Excellence in Teaching in Houston

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to speak at the Kinder Excellence in Teaching Awards (KETA) Dinner, to relate what the award had meant to me. I was a KETA winner in 2021, when I taught at Cristo Rey Jesuit. What the whole process--the award (including a sizable cash gift), the recognition, and the celebratory dinner--really meant to me was that excellence in teaching is not restricted to one type of school.

The Kinders recognize outstanding teachers from Houston Independent School District schools, YES Prep schools, KIPP schools, and Catholic schools from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. While we compete for students in the school-choice marketplace of Houston, we also recognize and hope there is a "right school" for every student. As I said in my speech, "for all of our celebrated Houston diversity, we are united in our love for children and young adults, blessed by the opportunity to minister to them with the love that God gives us in unending abundance."

I currently teach at St. Peter Catholic, another option for "the right school" for some students: a Catholic Career and Technical High School, the first in Texas.

I concluded my speech with three cheers of thanks to Rich and Nancy Kinder, who were in the audience. Their support for excellence in teaching in Houston is what the event was all about.

Peace be with you.