Cassandra Debottis, who teaches Advanced Biology and Pathophysiology, was named the campus’s Teacher of the Year. Over 13 years of teaching, Debottis has been a finalist for Teacher of the Year four times.
“My previous school at Klein Oak, I made it to the top two,” said Debottis, who is in her fourth year at Kingwood Park. “And then here, I think this is the only time I knew I was in the top two.”
Debottis got the news that she had officially won Teacher of the Year on Thursday morning. Her husband Sean Debottis received the news on Wednesday so that he and their two little girls Evelyn and Bella Debottis could surprise their mom at school on the day of the announcement. Cassandra Debottis said it was perfect to have her family at the celebration because they always support her and what she does for the school.
“It was very exciting,” Debottis said. “I think it’s important, because as a teacher we work outside of school a lot to prepare.”
The drum line and Silver Stars led the celebration throughout the halls while students and faculty cheered for Debottis and her family.
“My husband thought it was great,” Debottis said. “He loved the drums. He loved the energy that our school brought. The little girls are very shy, so for them it was a little bit intimidating. But I think they thought it was really cool.”
Sean Debottis said it was amazing to see his wife be voted by her colleagues for Teacher of the Year.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Sean Debottis said. “Mrs. Debottis brings it every single day and she works really, really hard. She knows that she is a good teacher and when everybody put that vote in, it made her feel really special.”
Debottis said she loves the way her students grasp information and how they’re always excited to learn and try new things.
“My teaching style is pretty unique,” she said. “I would say that I enjoy giving my students visual and more hands-on experiences, especially in Biology. In Pathophysiology, I really like the students to guide their own learning. And it’s project based, so they really hone in on what they like to do or what they’re interested in.”
Sophomore Cali Collins was excited when she heard the announcement. When students wrote their nominations for Teacher of the Year last week, Collins nominated Debottis. Collins had Debottis last year for Advanced Biology, and Debottis remains Collins’ favorite teacher.
“She’s very kind and understanding, and she will help you,” Collins said. “As long as you ask for help, she will help you with anything. I go to her for everything.”
Collins also said she loves the energy Debottis brings to her classes each day.
“She’s always encouraging,” Collins said. “She was never upset about anything.”
Debottis credits much of her success to the atmosphere at Kingwood Park High School.
“You know, no matter what crazy ideas we come up with, our admin and our instructional coaches and other teachers, everybody’s so supportive of whatever’s going to be awesome for the kids,” Debottis said. “So I love that.”
- * Tricia Darcy contributed to this story.
