Like It’s Golden
On a terribly stormy Southeast Texas morning, one Beaumont ISD educator was all aglow. Roy Guess Elementary School teacher Taylor Allen received a huge surprise when 12NewsHD anchor Tia Johnson visited the campus on May 2, 2024 to present her with one of five 12News Golden Apple Awards.
"Being recognized today is an honor,” Allen stated with gratefulness. “At times, when the days are tough, it's easy to doubt your ability and what you do for your students. This nomination and award made me realize that even on the days I don't feel it, I'm truly making a difference in and out of the classroom. I absolutely love my calling and what I do for my students."
During Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-May 10, 2024, the Beaumont ABC/NBC television affiliate will showcase five teachers making a difference in Southeast Texas. Allen (a graduate of West Brook High School, Lamar University, and Grand Canyon University) was nominated by Charlene King, the parent of one her students. In nominating Allen, King called the educator a “phenomenal teacher who went above and beyond” for students.
Guess principal, Dr. Jada Saveat-Easley, says Allen has an “amazing rapport” with her students. “She takes the time to build long lasting relationships with her students, whom she calls ‘her babies,’” Easley remarked.
12News began collecting nominations for the honor in April. Nominees could be school educators, bible school teachers, music teachers, or even tutors. Allen will be featured in a segment scheduled to air on Thursday, May 9, 2024. BISD will post the segment to its social media platforms.
Political and educational leaders began discussions for a day to honor teachers in 1944. In 1953, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teachers' Day. Congress declared March 7, 1980 as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association observed National Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985. The National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May when the NEA Representative Assembly voted to make the Tuesday of that week National Teacher Day.
