ESC 19 names the 2024 regional Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year
Adrian Stevens and Bruce Hoang will represent the region at the State Teacher of the Year competition
EL PASO, TX (August 18, 2023) — With the desire to make a difference, Adrian Stevens and Bruce Hoang decided that teaching was the best way to help students connect with their community and build up their confidence. On Saturday, August 12, Hoang and Stevens were named the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year at the ESC19 and Raiz Federal Credit Union Dinner and Awards ceremony at the Starlight Event Center.
Stevens was named the 2024 ESC19 Elementary Teacher of the Year. He is a Physical Education (P.E.) teacher at Sageland Elementary in the Ysleta Independent School District. Stevens’ goal every year is to provide students with the same positive and enjoyable P.E. experience he had as a child. “I make it a point to expose my students to as many sports and games as possible,” said Stevens. “The more things I expose them to, the more likely they are to find something they enjoy and continue to engage in far after their time here at Sageland. That is a major goal for me each year.”
Hoang was named the 2024 ESC19 Secondary Teacher of the Year. He teaches French as Modern Language at Canutillo High School in the Canutillo Independent School District. Hoang’s passion is teaching the French language and culture. His long-time motto is Teaching with Understanding and Compassion. Besides teaching the French language and culture, Hoang often incorporates his life experience of living and traveling to different countries into his lesson plans. “Connection with the community in which we live is essential in teaching the meaningful interaction between individuals and society,” said Hoang. “It fosters a sense of inter-being and identity, exploration, acceptance, and feedback. Over the years, I always try to connect my students with different communities wherever possible and feasible.”
Stevens and Hoang will advance to compete for the Texas Teacher of the Year title, the highest honor the state of Texas can bestow upon a teacher. The Texas Teacher of The Year becomes a candidate for National Teacher of the Year honors. The ESC 19 Teacher of the Year Program serves as a platform to honor El Paso and Hudspeth County’s outstanding educators for their superior leadership and excellence in teaching and for their dedication and efforts to inspire students.
About Raiz Federal Credit Union
At Raiz (pronounced as "rise" in English and "rah-EES" in Spanish), our members and strong, vibrant community inspire us daily. We share a passion for knowledge and the pursuit of growth, grounded in our heritage as El Paso Area Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU). Today, we guide members from many professions to focus on their goals and help them get here. We're proud of our roots in El Paso (since 1936) as we envision a bold path forward, leading the way with passion. We are over 70,000 members strong and provide a full range of high-quality financial services at the great rates and low costs you can expect from a first-class credit union. Join us and experience the difference that comes from working with people who care.
The meaning behind our name:
Spanish for root, our new identity grows from our heritage in the community. Grounded in the roots of our beginning with teachers, sharing a passion for knowledge and pursuit of growth. We inspire our members and employees to feel connected to our future potential together. We are rising and inviting people to move forward with us. As we look out to the light over the Franklin Mountains rising from El Paso, we look up and ahead to an even brighter tomorrow.
