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The DeSoto Independent School District embarked upon a history-making moment when its elementary teacher of the year, Lauren Stewart, was chosen as the 2024 Region 10 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year at the annual statewide teacher celebration at the Frontier Flight Museum in Dallas, Texas at the close of July.
“I am in utter shock,” said Stewart, who is the lead special education inclusion teacher at Frank D. Moates Elementary. “It is humbling to know that someone would think that I deserve this title and to be the representative who goes to bat for educators in this entire region.”
Click to view Region 10 Teacher of the Year Video
The selection of Stewart for this prestigious award out of 126 other applicants was attributed to the following according to the Region 10 press release.
- Being a champion for students with special needs and passionate about implementing innovative strategies, utilizing data-driven insights, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the success of every child under her care.
- Recognizing the need for enhanced support and resources and creating a comprehensive program of professional development sessions, newsletters, and informational materials to enable parents, staff, and community members to be effective advocates for inclusive education.
- Connecting her students with the community through hands-on volunteer opportunities and cross-curricular, immersive learning experiences with local artists, scientists, and community leaders.
DeSoto ISD Principal Angela Robinson leads the campus where Stewart is employed and was overjoyed to learn of the news echoed her dedication.
“She truly deserves this because she goes above and beyond for the faculty and the students to be sure that they have what they need to be successful. Ms. Stewart connects with her students, analyzes their needs to see which way they learn best, and then supplies that need in her classroom.” she shared.
Click to View Teacher of the Year Event Photos
Lauren Stewart has over 12 years of academic instructional experience with seven spent in DeSoto ISD. For the last three years, she has served at the Frank D. Moates Elementary campus supporting the instruction of students with special needs in the third through fifth grades. She is recognized on her campus for the relationships that she builds with her students, their families, and her peers. Throughout the year, she collaborates with colleagues to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment and contribute to the betterment of our campus community.
Stewart believes that every student has promise and as an educator, she is mindful that she possesses the power to mold their destiny and unleash their true potential.
DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Usamah Rodgers, was on hand for this remarkable moment in district history.
“This award speaks to the quality of the educators in DeSoto ISD and Ms. Stewart is the embodiment of our district mission to ensure that all students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels,” she said. “I congratulate Lauren Stewart and sincerely thank her for all that she does to help us to soar higher.”
As the Texas Region 10 Teacher of the Year, Stewart will now be 1 of 40 Regional Teachers of the Year being considered for Texas Teacher of the Year, a selection process facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators in Fall 2024.
See more Soaring Stories from DeSoto ISD at www.DeSotoISD.org/newsroom.