Rice Middle School 2026

Susan Hebert

Rice Middle School - Middle School ESL Teacher, Grades 6-8
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Teaching Philosophy

In teaching, I believe there is an intangible that cannot be fully explored in any college course nor learned in a week-long seminar. It is a better indicator of student success than creative strategies or quarterly statistics. It requires a type of fortitude, a resilience that not only propels a teacher to work harder, but to endeavor to know the whole student. It is the capacity to connect, to form meaningful relationships.

Relationships supply more information than any score on a test or a data point on a graph could ever communicate. Relationships give a teacher insight not only into a student’s strengths and needs, but also hopes and dreams for the future. Relationships forge trust. A good student-teacher relationship is the solid foundation on which success can grow.

After years of listening to my students and seeing them perform educational feats I once believed impossible, this is what my students taught me. Academic accomplishment is not necessarily dependent upon teacher training, nor is high achievement only realized through student mastery of all the objectives in a curriculum. Data is not always the best indicator of scholastic success. Relationships make the difference.

I cannot, with strong conviction, say that I am the finest teacher in my school, nor in my district. I cannot boast to be the best at instruction, data analysis, or even classroom management. What I can say is that I am willing to learn, to evolve, and to try even the most unconventional idea if it results in success for my students. However, all of this must begin with relationships.

Each school year offers me a chance to grow, to learn, and to set in motion new practices that promise a fruitful harvest of student achievement. The almanac I choose is relationships. Knowing my students’ gifts and abilities in addition to their stories, affords me this opportunity. Such relationships cannot be forced. They must be cultivated in an environment that allows students to bloom through sharing their journeys on their timetables. It is my job to pay attention to the climate and to sow accordingly.

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Principal's Recommendation

To Whom it May Concern:

It is my honor to nominate Susan Hebert, ESL Department Head at Rice Middle School, for Teacher of the Year.

Susan is an exceptional educator whose impact extends far beyond her classroom. She is positive, insightful, and dependable, serving as a trusted instructional leader for both students and staff. Whether supporting English learners directly or guiding teachers across departments, Susan ensures every student is positioned for success.

During classroom walkthroughs, Susan's expertise is evident. She clearly communicates content and language objectives, uses effective language supports, and creates a safe, engaging environment where students can practice and develop academic language. Her active monitoring and timely feedback strengthen both comprehension and language development.

Staff consistently note that Susan goes above and beyond, often providing support before it is even requested. She has guided colleagues through major ESL process changes, hosted after-school training sessions, and spent time in classrooms supporting students and teachers. Much of her work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is powerful and lasting.

As a department of one, Susan has continued to lead with professionalism, perseverance, and a student first mindset. She is a constant presence in the hallways and classrooms, greeting students each morning and providing targeted, meaningful support to ensure success.

With 22 years of teaching experience and 11 years in Plano ISD, Susan embodies the Rice Middle School Guidelines for Success: she Respects Everyone, Acts with Integrity, Values Kindness, Effectively Prepares, and Never Settles.

Susan Hebert is a champion for English learners, a trusted partner to teachers, and a cornerstone of our campus. I am deeply grateful for her dedication and leadership and wholeheartedly recommend her as Rice Middle School's Teacher of the Year.

Sincerely,

Christopher Glasscock
Principal
Rice Middle School