Texas Border Business
ALAMO, Texas – PSJA Memorial Early College High School (ECHS) Dual Credit Mexican American Studies teacher Monica Alvarez Suarez was recognized by State, District, and Campus leaders during a special ceremony held on October 25, 2024, to celebrate Suarez being one of 15 educators in the State to be awarded the 2024 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award by Humanities Texas.
Humanities Texas is the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Its mission is to advance education through programs that improve the quality of classroom teaching, support libraries and museums, and create opportunities for lifelong learning for all Texans.
The Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award recognizes exemplary K–12 humanities teachers. Humanities Texas presents annual statewide awards to encourage excellence in teaching and recognize Texas classroom teachers who have made exemplary contributions to teaching, curriculum development, and extracurricular programming.
Suárez, who is in her seventh year of teaching, currently teaches a dual language Mexican American Studies course that she developed with the school district. A key element of her teaching practice is creating activities that foster cooperative learning and classroom discussions that allow students to make relevant connections to real-world issues.
During the ceremony, Suarez was presented with her award and a $5,000 cash award, with an additional $1,000 for the school to purchase instructional materials. Additionally, Texas Senator Morgan LaMantia honored Suarez’s dedication and commitment to education with a Texas Flag flown over the United States Capital.
” I am honored to receive the Texas Outstanding Teaching in the Humanities Award. As a dual language educator teaching a Mexican American Studies class, I have the privilege of highlighting the amazing aspects of our culture in every lesson,” Suárez said. “I would like to thank my students who are the reason why I get to do what I love; this award is a recognition of their hard work and commitment to education.”
Suarez also thanks her parents for their constant motivation and for encouraging her never to give up. Her mentors Dr. Stephanie Alvarez and Emmy Perez for their wisdom and guidance. The administration at PSJA Memorial ECHS for their leadership, and her family who are her biggest inspiration and the driving force in her life.
PSJA ISD congratulates Suarez for earning this recognition and commends her for her outstanding contributions to educating her students through innovative classroom lessons and helping them foster a deeper understanding of their heritage and culture.
