Four Lamar University alumni will be inducted into the Educator Hall of Fame Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the University Reception Center on the eighth floor of the Mary and John Gray Library. Inductees are Lamar University graduates who have distinguished themselves in education and teaching. Honorees for 2009 are Patty Sanderson, Sally House, Ron Sims and Joe Chenella.
Patty Sanderson received her bachelor’s degree in communication in 1986 from Lamar University. She then received her teaching certificate in 1991. In her 14 years as a teacher she taught first, second, third and fourth grade at Langham Elementary. She is currently the Classroom Reduction Size teacher at Langham and Highland Park Elementary in Nederland. Her principal states that her “classrooms are well-known for being exciting, interactive and successful, an exact replica of Mrs. Sanderson’s personality.” She demonstrates leadership by participating in several campus committees and sharing her knowledge by creating an “Intradistrict Space Encounter” and being selected to present at the International Space Station Educators Conference. She has received several grants from the Nederland Education Foundation and the PTA Lifetime Membership Award. Mrs. Sanderson strives to make sure that her students are excited and ready to learn. Students and educators are drawn to her because of her love of teaching and her love of life.
Sally House received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s in education from Lamar University. She taught third grade at Pietzch Elementary, sixth grade in Nederland and returned to Beaumont to open the new school, Regina Howell Elementary. She taught in Lubbock where she spent some time as demonstration teacher and was videotaped to train new teachers. At this time she began to realize that she had a love of teaching reading and returned to school to obtain a professional reading certification. She set up a middle school reading lab for struggling students in Midland, Texas. Her public school career ended in Beaumont teaching reading in middle school. She demonstrates her leadership skills and continues to serve as a mentor to new teachers through Lamar University. Throughout House’s teaching career she was recognized by colleagues and administrators for the contributions she made in the field of education. She has received the Good Apple Award, as well as teacher of the month at several of the schools she worked. As an educator, she found a sense of satisfaction watching her students grow in knowledge and a sense of self.
Ron Sims received his bachelor’s degree in history from Louisiana Tech University and continued with a master’s degree in school administration from Lamar University in 1984. He went on to get his doctorate from Texas A&M University. A passion for history brought him to education. He has taught at Lumberton High School, Arcadia High School and served as an assistant principal in Palestine ISD, Lumberton ISD and as a principal in Hardin-Jefferson ISD, and Lumberton ISD. He demonstrates his strong leadership skills as the superintendent of the Lumberton Independent School District. His accomplishments “reflect his servant leadership style with a conviction of integrity to do what is right and in the best interest of all involved.” Sims has a strong belief that each student is capable of being successful and works to ensure that every student is prepared with the skills needed after high school.
Joe Chenella completed a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Lamar University specializing in mathematics. He received his master’s degree in administration and supervision from Stephen F. Austin University. Chenella began his career teaching high school math and quickly moved to the position of assistant principal at Bridge City High School. After ten years in that position he became the principal of Bridge City High School and then moved on to assistant superintendent for administrative services for the district. He also served as interim superintendent several times. He demonstrates his leadership skills by mentoring other assistant superintendents and by serving on and chairing several committees in the school district as well as in the Bridge City community. Chenella is extremely gratified to see many former students who have grown up to become leaders in the community and school district. He is pleased they have chosen to remain citizens of Bridge City to raise their families and sustain the local traditions.
The Educator Hall of Fame is an annual event hosted by the College of Education and Human Development to honor Lamar graduates for their hard work and dedication to education. For more information, contact Sarah Matheny, Induction Committee Chair, at 880-8702.
