Monica Gryder had already brought home hardware earlier this month, winning Teacher of the Year at Mike Moses and overall for Nacogdoches ISD elementary schools. Now the fifth-grade instructor can add the Anne K. Wallace Award for Excellence in Teacher for the 2023-24 academic year.
The award is presented annually to a Nacogdoches ISD teacher by the children of Anne K. Wallace, a longtime NISD teacher, in recognition of outstanding dedication to the instruction of NISD students and in recognition of exceptional teaching performance. It comes with a $1,000 cash prize, which is funded by an endowment established by Mrs. Wallace’s family.
Gryder came to the Mike Moses campus after it was converted to an elementary school two years ago. Previously, she taught at NISD’s Fredonia campus and has served in leadership roles at both schools.
When NISD announced its Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment recipients last month, Gryder was named a Recognized Teacher in the program’s inaugural year.
Gryder has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a Master’s in education with a specialization in early childhood development, both from Stephen F. Austin State University.
NISD teachers apply for the Anne K. Wallace award, and the submissions are judged by a committee from outside of the school district.
On Thursday, Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo and district administrators were on hand to present the award to Gryder outside her classroom.