Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Medina Valley ISD Honors Two Educators
✍️ Written by Stephanie Blanks
📸 Photos Provided by MVISD
Medina Valley ISD’s Teachers of the Year exemplify dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to their students. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping young minds and inspiring future generations. This year’s honorees, Kathleen Pickering and Tatiana Rivera, stand out not only for their excellence in teaching but for the heart they bring to their work.
A Passion for Learning and Leadership
First, meet Kathleen Pickering, Medina Valley’s District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Pickering has been in education for 14 years and currently teaches AP Human Geography at Medina Valley High School. Her passion for teaching was sparked by two influential educators—her mother, whom she describes as “a quality educator” who nurtured her love of learning, and her seventh-grade geography teacher, Ms. Beames, who introduced engaging and creative projects.
Pickering’s teaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: “I come to work every day in the service of my students. I teach them to be thinkers and learners.” This dedication is evident in her students’ impressive 85% pass rate on the AP exam, her leadership as the girls’ soccer coach, and her commitment to going above and beyond—even feeding students’ goats during stock show season.
“I come to work every day in the service of my students. I teach them to be thinkers and learners.”
Finding a Home in Medina Valley
Although not a native Texan, Pickering has found a true home in Medina Valley ISD. “I can’t imagine a community better than this one,” she says. From the moment she interviewed with the district in 2019, she felt a strong connection, believing that “God had brought me home.”
Outside of the classroom, Pickering enjoys curling up with a good book alongside her three dogs—Bratwurst, Strudel, and Schnitzel—whose names pay tribute to her German heritage. She hopes to visit Germany one day, specifically Aachen, her grandfather’s hometown. A lifelong learner herself, Pickering’s background is full of fascinating details: she’s one of 10 siblings, plays seven different musical instruments, has earned two “Apple” awards for teaching, and is an active member of the National Council for Geographic Education. She’s also a cancer survivor—a testament to her resilience both in and out of the classroom.
Being recognized as Teacher of the Year is a meaningful honor for Pickering. “It’s a huge honor to be chosen by my colleagues, who are some of the best to ever [teach].”
Innovating Education Through Relationships
Now, meet Tatiana Rivera, Medina Valley’s District Elementary Teacher of the Year. In her sixth year of teaching, Rivera is embracing a new role as a Media Center teacher at Potranco Elementary School. This position blends elements of a traditional librarian role with piloting new programs, introducing innovative teaching methods, and working with approximately 900 students every two weeks.
Unlike Pickering, Rivera wasn’t inspired by a particular teacher in her youth. Instead, that absence fueled her mission to be that inspiring presence for her own students. Her relationship-based teaching style ensures that every child feels valued and heard. “I want my students to recall experiences they’ve had on our campus and know they were seen and heard,” she explains.
Rivera’s passion extends beyond the classroom. She has launched multiple student clubs, including folklorico, drama, and broadcasting—her “passion projects” that give students new opportunities to shine. One of her biggest goals is to transform the teaching experience, bringing joy and excitement back into learning.
A Love for Reading and Lifelong Learning
In her free time, Rivera enjoys dancing, shopping, and reading. Although she didn’t grow up as a big reader, everything changed when she taught fifth grade and discovered The One and Only Ivan. The book’s impact led her to seek that same “hook” for her students, introducing them to stories that spark curiosity and engagement.
For Rivera, being named Teacher of the Year is deeply meaningful. “It validates everything I’ve been doing. I’m so grateful.”
STEPHANIE BLANKS is a former teacher with a deep appreciation for the impact educators have on their students.
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