Houston Christian University (HCU) alumna Darby Isereau has been named one of nine recipients of the 2023 B.E.S.T. (Baptist Educators Serving Texans) Award. The award celebrates Christian educators who are living out their faith daily among their students.
“This year, the Baptist General Convention of Texas joyfully celebrates Darby Isereau from Houston Christian University as the 2023 recipient of the B.E.S.T. Award,” said Cooperative Program Director Bruce McCoy. “Texas Baptists celebrate these graduates, who live out their Christian character daily in their classrooms and schools through the love and support they show to their students.”
The B.E.S.T. Awards are given annually to honor a teacher or administrator in Texas public schools who is a graduate of a Texas Baptist institution and a member of a Texas Baptist church. It is estimated that graduates from these universities represent 6-8 percent of the over 350,000 public school educators in Texas.
Isereau earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with ESL certification from HCU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (COEBS) in 2020. She began her teaching career at Cottonwood Elementary in the Cleveland Independent School District following graduation. In 2022, she was named “Campus Teacher of the Year” for her creative and innovative teaching methods.
The HCU alumna will be presented with the B.E.S.T. award at the 2023 Dr. Dawn K. Wilson Teaching, Learning, and Research Symposium to be held on Saturday, Nov. 4 in the Morris Cultural Arts Center. The symposium, a special celebration of teaching, learning and research, was developed by former HCU Professor Dr. Dawn Wilson, who impacted countless lives through her passion for education, her heart for service and her devotion to mentorship.
“I couldn’t be more honored to be the recipient of this award. I am so thankful for my COEBS professors and their support,” said Isereau.
Dr. Katie Alaniz, Associate Professor of Education and Director of the Center for Learning Innovations and Teaching Excellence (C-LITE), described Isereau as one of the most caring, dedicated, and creative educators she has had the pleasure of teaching.
“She prayerfully and thoughtfully invests in the lives of her students, supporting their growth as scholars and encouraging them to reach their fullest potential within educational contexts and beyond,” said Dr. Alaniz.
Dr. Alaniz applauded Isereau for representing Houston Christian University and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences with excellence and for seeking to provide meaningful and applicable classroom experiences that bring learning to life for her students.
For more information on the B.E.S.T. Awards, visit the Texas Baptists website.