Jan. 12, 2007

GCISD Educator receives Lillian B. Rhodes Teaching Award

Kay Fluitt, Colleyville Heritage High School history teacher, is among ten high school and two elementary teachers from around the state who have been selected to receive the 2007 Texas Exes Teaching Awards for Outstanding Teachers by The University of Texas at Austin’s alumni association, the Texas Exes.

“I have never wished to be in a different profession. Children touch our hearts and I truly believe each child can be successful,” Fluitt said.

The Texas Exes awards are intended to recognize teachers who are supportive of their students, who bring credit to the teaching profession and who are held in the highest regard by their current and former students, fellow teachers, administrators, students parents and community.
CHHS principal, Becky Prentice, said, “Mrs. Fluitt is tireless in her commitment to student success, supportive in her interactions with colleagues and dedicated to building the types of relationships with students and parents that truly inspire excellence.”

Each honoree will receive $2,250 and a custom-designed bronze sculpture during the Conference on Texas Excellence in Education on Feb. 15-16 at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center on The University of Texas campus. There is no cost to the educator for the two-day conference.
Jim Boon, executive director of the Texas Exes, said “The Texas Exes believe in the importance of classroom teaching. Through these awards, we encourage great teaching by celebrating the achievements of the state’s top teachers.”

High school teachers are nominated by their respective principals. Nominations for elementary teachers come from the twenty Regional Service Centers across the state. The awards are chosen by a committee of alumni volunteers, former recipients and College of Education faculty. The Texas Exes, in collaboration with the university’s College of Education, have administered the awards since 1987, honoring 227 teachers through the years.