Former Graduate Student Competes for America’s Favorite Teacher Title

Joyce Welch ’16 ’18, who graduated from our Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program is now competing for the title of America’s Favorite Teacher.

The AP English teacher at Rudder High School in Bryan ISD learned about the competition when a former student’s mother shared it on Facebook. Since then, she has advanced through multiple rounds thanks to the support of her students and their families.

Welch recalls her time in our School, and how it helped her prepare students for the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test during her first year of teaching. “As part of an assignment, I remember researching acronyms for essay strategy, and I had a whole lesson plan where I’d already received feedback from my peers and a professor — I can use that one,” she shared. Welch also highlights the importance of research skills to her students, adding that those skills are useful in life whether a student attends college or not.

The lesson Welch attributes as having the most impact on her life revolved around mental health, its importance and how to connect with students. She said she is happy to be well-informed on the topic to help advocate for mental health in her classroom and campus.

Welch is currently a quarterfinalist in the America’s Favorite Teacher competition. The winner will receive $25,000, a trip to Hawaii and special recognition in Reader’s Digest. To vote for Welch and learn more about the competition, visit https://americasfavteacher.org/2024/joyce-welch.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.