May 2021
Joseph Alan Sosa, Teacher of the Year finalist
By Patricia Fraga
The path that led to 8th grade science teacher Joseph Alan Sosa being named a Teacher of the Year finalist was his parents, who were both special education teachers.
He said their passion for education created a desire in him to teach and create an impact in students’ lives.
“I spent a lot of time in my parents’ classrooms and saw the impact that a teacher can have on students,” Sosa said.
Sosa has been with Austin ISD for nine years
Sanford Jeames, Teacher of the Year Finalist
By Anne Drabicky
As the Health Sciences teacher at Eastside Early College High School, Sanford Jeames has made it his mission to expand what’s possible for his students.
A clinician and researcher, Jeames—a finalist for Teacher of the Year—said he wants students to learn that there are more options in medicine than becoming a nurse or doctor.
AISD Students Receive Hands-On Healthcare Experience at GPA
By Jack Orloff
On a standard Tuesday morning, students wearing scrubs, latex gloves and face masks gather around a hospital bed observing and taking notes on a subject. A medical dummy sits nearby and healthcare-industry tools are gathered for easy access.
Austin ISD named Top K-12 Green Power User in the Nation
Austin ISD families can rest assured their school district is one of the top in the nation in regards to the environment and sustainability, and it’s saving them money too.
The Environmental Protection Agency named Austin ISD as the No. 2 Kindergarten through 12th grade Green Power user.
Eastside ECHS / International HS COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
We have a vaccine opportunity available this weekend for our AISD Community 16 years of age and older. This vaccine is FREE. Appointment is preferred, walk-ins are welcome.
Saturday, May 8
9:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Eastside Early College High School & International High School
1012 Arthur Stiles Rd., Austin, TX 78721
Sadler Means YWLA Open House
Spend the Day with Sadler Means YWLA!
Open House
Saturday, May 15
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Bertha Sadler Means Young Women's Leadership Academy: 6401 N Hampton Dr, Austin, TX 78723
All students, prospective students, community partners and neighbors are invited!
Lisa Richardson Teacher of the Year finalist
By Eddie Villa
Teacher of the Year finalist Lisa Richardson’s life has been shaped by her experiences.
Richardson is now a bilingual second-grade teacher at Walnut Creek Elementary. But she started as the daughter of immigrant parents.
After growing up, she saw families face injustices when coming to the United States while volunteering at The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, also known as RAICES.
From that experience, she felt a call to teach and serve school communities where they face similar challenges.
Austin ISD to Expand Transportation Services for More Families
More students will be able to take the bus to school in the 2021-22 school year after the district prioritized funding for expanded transportation.
This fall, AISD will expand school bus transportation for 24 elementary, middle and high school campuses, making students living within a two-mile radius from select schools eligible for transportation.
Under current state funding requirements, the district does not receive funding to provide transportation services to students who live within the two-mile radius. AISD will invest its resources to add additional bus routes.