Sabrina Anderson, an English II and III teacher at Abilene High School, has been selected as the Abilene Reporter-News/Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union “Amazing Teacher” of the Month.
JJ Anderson nominated her, praising her growth as an educator and her ability to engage students through literature and life lessons.
“I am amazed at how Mrs. Anderson has grown as a teacher in the time she has been at Abilene High School,” the nomination read. “She has a true love for teaching and a unique talent for engaging her students into the world of literature. They have learned not only more about the arts and literature through her but about life and how to treat those around them.”
Anderson teaches sophomores and juniors, focusing on critical reading, analysis and writing skills that extend well beyond the classroom. She emphasizes helping students fully understand what they read and form original thoughts, skills she says are essential for real-world tasks such as job applications, financial paperwork and everyday decision-making.
From the teacher
Anderson said she was surprised and deeply appreciative to be recognized.
“I was certainly surprised to learn I was nominated for being an Amazing Teacher,” she said. “It’s incredibly flattering and heartwarming to know that others feel this way about my position. But at the end of the day, it’s the students who truly make being a teacher amazing.”
What inspires her
She didn’t initially set out to become an educator. Anderson said she earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism before discovering her passion for education through substitute teaching.
“I found that I had a great rapport with students and thoroughly enjoyed the level of academic and independent thought this age group has to contribute,” she said. “They want to be understood as a person rather than another seat in a classroom. My inspiration is helping students find their voice in their own words and learn to think for themselves.”
Advice for future teachers
Anderson encourages future educators to value student voice and real-world relevance in the classroom.
“These kids are the future of our nation,” she said. “Helping them learn to analyze information and express their own thoughts is one of the most important things we can do as teachers.”
If given the chance to take her students on a field trip, Anderson said she would choose a multi-day visit to a book festival in Austin or San Antonio, where students could meet authors and see how their learning applies beyond the classroom.
About the school
Abilene High School is part of the Abilene Independent School District and is located in Abilene, Texas. The school serves students in grades 9 through 12.
Do you know an Amazing Teacher?
The Amazing Teacher program, sponsored by Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union in partnership with the Abilene Reporter-News, recognizes educators whose compassion, creativity and dedication inspire students and strengthen their communities. Teachers are selected monthly, honored locally, and entered for opportunities to receive both local prizes and national-level recognition and awards.
Is there an Amazing Teacher in your life? Let’s hear about them! Nominations are open to all. Go here to submit your favorite teacher.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Meet the Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union Amazing Teacher for the month: Sabrina Anderson
Reporting by Laura L. Davis, Abilene Reporter-News / Abilene Reporter-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
