Department of Catholic Schools names Antonian teacher Jenny Russell as Catholic High School Teacher

Department of Catholic Schools names Antonian teacher Jenny Russell as Catholic High School Teacher of the Year

Antonian College Preparatory High School science teacher Jenny Russell is the San Antonio Catholic High School Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year. Superintendent Marti West presented the award at a small gathering at the campus May 8.

“We could not be prouder of Jenny and her accomplishments as a teacher,” said Assistant Principal Diann Montemayor. “Ms. Russell exhibits all the qualities desired in an educator — compassion, leadership, innovative thought, and above all, a dedication to the success of the individual.”

In addition to her classroom success, Russell is a moderator for Antonian’s Student Council and helped to establish the National Science Honor Society chapter on campus. In an extraordinarily challenging and concerning time for educators across the nation, Russell has been dedicated to the success of her students, providing daily encouragement for them in the remote learning process.

“It is very clear that each day, Ms. Russell comes to the classroom and now virtually and asks ‘What do these students need to learn in order to be prepared?’” said Principal Tim Petersen. “She then brings her creativity, ingenuity, and skill to the fore to accomplish that goal. Ms. Russell embodies what every student deserves in a teacher and role model.”

Russell has taught at Antonian since August 2017 and has been an educator for more than 10 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of San Antonio selects the Teacher of the Year through a rigorous, competitive process that involves extensive review of applications and recommendations in an effort to identify exceptional teachers in the Catholic school community. Each year, the department selects one high school teacher from among all the Catholic high schools in the archdiocese to be named Teacher of the Year.