left to right: Texas Preserve America Coordinator Judy Brodigan; SBISD Executive Director for Elementary Administrative Services Patti Pace; State Board of Education member Pat Hardy; Valley Oaks teacher Marcia Looper; Advisory Council on Historic Preservation National Chairman John Nau; and SBISD Social Studies Director Amy Thibaut

Marcia Looper is the kind of history teacher who makes adults wish that they were back in fifth grade.

During a patriotic celebration held Sept. 14 at Valley Oaks Elementary, 8390 Westview, fifth-grade teacher Marcia Looper was honored by district, state and federal officials as the 2007 Texas Preserve America Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Sponsored by Preserve America and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the award was presented during a Patriotic Sing-a-Long attended by more than 300 parents and Valley Oaks neighborhood residents. She received a variety of tributes and gifts, too.

Spring Branch ISD’s 2004-2005 Elementary Teacher of the Year, Marcia has taught for 16 years at Valley Oaks. During that time, she has been named Valley Oaks Teacher of the Year twice – 2000-2001 and 2004-2005 – and was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teaching Award by the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, also in 2005.

Six years ago, when Principal Gary Henry joined the campus team, Marcia moved from teaching first grade up to fifth grade. In her classroom, U.S. history comes alive through text, song, film, speech, a variety of other media, and hands-on student projects and activities big and small.

“I’ve learned through these few years how much Marcia cares about her students. She loves her kids, and takes them home in her head and heart each night. I truly, truly appreciate her contribution to Valley Oaks. We’re very fortunate to have Marcia Looper here,” Principal Henry said.

“She makes me want to be a fifth-grader all over again!” proclaimed SBISD Social Studies Director Amy Thibaut, who told the big assembly that Marcia is valued highly as a fifth-grade district curriculum writer, too.

Marcia’s award was presented by John Nau, who is national chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The council’s first Preserve America History Teacher of the Year Award program was held in January 2004 at the White House. Laura Bush announced the first-year winners.

“The President and Mrs. Bush want every American – especially young people – to learn about our nation’s heritage and to enjoy our national treasures. Their White House initiative – Preserve America – ensures that all Americans have this opportunity,” he said. The 4-year-old initiative supports partnerships that preserve our nation’s heritage – from monuments and landscapes to main streets – and also honors U.S. education’s best history teachers.

“Marcia Looper understands the importance of learning from our heritage. Her efforts increase awareness of what and who we are as a nation. She knows that the history of America is alive – in her statements and in all of us,” Mr. Nau said.

“Through her dedication and commitment, she provides future generations with a greater understanding of our past, which is a key to building a foundation for our nation’s future. The teacher we are honoring today clearly has a great gift and ability to make history come alive for her students.”

State Board of Education Member Pat Hardy presented Marcia with a proclamation from Texas Gov. Rick Perry. “I’m a lifelong social studies teacher so it’s great to be a part of this celebration,” she said. “There are few schools in Texas that do history education as well as this one.”

In addition to a framed award plaque, Marcia also received a $1,000 check, a state flag from Texas Rep. Beverly Wooley, and a formal letter of commendation from U.S. Republican Congressman John Culberson.  

Marcia, who still tears up herself when singing “God Bless America” or “America the Beautiful,” told the audience that she never dreamed of winning an award like Preserve America. Two adult sons, Scott and Reed, and other family members attended the awards event. A third son, Cory, a student in Lubbock, was unable to attend.

She called forth a colorful figure from state history – Governor Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas – to talk about the best job that that famous Texan ever had – teacher, according to Sam Houston.

“Teaching is the greatest job that I’ve ever known,” Marcia said. “It’s important for all of us to understand our history and the sacrifices of Americans who have come before us. Students need to know history because they are the future. My dream is to be the kind of teacher who makes her students inspired to do more. One person may not change America, but one person can do something.”

In Marcia’s particular case, dreams do come true. For more information on the Preserve America Award or the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, please visit www.gilderlehrman.org.     

posted 10-01-2007