Two amazing educators who are respected by their peers and loved by their students were named Mansfield ISD’s 2023 Teachers of the Year. The teachers were chosen for their excellence in teaching and positive impact in the lives of their students and coworkers.
Kristen Hendrix, the librarian at Annette Perry Elementary School, was selected Elementary Teacher of the Year. Jordan Rucker, an English Language Arts and Reading teacher at Charlene McKinzey Middle School, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Kristen Hendrix takes pride in making sure her campus’ library includes books that are diverse and represent the children who attend the school. She has spent her entire 18-year education career in Mansfield ISD.
“She’s a problem solver. She is an innovative teacher who loves bringing new things into our campus and I love that,” said principal Willie Wimbrey. “She is an awesome teacher, librarian, coworker and employee to have on our campus.”
Kristen cherishes the lifelong bonds that she has created with students and families. She’s attended the wedding of a former student, and she keeps in touch with another who returned to MISD to teach. She attends games, plays, birthdays, weddings, and graduations of her former students, and she loves watching them grow up.
Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Texas Wesleyan University. She also holds a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas.
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Jordan Rucker believes that all students have the innate ability to learn, and sometimes it takes a special teacher to build relationships and break down points of confusion.
Jordan, who became a teacher to be a positive role model in the lives of scholars, enjoys learning more about who his students are through their writing.
“He goes above and beyond in everything he does. He loves being around the kids and advocating for kids and so having that type of personality on a campus just helps bring positivity to what we do every day,” said principal Kathryn Humer.
This is Jordan’s fifteenth year in education, having spent 4 years in Mansfield ISD. He holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Oakland University and a master’s degree in educational leadership with a principal EC-12 certificate from Northern Arizona University.
Currently, Jordan serves on his campus’ guiding coalition and Districtwide Educational Improvement Council. He’s also an Aspiring Leaders trainee, English Language Arts and Reading department chair, and AVID site coordinator.