Feb. 20, 2024—Rennell Elementary School LIFE Skills teacher Kaitlyn Calvin and Spillane Middle School LIFE Skills teacher Makenzie Kellgren were selected as Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s teachers of the year and will represent the district at regional and statewide competitions for top teaching honors.
Both Calvin and Kellgren were selected as the Teacher of the Year at their respective campuses, and will be recognized at the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF) Salute to the Stars ceremony on March 7.
Calvin was chosen as the CFISD Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“For as long as I can remember all I wanted to do was be a teacher,” Calvin said. “Every day I have the incredible honor of assuring that all my students feel seen, loved, supported, and that they see the value of each and every one of their unique talents and gifts. I am lucky to work with the most amazing students, paraprofessionals and coworkers who inspire me to be a better educator each and every day. Words cannot express how honored I feel to get to represent this amazing school district and all of the remarkable people who make up this community.”
Kellgren was chosen as the CFISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.
“Throughout my journey as an educator, I have always believed that a student’s label is only a means to receive the tools they need to successfully allow their talents, abilities and skills to shine through,” Kellgren said. “The greatest gift I can give each of my students is to instill my belief that they are capable of anything. It has always been my goal to keep their spirits high and their dreams alive.
“I am honored to represent a school district that believes all students, regardless of labels, have a voice that is valued and needs to be heard. I am grateful for my amazing students, incredibly committed paraeducators and my supportive family for shaping me into the educator that I am today.”
Calvin and Kellgren will be honored on Aug. 1 at the 35th annual Region 4 Education Service Center Teachers of the Year Ceremony at the Hilton Americas. Calvin and Kellgren will be candidates for Region 4 Teacher of the Year. Six finalists are chosen from the 40 regional winners and a Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year are selected. One is then chosen to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program.
