Page 2 - 2023 GPS Mid-Year Edition - English

TEACHERTALKS

EDUCATORS’ PERSPECTIVES WORTH SHARING

As teaching and learning are at the forefront of everything in
Galena Park ISD, our teachers are foundational to our operation and
utilize innovation to create learning experiences within and beyond
the classroom. GPISD TEACHER Talks provide meaningful insight and
a rare glimpse into the experiences and thoughts of teachers as
they facilitate growth for students of all backgrounds and abilities.
As expected, everyone plans and experiences teaching differently,
so we are excited to share the perspectives of our GPISD 2022-2023
Teachers of the Year and Rookie Teachers of the Year in our very
own TEACHER Talks!

LaVincia Barnett, GPISD Secondary Teacher of the Year; Charlie Grisson, GPISD Elementary
Rookie Teacher of the Year; Belen Romero, GPISD Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year; and
Rachel Tapner, GPISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, nurture the whole child. Their excellence
is attributed to their steadfast commitment to preparing students to become productive citizens
and lifelong learners. These educators show us it is not the teacher’s experience level but their
passion to ensure student success every day. Barnett, Grisson, Romero, and Tapner tirelessly
dedicate themselves to the vision of Excellence in All, For All, By All and making Galena Park
ISD… A Great Place to Be!

LaVincia Barnett, GPISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, believes teaching
involves more than simply facilitating learning or delivering curriculum to her
students. The relationships, community spirit, and social well-being of everyone
truly make a difference for her students, so she is committed to Social-Emotional
Learning. “Students have the opportunity to fully engage in lessons while
verbalizing their thoughts and feelings,” which is reflected in them taking
ownership in class and connecting with different parts of the lesson. “I also want
to make sure that everyone in my school-community steps outside their circle
and develops a perspective about their community and the world they live in.”
Barnett makes a special effort to take a personal interest in the growth of her students in and out
of the classroom by sponsoring various organizations and clubs. For 17 years, Barnett has been
the class sponsor for North Shore Senior High School’s seniors and sponsors the Texas Association
of Future Educators.

Charlie Grisson, GPISD Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year, mixes music
with fun and learning to garner her students’ attention while facilitating their
academic growth at Cloverleaf Elementary School. Grisson rarely uses her
large, open-design classroom for sitting. When it came to video games and
social media, her sentiment was, “if I can’t beat ‘em, I better join ‘em!” So,
she connects music lessons to games students are already interested in while
moving around the room to review curriculum concepts. “Students will take a
stake in what they find interesting; our job as teachers is to make it interesting. My
students push me to think outside the box, and I love it every day!”