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PVAMU Alumnae Selected Top Secondary Teacher of StateWednesday, November 04, 2009 EL PASO, Texas -- Yushica Walker was named the Texas Teacher of the Year in the Secondary division and the overall state Teacher of the Year at a conference in Austin last week, according to an El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) news release. Walker earned a bachelors degree in 1996 from Prairie View A & M University. This award makes Walker one of only three secondary school finalists selected to vie for the state competition. Her award includes a cash prize, laptop computer, technology package worth more than $16,500 and a trophy, which she plans to keep on display in her classroom. A Houston native, Walker, has been teaching for more than 12 years, but is only in her third year as a science teacher at El Paso’s Morehead Middle School. This is the fourth school district where she has taught and the second in Texas. She previously taught in Killeen, just outside Fort Hood. “I am so excited to represent all the great teachers in Texas,” Walker said of this accomplishment. “Teaching is what I have wanted to do since I was eight years old,” she explained, noting that her inspiration was her Aunt Willie Mae Wolf, who still teaches in Houston. She also holds a master’s degree in Education/Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. According to the EPISD release, Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor an educator in the state can achieve, and each year the program recognizes and rewards the top teachers who have “demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.” In March 2010, PVAMU’s Whitlowe R. Green College of Education will be spotlighted during PVAMU’s 2010 Gala, which will celebrate the university’s legacy in education. Graduates including Walker will be highlighted during the event. Featured above: Yushica Walker, 1996 graduate of PVAMU, accepts her award as the Top Secondary Teacher for State of Texas. Prairie View A&M University’s Whitlowe R. Green College of Education is named for PVAMU alumnus and educator Whitlowe R. Green, who in 2005 donated $2.1 million to Prairie View A&M — the school’s largest gift from a single donor. Known for producing skilled teachers, principals and counselors, the College offers education programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, including doctoral programs and a teacher certification program. About Prairie View A&M University Prairie View A&M University was founded in 1876 and is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in Texas. With an established reputation for producing engineers, corporate leaders, nurses and educators, PVAMU offers baccalaureate degrees in 41 academic majors, 45 master’s degrees and four doctoral degree programs through eight colleges and schools. The university recently named its College of Engineering for PVAMU alumnus Roy G. Perry and the University’s marching band, The Marching Storm, was featured as the lead band in the 2009 Rose Parade. A member of The Texas A&M University System, the university is dedicated to fulfilling its land-grant mission of achieving excellence in teaching, research and service. During the university’s 132-year history, more than 51,500 academic degrees have been awarded. For more information regarding PVAMU, visit www.pvamu.edu. |