Shelley Jeoffroy, a fifth-grade math teacher at Otis Brown Elementary in Irving, Texas, has been named the 2023 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Texas Association of School Administrators. She has also been selected to represent Texas in the 2023 National Teacher of the Year competition.
Jeoffroy’s educational career spans 17 years, with the past 15 years serving the Irving Independent School District. During this time, she has taught all subjects, but predominantly math and science. Jeoffroy has made educational contributions globally, serving students in Kenya, Peru, Mexico, and Morocco. Her international experiences have fueled her passion for global educational policies, and she believes in preparing her students to be innovative global citizens.
“Having witnessed the possibilities while working with very economically challenged students in a variety of countries, I have advocated for more innovative opportunities for students in my American classrooms,” Jeoffroy said. “I pushed for lessons as a district curriculum writer that allowed for not simply the presentation and confirmation of knowledge but that afforded scholars the chance to be inventive with their new learning and skills.”
Shelley Jeoffroy’s innovative approach to teaching is evident in her district contributions, including being a science curriculum and district assessment writer, science district presenter, mentor teacher, team lead, vertical math lead, gifted and talented building committee member, Language Proficiency Assessment Committee representative, and Destination Imagination coach. She has led a team of students in a robotics program where her young engineers won first place at the elementary level and second place overall.
Jeoffroy’s students are not only taught the subject material but are also encouraged to be innovative with their learning and skills. She believes in building confidence and compassion, celebrating each individual’s unique talents, and capitalizing on the diversity of her students.
TASA Executive Director Kevin Brown congratulated Jeoffroy on her achievement, saying, “They have distinguished themselves among thousands of outstanding, dedicated teachers across our state and nation who have answered the call to serve others.”
Shelley Jeoffroy holds a bachelor’s degree in English and biology from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she also attended graduate school. Her commitment to innovation and global education has led to her receiving this recognition as the 2023 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.
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