May 14, 2021 - A Comal ISD elementary art teacher is among this year’s 17 distinguished educators honored with the 2021 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching award. For 41 years, Trinity University has recognized and honored teaching as a profession as well as outstanding educators who distinguish themselves in their career.
Jessica Coleman, who has been teaching art for 16 years, four with Comal ISD at Freiheit Elementary School, accepted her award in person on Friday, May 7, at Trinity. She received an engraved Tiffany crystal apple, $500 cash, a $150 Amazon gift card for classroom supplies and $250 for an organization of her choice that supports diversity and equity in education. In addition, this year’s sponsor, Whataburger, gifted her a swag basket which included a year of free Whataburger. Her campus principal, Shelly Crofford, was on hand to celebrate with her.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as the recipient of the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching representing Comal ISD,” said Coleman. “It is my life’s greatest joy to expand the minds and creativity of the next generation of artists.”
Coleman, who has a master’s degree in art education with a concentration in museum studies, was named the Comal ISD Elementary District Teacher of the Year for 2019-2020 school year this fall.
“I have never imagined not wanting to be a teacher,” she said. “I always wanted to make a positive impact on others.”
She has, without a doubt, positively impacted not only her students but her community and colleagues through her summer art camps, curriculum development and numerous collaborations.
“I believe art should be accessible to all students regardless of where they go to school,” Coleman said. “This has inspired me to create Comal Creates Fine Art Summer Camp at Freiheit. It allows students to be exposed to a variety of mediums and artists while having fun at a price accessible to most families.”
She serves on campus and district committees, as well as on the University of Texas Austin research committee on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she is a member of the Texas Art Education Association and National Art Education Association.
-Comal ISD art teacher, Jessica Coleman, received the 2021 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching award.
-Freiheit Elementary Principal Shelly Crofford with Trinity Prize honoree, Jessica Coleman.
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