected with public education. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s in education. Mr. Hooker is heavily involved organizations and has gained the support of his community with his resourcefulness, creative thinking, and planning. As a proud Bearkat, Mr. Hooker truly exemplifies the university motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service.”
2020 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Dr. Jenny McGown
Superintendent, Klein ISD
Dr. Jenny McGown exemplifies the meaning of going above and beyond both inside and outside of the classroom. She attended Texas A&M University for her undergraduate studies and received her master’s and doctorate in education from Sam Houston State University. Dr. McGown has served Klein ISD through her roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of student performance, chief learning officer, deputy superintendent, and now, superintendent of the district. Dr. McGown has worked tirelessly within her role to live up to the Klein ISD mission, “...every student enters with a promise and exits with a purpose.”
2020 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Dr. Veronica Vijil
Superintendent, Fabens ISD
Dr. Veronica Vijil has created a culture of high achievement, respect, and caring within her schools. She is the first Latina to serve as superintendent in Fabens ISD and has remained committed to students, teachers, and community members. Dr. Vijil believes, “as a teacher I worked to create learning environments where students made connections from the lessons in the classroom to the real world later.”
2020 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Ms. Michelle Spencer
Chief Executive Officer, Walker County Boys & Girls
Club
Ms. Michelle Spencer is the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County and continues to develop programs for over 320 children in Walker County each year. The education and experience that she gained at Sam Houston State University, helped her plan, organize, implement, direct, and supervise the educational programs within her branch. Ms. Spencer is dedicated to serving children in her community by making sure they are cared for, educated, and given opportunities to thrive.
2020 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Dr. Hafedh Azaiez
Superintendent, Donna ISD
Dr. Hafedh Azaiez has positively impacted his classrooms and institutions. After being a middle school science teacher in Houston ISD, Dr. Azaiez decided to further his educational career by stepping into administrative roles. He now serves as the superintendent of Donna ISD and is a key example of how one’s persistence, strategic thinking, and innovations can lead to a better classroom with exceptional students.