2009-2010 Region IV Teacher of the Year. Mr. Twigg

Michael Twigg, Waller Jr. High English Teacher and Waller ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, was named Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year at the Region 4 Teacher of the Year dinner banquet on August 19th. Since 1988. Texas has recognized two categories for Teacher of the Year: elementary and secondary. Twigg was nominated as one of 90 teachers that were nominated for the Regional Teacher of the Year. Region 4 encompasses 54 school districts with over a million students, and is the largest of 20 regional education service centers in Texas. The following day after the Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year honor was announced, Waller Jr. High Principal, Dr. Mina Schnitta, and co-workers greeted Michael in school library for an early morning brief celebration. Later that day, Waller ISD Superintendent, Richard McReavy, continued the celebration by gathering all of the Waller ISD employees for a surprise district-wide pep rally celebration for Twigg. Members of the Waller ISD School Board, district employees, community members, and local media crowded the high school auditorium to join in the fun. The celebration began with introductions of Michael and the rest of the Twigg family, wife, Elisabeth, and two children, Belle and Isaac. Musical entertainment from the Waller High School Band surrounded Michael on the auditorium stage playing the school fight song as the cheerleaders and crowd cheered for Twigg. Michael summarized the prior evening dinner banquet event to the crowd and credited the Region 4 Secondary Teacher of the Year honor as a team effort. He said, “So many people in the district spent time with me and helped shape me into the teacher I am today.” After Twigg gave a speech from the heart, the City of Waller Mayor, Paul Wood, approached the podium to read a city proclamation written for Twigg naming August 20th to be “Michael Twigg Day”. The crowd cheered with excitement, waved their pompoms, and blew their noisemakers rooting for Twigg! The pep rally was wrapped up with words from Waller County Judge, Owen Ralston, and with the Waller High School Band playing a song of celebration. The pep rally was just the beginning of the celebration. In addition to the pep rally celebration, Twigg received recognition at the Waller ISD Stadium Grand Opening, made a guest appearance on Channel 2 Morning News on August 29th, received Astros tickets from Region 4, and received letter of congratulations in the mail from Republican State Representative, Dr. John Zerwas, congratulating Twigg for his service and dedication. Michael admits that in his younger years he was not the most proactive student. He was carefree and lived life to its fullest. Twigg experienced a life altering motorcycle accident at the young age of 19 that left him paralyzed from the chest down. The life changing incident did not get in his way from succeeding, but instead, it helped Michael re-adjust his lifestyle that helped him develop the love for learning. Twigg found himself attending the University of Houston with the encouragement of a friend and became a member of the Honor’s College. Twigg’s wife said, “The Honor’s College is the place that gave him a second chance at learning and helped mold him into the man he is today. He received the encouragement he desired and began to believe in himself and his capabilities once again.” Twigg attended the Honor’s College Convocation his first year where he witnessed others receiving the coveted “Arete Award” for academic Honors College excellence. Twigg soon found himself earning the same distinguished honor the following year. Michael graduated with a BA degree in Psychology from University of Houston. He soon pursued an English teaching career while earning a Masters degree at the same time in Educational Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University. Today, you will find Twigg at Waller Jr. High entering his 7th year of teaching English. Twigg says “I want students to take away one thing from my class… If Mr. Twigg can do anything he wants to or sets his mind to, then so can I”. ----update---- Prior to his position as ACE Program Director, Michael Twigg held positions as a teacher and administrative intern for Waller I.S.D. and E.G.S.D. Most recently, he served as the ACE Site Coordinator for Waller Junior High School. During his tenure there, he designed and implemented the new ACE 21st Century After School Program for his campus. He developed programs and classes to bridge the gap between school and extra-curricular pursuits for students: and worked with his staff to “Make learning fun!” His technology pursuits have led to increased productivity and utilization of technology by staff and students alike. Michael Twigg divides his time outside of Waller ISD with his family, writing, and principal development. He currently maintains and runs a website and blog for a principal support organization for Texas Principals. He is a licensed principal in Texas, Colorado, and Tennessee and was the 2009-2010 Region IV Teacher of the Year. Mr. Twigg earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Houston Honors College (2003) and he completed his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2008).