Algebra Teacher Receives Educator Spotlight Award

Tina Braun, an Algebra teacher at Lake Creek High School, routinely receives rave reviews from parents and students. So many in fact, we gave her an award.

Braun received $1,000 as the winner of our Woodforest Educator Spotlight Award, a quarterly promotion that honors deserving teachers or staff members at schools serving Woodforest. Nominations are taken from residents.

One resident nomination read, “This entire school year, my son has only said really good and positive things about Mrs. Braun, his advanced Algebra II teacher (this says a lot coming from a 16-year-old boy). He says she is the best math teacher.”

Others commented that Braun is always willing to help any student in any grade and that she works hard to ensure students understand the material.

Although Braun has only been teaching Algebra I and Advanced Algebra II at Lake Creek for three years, she has 35 years of teaching experience.

“I am willing to work with any student as long as they are willing to try,” she said. “I have never turned a student away from my door.”

She decided on a career in teaching after doing an internship working with sixth-grade students in math and science. 

“I felt like I made a difference in their education and found my calling,” she said.

She attended the University of North Dakota where she received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.  She is certified to teach Advanced Placement Statistics and has an International Baccalaureate Certification for high school. 

While she isn’t sure she makes math fun, she said she makes learning math easy.

“I enjoy seeing them grow in their educational path and understand the concepts in math,” Braun said. “They are our future.” 

What she enjoys most about teaching is making an impact on her students’ futures.

“Watching them mature into young adults and have success where they may not have before is very rewarding,” she said. “I hope I have shown them a strong work ethic and to never give up or quit.”  

She plans to use the money to purchase school supplies and be able to do the school’s Christmas angel program. She was shocked when she received the award.

“I’ve seen the posts on Facebook asking for nominations, but I never thought anyone would nominate me,” she said.