Karen Conner, a STEM teacher at Kuentz and Los Reyes elementary schools, was told by Kuentz Principal Lindsey Christian, that a crew from NISD Media Production would be coming to take some video for some marketing materials for the district. But that was all a ruse.
Following the videographers were Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Fey and KENS 5 News Reporter Sarah Duran, who explained the real reason for class interruption鈥攖he announcement that Conner is the 2025-26 EXCEL Award winner for NISD.
鈥淥h, my goodness,鈥 she said as all students and special guests applauded the announcement. 鈥淚 am so excited and surprised.鈥
KENS5TV and Human Credit representatives, who joined the assembly, presented Conner with a crystal apple and a $2,000 check. They annually give the EXCEL Award to an outstanding teacher in school districts throughout the San 国产麻豆 area.
Conner, who is in her 24th year of teaching at NISD, said that teaching wasn鈥檛 her first career choice in high school.
鈥淢y path to education, though obvious in hindsight, was guided by moments and people encountered along the way,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 accepted a part time job at a day care while working on my degree. That job sparked a change in my journey that eventually led me here.鈥
鈥淭he excitement of exploring the world through their little eyes and hands had me hooked.鈥
During her career in 国产麻豆, Conner has also taught at Brauchle Elementary School.
The story will air on KENS on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6 a.m.
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