COPPERAS COVE, TX (April 28, 2023)— As the largest employer in Coryell County, Copperas Cove ISD employs nearly 1,500 staff members. From among that number, five employees are selected as the CCISD employees of the year.
Secondary Teacher of the Year: Joseph Valencia, Copperas Cove High School
Copperas Cove High School science teacher Joseph Valencia is CCISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. Mr. Valencia has been teaching for 9 years and currently teaches integrated physics and chemistry. He brings real-world experience into the classroom. One of the methods that is seen quite often is hands-on learning through labs so that students are getting practice of the skills they will need to be successful in future science classes but also to apply their learning in showing mastery of skills. From using Jenga blocks to teach net force to having students build cars out of water bottles, Mr. Valencia brings learning to life for students. He is a solution-oriented teacher always being proactive and finding creative solutions to meet the needs of his team, teachers that he mentors, and the students he teaches.
Elementary Teacher of the Year: Caroline Fogwell, Martin Walker Elementary School
Martin Walker Elementary teacher Caroline Fogwell is CCISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year. As can be seen in her data with high levels of growth for her students, Mrs. Fogwell is an accomplished classroom teacher with 8 years of experience. But it isn’t just effective instruction that sets Mrs. Fogwell apart. It’s also her focus on the social-emotional needs of her students for which she differentiates instruction. Mrs. Fogwell pairs high expectations with choice and trust. During independent work time, students are often sitting in different areas in the room, engaged in academic conversations with their peers, and attentive to the work in front of them. Students seamlessly move from one task to another. Mrs. Fogwell’s consistent procedures and expectations have fostered this environment for students to reach their academic potential.
Rookie Teacher of the Year: Paula Ramos, S. C. Lee Junior High School
S. C. Lee Junior High 6th grade reading/language arts teacher Paula Ramos is CCISD’s Rookie Teacher of the Year. Her rapport with children is natural and genuine. Her students blossom as learners while in her class. Her ability to engage them with “big kid” ideas while still addressing developmental needs as they transition from elementary to junior high is truly exceptional. The climate of her classroom provides a community feeling for students while facilitating a love of learning and engaging students in both social and academic skills. Mrs. Ramos exudes the qualities of a veteran teacher. Her talents are innate and truly reveal a calling for teaching.
Paraprofessional of the Year: David Brame, Martin Walker Elementary School
Martin Walker Elementary Paraprofessional David Brame is CCISD’s Paraprofessional of the Year. Mr. Brame has worked as a Martin Walker Elementary paraprofessional in a behavioral self-contained classroom for two years. He sets extremely high expectations and holds students accountable in meeting them. He is able to accomplish this because of the relationships he builds with students. Mr. Brame plays a pivotal role in not only the success of the Martin Walker students, but in the success of the entire campus. He meets student needs daily in all areas, including academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. He is a role model to students and teachers because of his patient demeanor, determination, and genuine care for his students. Mr. Brame makes Martin Walker a better place.
Auxiliary Employee of the Year: Lorrie Hornaday, CCISD Child Nutrition Department
CCISD Child Nutrition Department employee Lorrie Hornaday is CCISD’s Auxiliary Employee of the Year. Mrs. Hornaday has been a district employee for 22 years and has continued to push herself to learn more about Child Nutrition so that she can better serve the students in our district. She has never settled to stay in one job but has continued to look for ways to strive to the next level. Child Nutrition Director Melissa Bryan said Lorrie sees areas of need and then steps in to fill in the gaps without waiting to be asked. She looks for areas where people are struggling and tries to find ways to help and make the department better.
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