May 27, 2022 - A kindergarten teacher at Johnson Ranch Elementary, and an English teacher from Hill Country College Preparatory High School are the 2021-2022 District Teachers of the Year for the Comal Independent School District.
The surprise came on the last day of the school year for teachers and staff at Comal ISD. Kindergarten teacher Danielle Tapp was named the Elementary District Teacher of the Year, and English teacher Jennifer Fey was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year.
“Each year, I get to make a difference in the lives of an amazing group of children,” says Tapp, who has been in education for 11 years and with Comal ISD for four. “I do not take that for granted. I aim every day to instill a love for learning, teach the importance of kindness and help them truly believe they can do hard things.”
Neither Tapp nor Fey were expecting the honor and were truly surprised by the announcement as they celebrated with colleagues.
“This year has been especially difficult for most teachers,” says Fey, who has been in education for 10 years and with Comal ISD for five. “I really think every teacher who stuck it out was a ‘Teacher of the Year’ in 2021-2022.
“Teaching is such a great job,” Fey says. “At the heart of it, I want our young people to be successful and prepared for life. Every day I get to think about the future and be an active part in the shape that it takes. Working with children and brilliant colleagues each day gives me a satisfying feeling that I’m doing something good. I am doing something right.”
While they teach the youngest of students and the oldest, Fey and Tapp agree that building relationships with each student is the most important part of what they do.
“Each morning, my students are greeted with a smile and welcoming attitude,” Tapp says. “They walk into a safe and comfortable space where risks are encouraged, successes are celebrated and mistakes are valued.”
When students feel important, valued and safe, they are able to turn their attention to whatever the content might be.
“It is essential to see them as precious and valuable,” Fey says. “When students see unconditional love directed at them during their messy moments, I think they learn to respect you and then truly believe you care about them.”
With their passion for building relationships, Fey and Tapp exemplify Comal ISD’s commitment to ensuring that every student’s success comes first.
Congratulations!
-Johnson Ranch Elementary teacher Danielle Tapp was named the Comal ISD Elementary District Teacher of the Year.
-Hill Country College Preparatory High School teacher Jennifer Fey was named the Comal ISD Secondary District Teacher of the Year.
-Picture from left is Comal ISD superintendent Andrew Kim, Johnson Ranch Elementary teacher Danielle Tapp and JRES principal Suzie Seabolt.
-Johnson Ranch Elementary teachers celebrated with JRES kindergarten teacher Danielle Tapp, who was named the Elementary District Teacher of the Year for Comal ISD.
-Picture from left is Assistant Superintendent Mandy Epley, Comal ISD Board of Trustee Michelle Ross, Hill Country College Preparatory High teacher Jennifer Fey, HCCPHS principal Julie Wiley and Comal ISD superintendent Andrew Kim.
-Hill Country College Preparatory High School teachers celebrated with HCCPHS English teacher Jennifer Fey, who was named the Secondary District Teacher of the Year for Comal ISD.