By Eduardo Villa

On the first day of school, Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde surprised Sanford Jeames, health sciences teacher at Eastside Early College High School in his classroom with a gift bag, colorful orchids and an excited “congratulations!”

Jeames was named the Region 13 2022 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year and finalist for Texas Teacher of the Year.

“I am surprised and speechless,” Jeames said after the surprise announcement. “It is a very big surprise that I am a finalist for the state of Texas. I am humbled, I am more importantly honored and especially pleased that I get to represent Eastside Early College High School.”

Out of 708 applications received from more than 320,000 Texas teachers, only six finalists were selected for the distinction. In April, Jeames was named AISD’s secondary teacher of the year.

Jeames has served in Austin ISD for eight years. Through his teaching at Eastside, students have earned certifications in OSHA, CPR, nursing assistant and medical assistant from the National Healthcare Association. Working with the Austin Community College Career Academy, his students have earned credentials such as pharmacy technicians and emergency medical technicians.

“Dr. Jeames is an inspiring educator as much as he is an exemplar community member,” said Dr. Rich Elsasser, executive director of Education Service Center Region 13. “His care in creating an environment that supports all aspects of his students’ learning both inside and outside of the classroom is remarkable.”

Jeames will be in the running for the top title of Texas Teacher of the Year. The Texas Association of School Administrators will present the award in October.