Flour Bluff High School Biology and Chemistry teacher, Jonathan Gain, has been named a finalist for the Rising Star (Secondary) H-E-B Excellence in Education award. Mr. Gain was surprised in his classroom by representatives of the Flour Bluff H-E-B as well as school and district administrators.
The H-E-B Excellence in Education award program encourages community members to nominate teachers, principals, districts and schools around Texas. Each nominee is then invited to complete an online application about their professional experiences, educational philosophies and achievements in and out of the classroom. A team of judges reviews the applications narrowing the field to semifinalists. Five regional judging panels select the finalists. The Rising Star Award honors exceptionally promising teachers with less than 10 years of experience.
“It was an honor and humbling experience to be nominated by H-E-B,” said Jonathan Gain. “I am fortunate to have a supportive faculty, administration and student body that allows me to persist in education and believe in both me and the mission of the school and district.”
“Mr. Gain is an exceptional teacher who truly cares about how his students are doing,” said Dree Baxter, FBHS science teacher and colleague of Mr. Gain. “He is also very knowledgeable about science and has a wonderful way of explaining concepts so that the students can understand.”
In addition, to his work in the classroom, Mr. Gain works to instill a willingness for his students to serve the community. Not only does he talk about community service and serving others but sets an example by feeding the homeless and serving in various community organizations. In addition, Mr. Gain spearheaded the start of the Special Hearts Prom, which is in its third year of providing a fun and formal event for special needs students at Flour Bluff High School.
As a finalist, Mr. Gain was presented a $1,000 check from H-E-B. In addition, Flour Bluff High School was also awarded $1,000. Mr. Gain will go on to compete on a statewide level as well as be officially recognized by H-E-B during a celebratory dinner in May.