““I seek to understand people by working with them; I strive to teach others by empowering them to collaborate and strengthen each other’s gifts. It is crucial that we not only realize the power that lies in understanding other cultures, systems, resources, and arts all over the globe, but it is more important that we share this understanding with others. When we gain an understanding of others’ values, beliefs, and cultures, we are able to make a true connection. It is in this connection that education takes place.”
- Loryn Windwehen”
A PURPOSE TO TEACH
Loryn Windwehen is an assistant principal at Jefferson Middle School in Northside ISD; San Antonio, TX. With ten years of classroom experience in middle school science, she will always identify herself as a proud teacher who was grateful for every moment she was able to teach. Now given the opportunity to lead other teachers formally, she is embracing this experience to make education better.
Windwehen was named the 2012 Overall Teacher of the Year for North East ISD in San Antonio, TX, 2012 Region 20 Secondary Teacher of the Year in Texas, received the 2012 Kens5 ExCel Award for Excellence in Education, known as the “Golden Apple Award” for teachers, and was a 2012 state finalist in the HEB Excellence in Education Awards under the Rising Star category.
In addition, she has been selected for numerous National fellowships including one in partnership with the National Institute for Standards in Technology in Washington, D.C.; one of seven “America’s Teachers” at the I/ITSEC Conference in Orlando, Florida – a conference on modeling and simulation in conjunction with the US Military; as well as a competitive fellowship sponsored by the National Science Teachers Association. She was one of 38 educators in the nation selected to travel to Brazil as the representative for the state of Texas as a part of the NEA-Pearson Global Fellowship Program, and most recently was chosen as the only teacher to represent Texas in the competitive fellowship, America Achieves Fellowship of Teachers and Principals. She was the co-founder of the Harris Middle School Community Garden and the founder of the Harris Middle School Green Team, an elective class who embraced service learning to benefit their school and community. Along with a dear friend, they were able to bring in tens of thousands of dollars to their school, including an impressive grant of $20,000 from the San Antonio Spurs Team Up Challenge.
Innovation and change for student success are at the forefront of her priorities as an educator, all with the foundation of positive relationships with all involved in education.