Katy ISD Announces 2008 District Teachers of the Year

Kimberly Middleton of Exley Elementary was selected as the 2008 Katy ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Rhonda Williams of Katy High School was chosen as the 2008 Katy ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“While Mrs. Middleton and Mrs. Williams have been selected by their peers as the best at what they do, they represent the quality teachers we have in each and every classroom here in Katy ISD,” said Alton Frailey, superintendent of schools. “Day-in and day-out, they demonstrate the hard work and dedication it takes to provide students in Katy ISD with the quality education they deserve.”

Middleton teaches 21 kindergarten students at Exley Elementary, however, she would tell you that each day 21 parents send her the child they love.  Her daily goals as a teacher include building a sense of community in her classroom, not wasting a moment of instruction time and making learning fun yet challenging.

“I want each child that enters my classroom to know that I believe in them and that I will never accept less than their best,” said Middleton. 

Her principal, Elizabeth Kuylen, wrote in her nomination letter that she wished every child could have Middleton as their teacher.  Middleton is not only known as an outstanding teacher, she also contributes to Exley professionally as the campus lead teacher for Kindergarten through third-grade language arts, she serves as a mentor to students in the Exley mentor program, as well as mentoring several first year teachers amidst her 28-year education career, among many other professional achievements.

Rhonda Williams teaches Health Science Technology to Katy High School students from grades eight through 12, sponsors the Health Occupation Students of America, coordinates the campus bi-annual blood drive and writes curriculum in collaboration with the Katy ISD career and technical education department along with being a member of the Association of Texas Professional Educators.

Williams was nominated by her peers including Katy High School Principal Joe Kelley, who describes her as, “One of the most caring people I have ever met,” and “a positive role model who is a true asset to the students and culture of Katy High School.”

Williams’ previous career was spent as a registered nurse even though she has always loved the teaching opportunities in her life. 

“I hope to prepare my students to become competent, compassionate and productive members of society in whichever career path they may choose,” said Williams. “To teach is the art of challenging others to think critically, to discover and to apply information or skills beyond the boundaries of the classroom setting.”

Williams was selected as the most influential teacher by one of her senior students at Katy High School, Andreza Ndinofina, who was selected as a 2008 Katy ISD Award of Excellence recipient.  Ndinofina chose Williams as her outstanding teacher because of the determination that Williams instilled in her for the future. 

“She encourages me by telling me that if I believe that I can do it, then there is not a soul who can stop me,” said Ndinofina.  “Because of Mrs. Williams and my parents, I have chosen to not give up on my dream of being a doctor.”