Congratulations to the 2026 Connie Wootton Award
Finalists for Excellence in Teaching!
Named in honor of Connie Wootton, in recognition of her outstanding passion, dedication, and service to schools in the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES), the Connie Wootton Excellence in Teaching Awards are awarded to active teachers from the Association who:
- Display passion for teaching and innovation
- Demonstrate a deep appreciation for professional development
- Possess an entrepreneurial spirit
- Desire their school to reflect an ongoing commitment to excellence
- Love the students and strive daily to help them achieve their personal best
- Exhibit commitment to the Episcopal approach to education, which could be understood as “faith-seeking understanding”
Representing twenty schools across the Association, these amazing educators truly exemplify teaching excellence in the Episcopal tradition. Congratulations to all the finalists, and thank you for serving your students and your communities with skill, heart, and grace. Winners will be announced later this Spring.
Early Learning Finalists
“Above all, Danielle’s love for her students is at the heart of everything she does. She builds authentic relationships grounded in trust, respect, and empathy, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.“
“Danielle possesses a rare combination of lightheartedness and purpose that naturally draws children to her. Her warmth, humor, and genuine joy create environments where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn.“
“As I write this, I see Kara on the playground interacting with a student trying to solve a problem of moving heavy rocks in a dump truck. This is a perfect example of what she does in the classroom! She helps and encourages while leading the student to develop a successful resolution to the problem.”
“This deep dedication to the intellectual development of her students is paired with a sincere love of the singular joys of childhood; she ensures that her students are not just intellectually enriched, but attuned to the richness of God's creation in all their endeavors. She understands that education is a formation not just of the mind, but equally of the Spirit, and she imbues her classroom with a sense of wonder at the faithfulness of God's promises. In doing so, she helps her students in their own discernment of God's presence in their lives.“
“Her enthusiasm for teaching is coupled with a remarkable openness to innovation, allowing her to thoughtfully integrate new practices, methodologies, and technologies that elevate student engagement and development. Kelsey is a forward thinker and philosophically desires to prepare the youngest learners to be kind humans who will excel in the world of tomorrow. This openness creates a culture where students feel comfortable and empowered to try difficult things and gain increased confidence to take risks. In her classroom, students quickly develop a growth mindset.“
“Kelsey’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that four-year-olds thrive when learning is joyful, hands-on, and meaningful. What sets her apart is the intentionality behind that joy. Utilizing her background as a pediatric speech therapy assistant, she masterfully integrates opportunities for receptive and expressive language into every routine.”
“Mrs. Woodland excels at creating a classroom environment that balances encouragement with high expectations. Her emphasis on early literacy and foundational skills prepares students well for their next school and next chapter, while her steady, patient leadership fosters curiosity, resilience, kindness, and faith in action.”
“She models kindness, integrity and grace for her students each day. Her classroom is infused with meaningful moments of spiritual growth through daily Bible stories, interactive Godly Play centers, seasonal prayers and special calendar activities during Holy months. These experiences not only nurture her students’ faith but also instill a lasting sense of community and compassion.”
“Her dedication to teaching is evident in all that she does. She continually engages in professional growth, carefully integrates new learning into her classroom, and is always looking for ways to enhance both her own practice and our broader program. She approaches her work with creativity and initiative, embodying the innovation and pursuit of excellence this award is designed to honor.”
“What strikes me most about Emily is how naturally she lives out the Episcopal approach to education. She truly sees and honors each child as a unique creation of God. Walk into her classroom, and you will find children asking big questions, exploring ideas together, and learning what it means to be part of a caring community. Emily doesn't just teach content—she helps young children begin their journey of faith seeking understanding in ways that make sense for their age and development.”
“The mark of an exceptional teacher is one that seeks out continuing education and welcomes constructive feedback. Kayla has attended SAES conferences, participated in many collaborative trainings with co-teachers, and enthusiastically participates in observations, asking questions and discussing how she can best improve. Her students and families are always her first thought. “How can I best serve them in a fun, engaging way.”
“The environment Kayla has created is nothing short of remarkable. Her classroom is structured and consistent, giving children the sense of safety and security they need to take risks and take bold choices. At the same time, she nurtures high expectations and clear boundaries that allow her students to thrive. Within this carefully balanced environment, Kayla accomplishes something truly extraordinary: she has all of her three-year-olds writing their letters independently, learning beginning sight words, and reaching milestones most educators associate with kindergarteners. This is not by accident. It is the direct result of her masterful command of the classroom paired with the deep, genuine warmth she extends to every child in her care.”
“Hillary embodies the Episcopal approach to education in both action and word. Her classroom is a loving and challenging environment where children learn to ask questions, practice kindness, and discover their voices within a community. She models respect, empathy, and grace in everyday moments, helping even our youngest learners understand what it means to be part of something larger than themselves. The culture she creates is joyful yet purposeful, and always centered on the dignity and potential of each child.”
“Ms. Harris, with tireless energy, creates a dynamic classroom. She does so with keen insight, and pedagogical creativity. She brings joy and intention to every area of learning, inspiring wonder through firsthand experiences and meaningful exploration. Her gentle strength of purpose keeps her students focused so they may grow confidently and joyfully in these turbulent times.”
“What sets Sarah apart is her unwavering commitment to building confidence in her students. She recognizes that mistakes are stepping stones to growth and models this belief daily. Through her guidance, children learn to trust themselves, build positive relationships, and approach challenges with courage.”
“What makes Sarah truly exceptional is the bright, uplifting personality she brings to her role. She balances a joyful presence with pedagogical expertise, creating a learning environment that is both fun and deeply enriching. This combination of heart and skill is exactly what defines excellence in early childhood education.”
“In my many years in education, I have seen a lot of seasoned teachers stop learning best practices and assume they have “arrived.” Not Lynne Brown. Even after 38 years of experience, she continues to eagerly learn new research and best practices to serve and reach her students in the best way possible.”
“When her class was asked to list their favorite thing about her, their responses proved that she notices small victories, comforts big feelings, and encourages curiosity in ways that make her students feel seen, known, and loved. See some of her 3-4 year-old students’ comments below:
- “I love her hugs.”
- “Because she is so nice to us, reads us stories, puts us to nap.”
- “She helps us make things that are really special to us...I just love her.”
- “I love that she takes us to the park.”
- “She works very hard and takes care of us. She lets us learn and think.”
- “I love her because she is my friend.”
- “I love Ms. Lynne’s heart.”
- “When her holds my hand when I’m going to sleep.”
- “Because her cooks an octopus with me.”
- “I love when Ms. Lynne plays with me.”
- “I just love her.”
- “I love her reading to me and my friends.”
“Brandi also possesses a true entrepreneurial spirit. She looks beyond what has always been done and asks how it can be improved. She takes initiative, identifies areas of growth within the school community, and works collaboratively to elevate standards. Her door is always open both literally and figuratively. Fellow teachers often remark that Brandi is the first to offer encouragement, prayer, practical support, or a listening ear. She willingly shares resources, helps colleagues navigate challenging student situations, and thoughtfully affirms others' strengths.”
“Brandi fosters a sense of wonder. She creates a loving space where curiosity thrives and every child feels seen. But her impact doesn't stop at the classroom door. Whether she is mentoring new teachers, serving on committees, or engaging with her church community, Brandi gives 100% of herself to everything she touches.”
Elementary Finalist
“Central to Ms. Celia's teaching is an approach that invites students to wonder, explore, and think expansively about the world. She cultivates a learning environment grounded in inquiry, where questioning is not merely encouraged but embraced as a vital part of intellectual and spiritual growth. Her work beautifully reflects the Episcopal and Montessori traditions she describes so eloquently-traditions that recognize our interconnectedness and call us to deeper understanding.”
“Celia approaches her work with curiosity and reflection, demonstrating a deep appreciation for professional growth and a genuine desire to continually learn and improve. Her practice reflects the Episcopal tradition of faith seeking understanding—encouraging students to think deeply, act with compassion, and engage with the world thoughtfully.”
Celia Hughes
Upper Elementary Lead Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator
St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Houston, TX
Upper Elementary Lead Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator
St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Houston, TX
“At the heart of Janie’s work is her love for students. She knows them well, values their individual gifts, and strives daily to help each child achieve their personal best. Her care for students extends beyond academics, nurturing their confidence, character, and sense of belonging.”
“She collaborates selflessly, mentors’ colleagues, and contributes to school-wide initiatives, always modeling integrity, professionalism, and servant-leadership. Her commitment to the “whole child” ensures that students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.”
“Sabrina's body of experience speaks for itself. Her education is rich, her publications and presentations are impressive, as are her professional awards and recognitions. For me, however, it is her love of teaching and the thoughtfulness in the design of her classroom and her planning that make her stand out. “
“What makes Sabrina’s impact even more extraordinary is the depth of expertise she brings to her work, paired with her genuine care for each child. Her professional background—spanning districtwide STEM leadership, national curriculum and assessment development, and service as an Advisor to the U.S. Department of Education—is impressive. Yet what matters most to me as a parent is how intentionally she uses that expertise to meet each student where they are. She sees children as individuals, honors their strengths, and supports their growth academically, socially, and ethically.”
“Since beginning first grade in Mrs. Arnold’s classroom, my daughter has leapt into our car at pick up, each day, almost always beginning with, “Mom, you will never believe...” followed by an enthusiastic retelling of her learning adventures. Through these detailed accounts, I feel the unmistakable excitement she carries home- as though Mrs. Arnold’s passion for teaching has a pulse that animates every part of the school day."
“Her ability to make foundational skills both fun and deeply meaningful is a rare gift-one that not only sets her apart as an educator but also leaves a lasting impact on the students who are blessed to learn from her. In fact, she has made learning so enjoyable and empowering that my daughter now talks about becoming a teacher herself one day, a testament to the positive influence Mrs. Arnold has had on her life.”
"Emily's love for her students is evident in every aspect of her classroom. Rooted in deep knowledge of child development and Responsive Classroom practices, her teaching reflects both joyful rigor and steadfast care. She never gives up on a child and works tirelessly to help each student achieve his or her personal best. Her classroom is alive with curiosity and Project-Based Learning, where faith and learning intertwine in the true Episcopal spirit of "faith seeking understanding.”
“She embraces critical questioning, innovation, service, reflection, and continuous improvement for herself, students, and colleagues. Her work clearly demonstrates an ongoing commitment to educational excellence, care for all students to achieve their personal best, a deep appreciation for professional development, and a commitment to the Episcopal approach to education.”
“Through her thoughtful use of Project Work, she empowers her students to investigate meaningful, real-world questions, encourages them to pull on threads of interest, and then communicate their thinking with clarity and confidence. These projects are not ancillary enrichments; for Lynley, they are carefully thought out, developmentally appropriate, and academically sound, all reflecting her professional expertise.”
“Lynley is well known throughout St. James for her beautiful singing voice and love for music. She is often singing with her class or in the hallway, joyfully sharing this gift with her students each year as they learn the Grandparents Day song and perform onstage alongside her. Over the years, she has taken on roles ranging from Dorothy to Peter Pan to Karen Carpenter, delighting students and families alike. Her students beam with pride as they sing by her side.”
“She never settles for “good enough” and is constantly reflecting on her practice, asking how she can do better for her students and our school. She is a natural problem solver, the first to offer help, and someone who consistently takes initiative to move our school forward.”
“She quickly became my go-to for teaching advice, especially when it came to maximizing centers and small-group instruction. One year, I had a group of first graders who were struggling with number sense. After trying multiple strategies without success, I went to Jaclyn for guidance. She immediately offered two specific lessons to try, counting collections and the use of manipulatives I had not previously considered, and generously shared the corresponding supplies and handouts. After the first week, she checked in to see how the lessons were going. Within a month of implementing her suggestions, I could clearly see my students making meaningful connections.”
“Mrs. Gonzales' dedication flows from a place of love and mutual respect. She currently works with students several days a week after school, without compensation, simply because she believes in them. She is the teacher students remember for a lifetime, the educator others aspire to be, and the quiet difference-maker who serves with humility and heart.“
“One reason students respond so deeply to Mrs. Gonzales is her ability to connect with them on a personal level. As the child of migrant parents who grew up in poverty, and as an educator who has taught in under-resourced public school districts in Texas, she brings a powerful and authentic perspective into her classroom. She helps students understand the challenges faced by children their age in nearby communities, fostering empathy, gratitude, and awareness. She also prays with and for her students daily, integrating faith into the classroom culture in a meaningful way.”
“Lilly is, at her core, a master teacher. Her classroom is a place of joy, beautifully orchestrated and purposefully designed. It is genuinely a highlight of my day to step into her room and watch her set a tone that is both warm and academically focused. Her classroom almost runs itself, not because expectations are low, but because expectations are clear and relationships are strong.”
“Lilly meets her students exactly where they are: academically, emotionally, and developmentally and then equips them with the unique tools and strategies they need to grow based on WHO they are not WHERE they need to be.”
“It is evident that Mrs. Breeding believes that students thrive when they feel genuinely known and loved, and she makes every effort to cultivate meaningful relationships with her students. Her classroom is joyful and personal. If you spend any time there at all, it is easy to see that her first-grade learners are confident enough to make mistakes, seek help, support each other, and celebrate together.”
“She has strong instincts for what students need, how to reach them and how to make them feel they belong. Every day of the week, she backs her instincts with student-centered action. Not only do I see her arrive early each morning to further prepare and enrich student learning opportunities, but she can easily lose track of time in the afternoons staying well beyond the school day planning the next exciting way to engage her learners.”
“She has created an extraordinary learning environment known as the Turner’s Treehouse. This is a warm, inviting and imaginative classroom with a camping theme. This creative space provides an environment for days filled with curiosity, joy and meaningful learning.”
“Claire has a remarkable, God-given gift for seeing the individual needs and unique talents of the people around her. She makes everyone - children and adults - feel welcomed, seen, and heard.”
