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Ronald Motton (’13)

Ronald Motton, with 37 years in education, serves as the Campus Restorative Discipline teacher for grades 6–8 at Pietzsch-MacArthur Pre-K–8 Center in Beaumont ISD. He leads restorative justice efforts that have improved school climate and reduced disciplinary issues. Also the physical education department head, campus athletic coordinator, and a principal intern, Motton mentors students and trains staff in behavior support strategies. A former collegiate strength and conditioning coach at McNeese State University, his impact extends from the classroom to athletics. He holds multiple degrees, including an M.Ed. in administration from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ.

James Rodriguez (’07, ’17)

James Rodriguez, a physical education teacher at Fletcher Elementary in Beaumont ISD, has 17 years of teaching experience. He teaches pre-K through fifth grade and serves as a PE curriculum writer and lead instructor for district in-service training. Rodriguez mentors student teachers through ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s US Prep program and supports novice educators on campus. He has secured grants for programs such as DrumFIT and school-wide skating lessons, and he coordinates events including Field Day and the Fletcher Panther Soccer Team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in educational administration, both from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ. His recent honors include Fletcher Elementary’s 2024–25 Teacher of the Year and the Beaumont Public Schools Foundation Award.

Melissa Chapman (’97)

Melissa Chapman, a teacher at Beaumont Early College High School in Beaumont ISD, has 28 years of experience in education. She teaches ninth-grade Path College Career I and serves as the campus coordinator for 504, dyslexia and MTSS services. Chapman helps students transition into dual-credit coursework by teaching study skills, time management and career planning. She leads Club Interact, coordinating more than 60 student service projects with groups like Harbor Hospice and the Jefferson County Long-Term Recovery Group. She also partners with Junior Achievement to support career exploration. A former master reading teacher and UIL coach, Chapman contributes to campus literacy efforts and leads the Summer Bridge Program for incoming freshmen.

Jennifer Gonzales (’06, ‘11)

Jennifer Gonzales teaches English I, II, and II Honors at Port Arthur Memorial High School in Port Arthur ISD and has nine years of classroom experience. She also serves as the campus coordinator for credit recovery, UIL academics, and the annual book fair. Gonzales launched the school’s first high school book fair and maintains a 1,300-book classroom library. Her students lead the district in Accelerated Reader points. As UIL Literary Criticism coach, she led her team to a first-place finish for the first time in over 20 years. She also coaches spelling and ready writing and offers tutoring, Saturday school and summer instruction to support student success.

Brandi Martin (’12)

Brandi Martin, a dyslexia interventionist at Groves Intermediate in Port Neches-Groves ISD, has 10 years of teaching experience, working with third through fifth grade students. She provides targeted literacy interventions and serves in multiple leadership roles, including mentor teacher, PTA representative, and campus professional development presenter. Martin also serves on the Campus Improvement, PBIS, and Accelerated Reader committees. She founded and sponsors a student book club with over 70 annual participants and coaches UIL Spelling and Listening Skills. Active in both school and community, she volunteers with Backpack Buddies, ESL family programs, and co-founded a Clothes Closet for families in need. She holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ.

Shelley Hudson Friesz (’97)

Shelley Friesz, an eighth grade U.S. history teacher at C.O. Wilson Middle School in Nederland ISD, has 27 years of teaching experience. She serves as Social Studies Department Chair, eighth grade team leader, and mentor teacher. Friesz has written district curriculum, led professional development, and supported remote learning through online resources. Her student-centered instruction has contributed to C.O. Wilson earning the highest STAAR scores in Region V for 10 consecutive years. She holds a B.S. in interdisciplinary studies from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ and is a nominee for several state and national teaching awards.

Melinda Lowe (’01)

Melinda Lowe, a fourth grade science and social studies teacher at Silsbee Elementary in Silsbee ISD, has 15 years of teaching experience. She serves as the fourth grade team leader and a mentor teacher, supporting new educators and leading instructional planning. Lowe is a Process Champions Leader for the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program and incorporates hands-on STEM and project-based learning in her classroom. She also coaches UIL Math Number Sense and Spelling and sponsors Christians in Action, a student leadership group. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ and is known for her commitment to student success, teacher mentorship, and positive school culture.

Denise Robinson (’00, ’03)

Denise Robinson, a kindergarten teacher at Buna Elementary in Buna ISD, has 19 years of teaching experience. As the kindergarten grade level team leader, she focuses on early literacy, social-emotional learning, and foundational academic skills. Robinson integrates hands-on activities, career exposure, and SEL lessons to support student growth. She mentors new teachers, leads campus traditions like kindergarten graduation, and promotes student attendance through strong family communication. A member of the Buna Chamber of Commerce, she is active in local service efforts and a supporter of Buna ISD athletics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ.

Cassanda Colbert Ceasar (’12, ’20)

Cassandra Colbert Ceasar has 13 years of teaching experience and currently teaches 7th-grade Honors and 8th-grade English Language Arts and Reading at Hardin-Jefferson Junior High School in Hardin-Jefferson ISD. Known for creating a supportive and challenging classroom environment, she uses immersive lessons that promote critical thinking and student engagement. Ceasar serves as a mentor teacher and participates on the District Recruitment & Retention Committee, supporting efforts to attract and retain quality educators. She also leads an annual summer writing program to help students prepare for STAAR assessments. Her dedication to literacy, mentorship, and student well-being is widely recognized by students, parents, and colleagues.

Terry Morris (’09)

Terry Morris teaches Computer Science I–IV and coaches UIL Mathematics at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in LCM ISD, with 16 years of experience. As UIL Computer Science coach, his teams have advanced to state for eight consecutive years, earning two championships and multiple top-three finishes. Morris also founded the LCM Summer Coding Camp to expand access to computer science and mentors new teachers while training others through Region 5 ESC. He frequently provides transportation to events, ensuring all students can compete. His former students have gone on to careers at major tech firms and federal agencies.

Nancy Ryall Edwards (’77)

Nancy Ryall Edwards has 26 years of teaching experience and currently serves as an RTI math interventionist for grades 6–8 at Orangefield Junior High in Hardin-Jefferson ISD. She develops targeted intervention programs that help struggling students close learning gaps, often advancing nearly two grade levels in one year. Edwards mentors new teachers, oversees Saturday School, and serves on campus and district committees. She incorporates hands-on activities and mnemonic strategies to build student skill and confidence. Beyond the classroom, she leads Extended Day, summer school, and homebound instruction and runs The Comfort Closet for students in need. Her commitment to student success and mentorship has made her a valued educator in the district.

Laurie Beard (’85, ’09)

Laurie Beard, a third and fourth grade English/language arts and social studies teacher at Pine Forest Elementary in Vidor ISD, has 40 years of teaching experience. She serves as the fourth grade team leader and ELA lead teacher, overseeing curriculum development and mentoring. Beard is active on multiple campus and district committees, including the Gifted/Talented Selection and Teacher Incentive Allotment committees, and leads district literacy initiatives. Her classroom emphasizes hands-on learning and service, with students participating in literacy challenges, historical re-enactments, and community projects. She holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ.