Karen Sams —
Crockett Elementary Teacher and
2020 Texas Teacher of the Year
Karen has been a teacher for 16 years and is currently a
third-grade teacher at David Crockett Elementary. “I love
teaching because every day I get to build relationships with
my students, help them grow and have fun,” she explained.
“I have a quote by Rita Pierson posted above my desk that
I read every day before my students arrive. ‘Every child
deserves a champion — an adult who will never give up
on them, who understands the power of connection, and
insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.’
This has become my mantra in the classroom and encom-
passes my ‘why.’ I believe in the power of public education
and see firsthand the positive impacts that access to a high-
quality education has on children and our community.”
Most people don’t know that 13 years ago Karen was set up
with her now-husband, Eric, by her principal at the time.
She also aspired to be on Saturday Night Live. Karen pays
it forward by helping her students. “I have started select-
ing one kid per week in my class to ‘talk in the hall’ with
me. When they are called, panic usually overcomes them
because they expect to be ‘in trouble,’ but once we get out
there, I like to ask them about the best part of their day or
have them tell me about something that made them smile.
Then I make sure to give them a compliment or tell them
something positive that I have noticed about them in class.
This interaction changes their whole day for the better and
it brings me absolute joy to see their faces light up.” Like
any teacher, Karen would like to be remembered for the
impact that she had on her students.
Annette Baker —
Fifth-Grade Math Teacher for
Martin Elementary
90
Annette changed her major from accounting to
education her senior year at TCU, which she
considers one of the best decisions she has ever
made. “No two days are ever the same in the class-
room, and I find no greater reward than seeing my
students be successful,” she explained. Most people
don’t know that she is the original staff member still
teaching at Mary Martin Elementary and that she’s
passionate about getting kids outside and work-
ing in the garden. “Mary Martin Elementary has a
school garden and a Junior Master Gardener Club.
My personal children love growing vegetables, and
I hope my students gain the same love of garden-
ing,” she said. Her best piece of advice? “No one is
in charge of your happiness except you! One of the
many words of wisdom from my dad.”