(Rockwall, Texas – June 1, 2020) Texas PTA today announced the recipients for the 2020 Outstanding Educator of the Year Awards. Among several awardees at the elementary, secondary, and district level – we are happy to share that Mr. Derrice Randle from Maurine Cain Middle School is this year’s Secondary Principal of the Year.
“Texas PTA recognizes the important role educators and administrators play in our student’s lives,” says Sheri Doss, Texas PTA President. “Our children take on a great deal, but their success is a shared responsibility. The men and women in Texas schools give our students both support and guidance, not to mention a top tier education. We are honored to turn the spotlight back on them!”
Each year, Texas PTA puts out a call for all members to nominate outstanding educators in their communities. Nominations are received from across the state. (This school year alone, over 2300 campus PTAs and 520,000 volunteers help make up the strong voice and presence of PTA in Texas.) After a careful review process, selections are made in the spring. Both the nomination and nominee profile carry weight in the decision process.
This year, Debra Axum from Maurine Cain Middle School PTA nominated Mr. Randle. Her nomination reads in part:“[Mr. Randle] advocates for every student and encourages them to advocate for themselves. Mr. Randle is the most involved principal that I have ever met! […] He strives to make sure that each of his students values learning and encourages every parent to be involved in their students’ education.”
Mr. Randle joins his fellow 2020 Outstanding Educator of the Year awardees:
Maria-Elena Pacheco, Dallas ISD – Elementary Teacher of the Year
Dr. Steve Flores, Round Rock ISD – Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Debbie Litton, Calallen ISD – Elementary Principal of the Year
Dana Vinson, Frenship ISD – Secondary Teacher of the Year
Awardees have been extended a special invitation to attend the Talk of Texas Lunch on October 17, 2020, during the association’s statewide convention in Dallas (moved from the original July date due to COVID-19). During the event, this year’s Outstanding Educators and their nominees will take the stage in front of a room packed with their biggest PTA fans.
“The Talk of Texas Lunch is a special event,” added Magen Davis, Texas PTA Director of Events and Programs. “More than an awards ceremony, it is a collection of priceless moments between our volunteers and the people who truly shine in our schools and school districts.”
Before October, Texas PTA will also celebrate the achievements of the 2020 Outstanding Educators at fall board meetings for their school districts. For more information on the nomination process, visit https://www.txpta.org/share-the-love.
