A middle school administrator and a substitute teacher are Killeen ISD STEEL Award winners for March.
Both Live Oak Ridge Middle School campus instructional specialist Jerrilyn Lizama and Saegert Elementary School substitute teacher Beverly Ledbetter confirmed they were shocked to receive the surprise visits.
Senior district leaders joined a communications department team, the Education Foundation, campus principals and other supporters to present the monthly honor.
Jerrilyn Lizama – Live Oak Ridge Middle School campus instructional specialist
“Educating children is at the center of my life, my world,” said Lizama, who has taught and been an administrator at the high school and middle school levels for 23 years, 19 years in KISD.
“When I’m dealing with children, I think about how I want my children to be dealt with … that helps me overcome obstacles. It’s been a great experience,” she said.
“My motivation is the children. They are our future. I want to make sure we are shaping individuals prepared to take care of us,” she said. “Being a part of that is a huge responsibility, but it’s an honor.
“To impact so many lives – one student or one teacher a day – that impact goes a long way.
“I’m very honored and very grateful. I thank God for the opportunity to work with everyone. There’s always something to be grateful about.”
Her nomination called her creative, helpful and caring.
“Your dedication goes beyond mere words,” it stated. “It’s a testament to your enduring passion for education and belief in the potential for every student.”
Beverly Ledbetter – Saegert Elementary substitute teacher
Similar to Lizama, Ledbetter said it is her own children who motivate her career in education.
She started working as a substitute last year and continues this year, focusing mainly at Saegert Elementary School, where her youngest child attends.
With three school-age students, she wanted to get back in the workforce and to work hours and days consistent with her children.
“I love being a sub. It’s fun. It changes every day. It’s great. I love being in my kid’s school. Saegert is fantastic. It feels warm and accepting.”
Ledbetter was reading to her students in the library when a crowd of well-wishers interrupted.
“It was very surprising. It was a shock. It’s humbling to be pointed out. I feel like I’m the lucky one to be in the classroom and fill a gap when it needs to be filled. It’s the teachers who should be getting the award,” she said.
Besides giving Ledbetter a paycheck and added time in her children’s schools, she has learned the deep sacrifices teachers make.
“I think subbing has taught me that children are more capable than most people think. It has showed me how hard teachers work. It is incredible what these teachers do, the progress students make,” she said.
“It has showed me a lot about how dedicated and hardworking teachers are and how much they give personally for their students.”
Any KISD employee can nominate any other KISD employee for a STEEL Award.
The actual awards are fabricated in the district’s Career Center welding bays and finished in the automotive paint shop.
Stories and videos about previous winners are posted at the following:
https://www.killeenisd.org/steel
