The Longview Rotary Club honored South Ward Elementary teacher Isrrael Vazquez during their regular meeting Tuesday at First Baptist Church.
Vazquez was recognized as the January 2017 Teacher of the Month by club members for his professionalism, leadership, and teaching excellence.
'Mr. Vazquez is a vital part of our educational team,' said South Ward Principal Dr. Rebecca Cooper. 'We appreciate the Longview Rotary Club for selecting a member of our faculty for this honor, and their support of education in our community.'
Vazquez has worked for Longview ISD since 2004, starting as a 3rd Grade teacher at the former Jodie McClure Elementary. He has been at South Ward since 2008. In thirteen years as a bilingual teacher, the passing rate for Vazquez's students is above 80 percent.
'I believe that every student can learn,' he said. 'I spend most of the time encouraging them to getting good self-esteem through providing a different kind of instruction that allows them to learn, and with that stop the circle of frustration at school.'
The Longview Rotary Club recognizes a local teacher each month. The teachers are honored at regular luncheon meetings.
Jon Cromer, Teacher of the Month coordinator for the Rotary Club, said it is a privilege for the organization 'to honor the great teachers of Longview ISD each year.'
'There are many outstanding teachers working every day to educate and improve the lives of young people in this community and Mr. Vazquez is no exception. He is an extraordinary individual with a great story of perseverance and determination throughout his own childhood, and now, with the positive impact and impression he is able to make on his students, is truly incredible,' he said. 'Longview ISD and South Ward Elementary School are fortunate to have a teacher of Mr. Vazquez caliber and we are proud to honor him.'