Eagle Pass Independent School District has partnered with local businesses throughout our city to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who have made a difference in our community. The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school teachers in Eagle Pass, Texas.
March's Teacher of the Month is none other than Eagle Pass High School's, Ms. Jaclyn Byrne. Ms. Byrne has the passion and the enthusiasm for Science that shows inside and outside the classroom. During the three years that Ms. Byrne has worked at Eagle Pass High School with the Science Department, she has elevated the standard for teaching practices and has inspired her colleagues to do the same. Ms. Byrne has created an environment for her students that promotes collaboration, inquire-based learning, and creates independent learners. In her Physics and Chemistry classroom, students are constantly exposed to rigorous classroom activities and engaging learning opportunities.
During her teaching career, Ms. Byrne has been able to connect with the student body not only through her classes, but extracurricular activities. Currently, she coaches EPHS' Junior Varsity Volleyball team. She holds her team to the highest standards while exemplifying the same determinations, passion, and perseverance in her professional life. In addition, she has served as Co-Advisor for the district's Spirit Ambassador program where she has helped build leadership and communication skills. Ms. Byrne also serves on the EPHS National Honor Society Chapter Board and has been an active presence for three years. Ms. Byrne along with the other Board Members, interview and select juniors and sophomores to join the chapter and ensure that all active members uphold the pillars of leadership, service, scholarship, and character. Her work with the Ambassadors and NHS is solely voluntary and she does not receive compensation for it. She enjoys working with them as they are working to become the future leaders of our community. She also has served as Science Club Sponsor and a teacher for the Extended Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) where she tutored students struggling in science courses afterschool.
As a colleague, Ms. Byrne is always available to help other teachers in need. She shares her innovative ideas for lesson delivery and formative assessment and never shies away from experimenting with technology. In fact, she gave several trainings on how to use Zoom and other interactive websites to several teachers and administrators during the school closure.
Her energy, positivity, and communication skills have helped build relationships across departments at EPHS. Last school year, she brought the campus staff together and hosted a Teacher Pep Rally during Football season. It was a hit as she included members of the staff and students alike to bring some pep back to EPHS. Ms. Byrne is appreciated and respected by her colleagues and students. For all these reasons and more, Ms. Jaclyn Byrne is Teacher of the Month.
A segment will appear on iVision throughout the month of June detailing many more accomplishments of Ms. Byrne. This month she will also appear on community media, news publications and the EPISD website throughout June 2020. A teacher will be selected each month through May 2020 for a total of eight (8) honorees. The “Teacher of the Month” will be chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovative programs and techniques used by the teacher. The “Teacher of the Month” will receive a certificate of recognition and will be featured on iVision, local media news, news publications and radio broadcasting. Additionally, each “Teacher of the Month” will receive donations from local businesses.
Each T.O.M is receiving a “V.I.T (Very Important Teacher) Parking Pass”, a jean voucher for a month, Whataburger Gift Card, and Class Cash to purchase class room supplies. Additionally, each “Teacher of the Month” will receive donations from local businesses. Thank You Border Federal Credit Union, Ashley Furniture, 1212 Chisolm Group, EPISD Spirit Ambassadors, and Peter Piper Pizza.
