Impactful educators awarded

Although $2.9 million has been put directly in hands of 209 local educators over the last 14 years, Beaumont Foundation Chairman and Reaud Excellence in Education Award founder Wayne A. Reaud said the $10,000 awarded to each “Excellent Educator” is merely a token of the esteem each deserve for the service they provide to students that are the future of the world.

“It’s just a little way for us to say, ‘Thank you,’” Reaud shared at the end of a May 16 awards gala where 16 educators were each presented professional portraits, crystal obelisks and $10,000 personal checks. Reaud, the founding partner of the Beaumont-based Reaud, Morgan & Quinn Law Firm and recipient of education from many a teacher over the course of his education, fondly recollects five educators who made a profound impact on his life, sparking a desire to honor especially exceptional educators whenever given the opportunity. “I wanted to do something to show my appreciation.

“This was the best idea I could come up with.”

Putting cash directly into the hands of Southeast Texas educators is an idea that Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. John Adolph regards as not only generous, and well deserved for the recipients, but also indicative of the philanthropic initiatives undertaken under Reaud’s direction.

“I’ve never met someone who does so much for people,” Adolph said. Pointing to secular heroes in the mainstream media, adored by masses in the limelight, the pastor asked when was the last time any of them wrote out $10,000 checks to Southeast Texas educators. Adolph also addressed the expense incurred by classroom educators, who often reach into their own pockets to cover costs of educational materials, student incentives and necessities. However, Adolph was quick to add, “If you think education is costly, you should price the cost of ignorance.”

Created in 2001, the Beaumont Foundation is a nonprofit with a mission to combat the high cost of low knowledge. The grant-making institution’s stated purpose to enrich the lives and enhance the futures of the deserving children and youth, families and the elderly with a focus on improving education, health care and social services results in funds for educators and scholarships to a broad range of charitable, religious and educational organizations across the United States under the leadership of Reaud and the Foundation board, President and Chief Executive Officer C. Edward Keller, General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer Robert W. Craft and Program Director Hannah M. Ward.

A keynote address courtesy of Groves-area Alpha and Omega Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Fred Vernon Sr. highlighted the May evening’s award ceremony, invoking a call for continued educational pursuits for all in the audience: Ignorance may be bliss, but knowledge is power.

“Don’t settle,” Vernon said. “Strive to be better.”

Even as a teacher, there is always something new to learn, Vernon added.

“As a teacher, you should constantly be learning to be a better teacher,” he said. “Continue to better yourself so you can better impact the lives of others.”

Among the educators honored at the gala, 30-year Newton ISD employee Beverly Dean accepted her accolades amid raucous applause from dignitaries, guests, friends and coworkers celebrating the recipient’s contributions to the field of teaching, the students who have been bettered by her commitment, as well as the personal triumphs gained through hard work during the three decades Dean has roamed the halls of Newton ISD.

Dean’s time at the school district began with a mop in hand, serving first as a custodian, then moving on to paraprofessional work at the kindergarten level while advancing her knowledge to become a classroom teacher. Fifteen years ago, Dean made the move to oversee her own class, and has been the Lead 2nd Grade Teacher in the district since 2017.

“When I was young, I needed a way to make ends meet,” Dean said of heading up to the school district where she once attended to seek employment. “With only a high school diploma, I was not qualified for most positions, but there was a custodial position open, so I took it.”

Once in the building, Dean knew her place was in the classroom.

“Eventually, a paraprofessional position became available, and I took it to get into the classroom,” Dean said. “Thereafter, I attended Lamar University to get my degree so that I could become a teacher. I knew that with a teaching position I could help kids learn how to read, write, add and subtract.”

Hundreds of students have since benefitted from what administration describes as a “safe, happy, welcoming, educational climate” created in Dean’s class, where scholars can learn in an atmosphere abounding with focused energy and a positive attitude.

Misti Spacek, a Newton ISD parent with two children who have been taught under Dean’s tutelage, can’t say enough good things about the educator.

“I would love to brag on Mrs. Dean any time,” Spacek shared. “Mrs. Dean is a wonderful teacher, who inspires every single student who has the good fortune to pass through her classroom. She loves her students – and they love her right back. Mrs. Dean kept my children motivated to go to school and keep learning during their most trying days.

“The love and knowledge that she pours into her students is the very foundation of their educational careers.”

As well as the 15 colleagues Dean shares the title of 2023 Reaud Excellence in Education Honoree with, Rev. Vernon shared the elements all have in common – love, patience, understanding, passion, and a listening ear.

The five key elements of great educators, Reaud added, could be administered to just about any profession where excellence in performance is sought.

In addition to Dean, the 2023 Reaud Excellence in Education Honorees are: Judy Brownlie of Bridge City ISD; Randee Hodgkins, Miste Tyner Henderson and Tiffany Linh Nguyen of Beaumont ISD; Ashley Lofton and Charles M. Dodson of Port NechesGroves ISD; Jenny McLaughlin of Hardin-Jefferson ISD; Kayla Conner of Woodville ISD; Robbi Hussey and Vicky Hartt of Nederland ISD; Karen Key of Kountze ISD; Michele Moss of Vidor ISD; Elizabeth Wernig LeBoeuf of Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD; Teri Wolfe of Buna ISD; and Stefanie Wright of Lumberton ISD.

“Education is the key to a better future and great teachers are the key to education,” Reaud underscored of his determination to celebrate and recognize superior contributions of teachers whose leadership and dedication inspire a spirit of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. “Our winners are outstanding representatives of excellence in education.”

— Jennifer Johnson