Educator selected as Teacher of the Year

Althea Menard, a science teacher at Beneke Elementary School in Spring ISD, was selected by the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators as the 2012 HAABSE Elementary Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy of Spring ISD)

The Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators has named Althea Menard the 2012 HAABSE Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Menard, a science teacher at Beneke Elementary School in Spring Independent School District, established an after-school robotics competition called Beneke Bots, the only one of its kind in the Spring ISD.

The program was meant to help fourth- and fifth-grade students learn to work as part of a team, identify problems, analyze barriers and develop plans for overcoming adversities.

Menard was picked out of more than 100 candidates. She was given the award during an award ceremony in front of an audience full of her peers.

"This award not only provided me with a feeling of excitement and joy but also was a humbling experience knowing that I have continued in the family tradition of giving to others in a way that would make my forefathers proud," Menard said in a press release.

During more than 20 years as an educator, she has received numerous other honors, including the 2007 Presidential Volunteer Service Award and 2009 Harris County Department of Education Teacher of the Month Award. She was also recognized by the Texas Education Agency for serving as a 2011 State Textbook Review Panel Member.

HAABSE is a local affiliate that is governed by the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Alliance of Black School Educators.