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Teacher asking her students a question
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While our top teachers come from different schools, backgrounds, and experiences, they all share an immense passion for what they do.
As the magazine has done in years past, we’re honoring nine teachers across Greater Tarrant County. We began this process by asking our readers to submit votes through our website, fwtx.com, where students, parents, fellow teachers, and staff members can explain why their nominee is deserving. After collecting the nominations, we vet the final list through the teachers’ headmasters and principals.
Nelson Cedillo
1 of 2
2 of 2
Fifth Grade Science
George C. Clarke Elementary
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I come from a family deeply rooted in education. My mother serves as an administrator in our home country of Mexico and began her career as a classroom teacher. Growing up as a teacher’s child meant I was always at school, from early mornings helping my mom set up her classroom to late evenings watching her prepare for the next day’s lessons. These experiences fostered close relationships not only with school staff but also with other teachers’ children. Witnessing my mother’s dedication to her craft instilled in me a deep appreciation for educators. Seeing how she positively impacted our community inspired me to pursue a career in teaching.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
I would be Superman. Superman embodies many qualities that are valuable in teaching: He is compassionate, patient, and has a strong sense of justice. His superpowers, such as super strength, super speed, and flight, could be metaphorically interpreted as his ability to inspire and empower students to reach their highest potential.
Kathleen Cluchey
1 of 2
2 of 2
Seventh and Eighth Grade Science
Young Women’s Leadership Academy
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I am a fourth-generation educator — my great-grandfather was the president of a teacher’s college in Wisconsin — so this was a field that I grew up around. During my college years, I swore that I would never become a teacher, but happenstance landed me a job as a high school Spanish teacher right out of college. It took about three months for me to realize that, in fact, I loved teaching and have never looked back.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“No one becomes who they were in middle school.” – Marcia McLaughlin (my mother)
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
I would be Ms. Frizzle. What better way to make learning fun than visiting the solar system, digestive track, soap molecules, and the center of the earth than in your own magical school bus? Thrilling.
Boaz Goss
1 of 2
2 of 2
Science
Cassata Catholic High School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My father taught in the Frisco Independent School District for a decade while I was growing up, so teaching is like a family trade. Later, in college and grad school, I had professors that took me in like I was family. My role models have always been teachers.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“Do you want to do a good deed? Teach the young! Do you want to perform a holy act? Teach the young! Truly, now and for the future, among holy things, this is the holiest.” – Saint John Bosco
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
Green Lantern. As a kid, my father and grandfather convinced me that our family was on the waiting list to get inducted into the Green Lantern Corps. I didn’t realize it was a joke until I was, like, 12.
Brian Nowlin
1 of 2
2 of 2
English
All Saints’ Episcopal School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I became a teacher after having experienced firsthand, as a student, the transformative potential of the classroom, its ability to open up for students and teachers alike. I love being carried along and carried away by the distinctive magic of the classroom, a magic that one ultimately serves, and perhaps summons, but definitely does not manufacture oneself.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“When you find you can go neither backward nor forward … when you are convinced that all the exits are blocked, either you take to believing in miracles or you stand still like the hummingbird. The miracle is that the honey is always there, right under your nose, only you were too busy searching elsewhere to realize it. The worst is not death but being blind, blind to the fact that everything about life is in the nature of the miraculous.” – Henry Miller, from the preface to Stand Still Like the Hummingbird
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
I would have to go with one of the ancient Greek equivalents of a superhero: Odysseus! I like Odysseus because his primary superpower is thinking and imagining. He is also a master of disguise able to relate with vastly different kinds of people. Second, I would choose Odysseus because he is far from perfect. His many human foibles help make him identifiably human. Odysseus recognizes that the quest for perfection is a dangerous way to live.
Hannah Severson
1 of 2
2 of 2
Pre-K
Tanglewood Elementary
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I was inspired to become a teacher because of certain teachers I had growing up. I vividly remember my third grade teacher, who made learning multiplication exciting and fun. Every Friday, we played a math game that turned learning into a fun competition, and we all looked forward to it. Her enthusiasm and innovative approach left a lasting impression on me. Again, certain teachers in my life inspired me to become one.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.” – Unknown
(I love this quote because it perfectly captures how passionate teachers can make a big difference.)
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
If I were a superhero, I’d be Wonder Woman. She’s the perfect mix of strength and grace. Plus, she’s all about helping people and standing up for what’s right. She’s a real symbol of empowerment and shows that true power comes from having a big heart.
Luis Terrazas
1 of 2
2 of 2
U.S. History and Constitutional Law
Trinity Valley School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I had wonderful teachers and professors whose personal examples and love for learning inspired me to follow their examples. James Todd, my constitutional law professor, injected sharp wit and keen analysis into his lectures. I admired both his command of the material and his ability to generate lively conversation in his classes.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“You cannot advance without the permission of your peers.”
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
Captain America. He has his roots in antifascism, and he delivered an actual punch to Hitler. He represents the best American ideals: courage, optimism, and tolerance of all cultures and beliefs (except for fascism).
Andrew Weesner
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2 of 2
Theatre Arts
Paschal High School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I started college as a youth and family ministry major. After two summers of internships and several volunteer opportunities, I began to realize that the kids I was working with already had someone in their life that cared enough about them to invest their time. I wanted to work with kids who may have never had an adult tell them that they are valuable and loved. So, the major was changed to secondary education. When it came time to pick what subjects I would specialize in, it was natural to go to theatre. I was in my first play when I was in third grade, and it was then that I found a home in the theater, a place where I felt safe to truly be myself (which, as a performance loving guy in a world focused on athletics was a true feat!).
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“Everyone deserves a chance to fly…” – Elphaba from “Wicked”
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
First answer is Wolverine, but only because I am obsessed with Hugh Jackman. Second is a cop out … Harry Potter … because who doesn’t want to be a wizard and to save the world from the most evil wizard to ever live … does that even count? So, I will settle for Professor X. Seems appropriate for a teacher, and as an empath, I would love to have the power of telepathy so I could help others work through their insecurities and anxieties and reach their full potential.
Monica Stephens
1 of 2
2 of 2
Spanish
Kennedale High School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
My parents are from Mexico and always valued education. They made sure my siblings and I always had what we needed for school and encouraged us to do our best in all our classes. I was inspired to become a teacher early in life. My father bought me a used chalkboard easel from the thrift store and brand-new chalk, sparking my interest in teaching from a young age. Mrs. Alicia Mijares, my first grade teacher, also played a crucial role in my decision to become a teacher. Her teaching style, kindness, and dedication to her students inspired and impacted my educational journey. The combination of these experiences fostered a love for learning and teaching that continued to grow throughout my life.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“Lo más valioso en mi vida es mi familia. – The most valuable thing in my life is my family.” – Author Unknown
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
Superman because he embodies the highest ideals of humanity. His unwavering commitment to life, justice, compassion, empathy, and hope inspires me. He stands as a beacon of what it means to protect and uplift others, showing that true strength lies not just in physical power, but in the moral courage to do what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Erin Tribble
1 of 2
2 of 2
Third Grade
Southwest Christian School
What inspired you to become a teacher?
While I had a handful of educators in my family, it was not until I was in high school and got to experience the impact a teacher, actually a coach, had on me personally, did I fully feel inspired and God leading me to become that person for my future students.
What’s an inspirational quote you would like to share?
“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss
If you were a superhero, which superhero would you be and why?
If I could be any superhero, I think I would choose Jean Grey. Being able to really know what’s going on in people’s mind, what they’re truly going through, would be a powerful tool not only as an educator but also as a mom, a spouse, and a friend.
