Gwendolyn Henson Named Manor ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

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Gwendolyn Henson, a fourth-grade teacher at Pioneer Crossing Elementary, has been named Manor ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Henson was named the winner of Manor ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year category during the district’s Evening of Excellence Awards hosted by Manor Schoolhouse Foundation, a celebration recognizing outstanding educators and staff across the district.

Known for building strong relationships with students and families, Henson creates a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to believe in themselves. Colleagues describe her as a steady presence on campus and an educator who leads with both heart and high expectations.

“My educational philosophy centers on the belief that every student deserves to be seen, challenged, and supported as a whole person,” Henson shared in her Teacher of the Year application. “Learning is most powerful when it is meaningful, culturally responsive, and rooted in strong relationships.” 

For Henson, teaching goes far beyond academics. She focuses on helping students grow into confident learners and leaders while creating an environment where every child feels like they belong. This year, she emphasized building trust first by learning about her students’ backgrounds, interests, and goals so lessons could feel meaningful and engaging. 

Henson also highlighted the importance of strong family partnerships, describing parents as true partners in a child’s education through consistent communication and relationship building. 

As part of her application, Henson shared her belief that Manor ISD is a place where students are “seen, valued, and encouraged to dream big.” 

“Serving my students and community is both a responsibility and a privilege I carry with great purpose,” Henson wrote. “I believe education has the power to transform lives, and I strive to ensure every student I serve feels seen, challenged, and inspired.”

 

As Manor ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, Gwendolyn Henson will now advance to represent the district in the Region 13 Education Service Center Elementary Teacher of the Year competition later this year, where she will compete alongside outstanding educators from across Central Texas.