Spearman ISD’s District Teacher of the Year 2023

Spearman ISD’s District Teacher of the Year 2023

Chelsea Vanderburg has been selected Spearman ISD’s District Teacher of the Year 2023 and will compete for Region 16 Teacher of the Year in August.

Vanderburg is a graduate from Lamesa High School. She earned her degree from West Texas A&M University. She and her husband, Clancy, have two children.
“Teaching is a work of heart.” I’ve heard this phrase many times over the years, and no one better exemplifies this than Chelsea Vanderburg. Capturing Kids’ Hearts has been such a huge focus at our school district this year. This program is focused on the social-emotional well-being of our students, having a relationship-driven culture on campus, and student connectedness. When you walk into Mrs. Vanderburg’s classroom, you can feel the love and respect the students have for her, and vice versa. A Pre-K teacher plays such a critical role, because it truly sets the stage for all of these students’ feelings towards loving school or not. Mrs. Vanderburg cares deeply for each of her students and will leave no stone unturned for each of their well-beings. In turn, her students care deeply for her and grow so much academically, because they soak up everything she teaches with such eagerness! Mrs. Vanderburg is not only teaching our Pre-K students academically, but as young human beings she is teaching them to fly on their own for the first time leaving the nest, and she gives them just the boost they need in starting their journeys! What a blessing she is to our students and campus,” stated a co-worker.

Another coworker of Vanderburg’s stated, “Every class I get from her, year to year, is such a joy to have in PE.”

“Chelsea quietly goes above and beyond in her classroom and never seeks recognition. She is the Pre-K team leader, and she is extremely organized,” stated Gus Birdwell Elementary Principal, Alexis Beck.

Congratulations on making a difference in the lives of students. SISD is proud of you!