September 2026's Teachers of the Month
We are very proud to honor the Teachers of the Month for September 2026. We'll keep honoring teachers every month all school year, so please keep the nominations coming!
These three teachers were selected from a list of many talented, inspiring educators:
Lupita Avilez is the Science Teacher of the Month from Cook Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. In her 8th-Grade Science lessons, her teaching epitomizes the spirit of the VNG. Lupita's nominator says that she:
...creates a classroom environment where students feel supported and motivated to learn. She is intentional in her planning and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting the needs of all students... Rather than relying solely on traditional definitions, she incorporates visuals, real-world connections, examples, and student-friendly explanations to ensure that all learners can access and understand the material.
Samuel McHan is the Social Studies Teacher of the Month from Slayter Creek Middle School in Anna ISD. Samuel uses the VNG in his 8th-Grade US History lessons for warm-ups, reviews, and structured conversations. Additionally, his work is hugely impactful because of how consistently he uses the VNG. His nominator says that Samuel:
...consistently and intentionally uses the Visual Non-Glossary to support all learners, including his EB students. His use of the VNG helps create an inclusive, collaborative classroom where students engage in meaningful academic conversations while building their understanding and use of academic vocabulary.
Haley Chaffin is the Math Teacher of the Month from Black Elementary School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. Haley teaches 4th-Grade Math and Science, where they use the VNG to create an inclusive, supportive classroom environment where all students can be successful. Haley's nominator says:
They create a welcoming, engaging classroom where students feel supported and motivated to learn. Whether it's spending extra time helping students understand difficult concepts, encouraging confidence, or finding creative ways to make lessons meaningful, they have a lasting positive impact.
These educators will be sent a special gift honoring the amazing work they've done this past month!
Do you know an amazing educator that you would like to nominate for VNG Teacher of the Month?