Beth Poquette-Drews
Position: Music Teacher and Mariachi Band Director
School: L. V. Stockard Middle School
School District: Dallas ISD
City, State: Dallas , TX
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Beth Poquette-Drews was nominated by her colleague, Rosa Maria Rivera.
Ms. Poquette-Drews is one of Dallas ISD's teachers of the year. She is also the Teacher of the Year for the region, and has been featured on the cover of Time Magazine. The most important reason why she's a LifeChanger is because of the relationships she has made, not only with her students, but within the learning community at large. She is a dedicated mariachi band director, among many other roles she has within her school. As a non-Hispanic teacher, she recognizes and brings out the Mexican heritage of her students. She takes her band to many concerts, and they have received many recognitions, such as being featured by the New York Ballet and many news outlets. This exposure has exceeded the walls of her school and has provided students with real-life world experiences far beyond the city of Dallas and the state of Texas.
"Beth is dedicated to helping students perfect their craft and develop their musical talents," said Rivera. "She provides students with musical skill sets and helps them feel proud of their culture. She also provides students with real-life experiences and memories that will last for a lifetime."
It’s been many years since I was taught by Mrs. Poquette-Drews. Even before she was married by Mr. Drews! To this day I think of her and the way she took care of not only me but all her students, whom we all referred ourselves as her children. I hope my daughter will have a chance to be taught by her as well. Much love!
Beth, it’s been great working with you over the past three years in the Met Opera Educator Program.
I’m so impressed with your musician and the way you are using mariachi band to bridge multiple musical and historical worlds.
Keep up the great work!
What an amazing person Beth is.... the World is a Better Place because of her. Thanks Beth for helping your students and those folks in your life be enriched. Congratulations on being Teacher of the Year and for this 'Life Changer of the Year' nominee.
I have had the pleasure of following Beth's career for a number of years. It is amazing all the things that she has done with the children she has had in her classes. She has a way to bring out the best in her students. Music has been an important part of her life. She is now sharing that love of music with her students. It is obvious by reading some of the other comments that Beth is respected by her students and appreciate what she has shared with them.
Beth,
I want you to know how proud we are of your many accomplishments and of the amazing work you have done for your school and your students. We are always happy to help with your projects, be it collecting and donating school supplies, or providing support and funding to help your students with their extra music activities.
And thank you for the beautiful music you share with our Bethel congregation when you come back home for a visit.
Your energy and enthusiasm, along with your special capacity for caring, kindness and understanding, make you an amazing teacher and definitely a “life changer” for so students.
Congratulations and best wishes,
Anne Kelley
Very talented excellent teacher, loves her students and her job.
Beth is a dedicated teacher with so much to share with her students.
I recommend her for the award, she is a teacher who cares about each student. She is one of the educators who ma k rd a difference.
I would recommend Mrs Poquette Drews for the life changer of the year Award cause she inspire me to play everyday.when i don’t know something she teaches me how to do it.And shows me songs that helps me learn and if she not in the school I would not learn music.
Beth has the unique ability to share her love of music with her students and everyone who knows her. She has been blessed to be a blessing, and she is.
Mrs Poquette deserves the award because if it wasn't for her we wouldn't know how to play the guitar or anything that had to do with the guitar.
I Arianna cipriano, recommend Mrs Poquet-Drew because she is a amazing person. Every time I walk into school I am always ready and excited to be in her class ready to learn. She always has her ways in making everything fun .she is also good at what she does like if she is just showing us an example I am always amazed.she is the reason what I want to started singing when I grow up because we I saw her performance with her husband I was like I can do that to .
I think Ms.Poquette is a very supportive and inspiration teacher which it help me to be more interesting in music.Im even getting better at my skills in guitar all thanks to her.
Why I recommend mrs Poquette-Drews because without her we wouldn’t have modern band we learn so much for her I don’t know what we do without her she has help us all the way I never had the experience to play guitar before now I know how because of mrs Poquette-Drews I thank you for what you done for us and I hope you win
Why would you recommend Mrs poquette Drew’s for the life changer of the year Awards.I would recommend here to have the award because she is responsible and she train us every day to make are life better
I would recommend mrs. Poquette Drews for the life changer award because, without her we would not have modern band,and she has inspired me to write my own music. I look up to her because she never gives up on teaching us new things.
I would recommend Mrs Poquette Drews for the life changer of the year Award cause she inspire me to play everyday.when i don’t know something she teaches me how to do it.And shows me songs that helps me learn and if she not in the school I would not learn music.
I recommend mrs Poquette because she is a good Morden band teacher.she always teacher us new songs and new ways to play guitar.She always helps us when we need it.
Ms.Poquette should definitely get the award because she’s and amazing teacher teaching us Nirvana, The Beatles and many other bands she inspired me to start and plan a band for the future. If she wasn’t here I would be in a class I probably won’t be interested in.
I recommend mrs.poquett Drews for the life changer award because she has changed life for music for a lot of people. She has inspired people to try different types of instruments and different types of music. She’s a very kind person that loves to help her students the best way she can.
I would recommend Mrs.Poquette Drews for the life changer of the year award because she has taught me many things that I have not learned before throughout the whole year I was in her class. She is very good at listening when people have questions about a certain subject and is very patient when people are struggling on a subject, and that’s what I really like about Mrs.Poquette and I think she should just get the award because of all the amazing things she has done.
Mrs Poquette deserves the award because if it wasn't for her we wouldn't know how to play the guitar or anything that had to do with the guitar.
Mrs.Poquette should be life changer of the year because she helped me and all my classmates find a passion for the guitar. Mrs.Poquette helps the class every day and teaches us songs that we all like. If Mrs.Poquette was not here we would not have modern band.
I would reacomend Mrs.Poquette Drew’s beacuse she has made me realize my potential. Mrs. Poquette helped me learn bass which I was suppressing how well I played. While also making me strive for more, and that there is always room for self improvement.
You are a very good teacher you have taught how to play guitar and how to rap and u taught me a lot thru out this year and I appreciate everything u did for me .
I recommend Mrs.Poqutte Drews because she cares so much about us every single thing about us she worries about and because if she wasn’t here than so many kids wouldn’t know what they want for their career and thanks to her so many kids know what they want to do for their career and love playing guitar because of our lovely teacher Mrs.Poquette
i would recommend mrs.poquette drews for the life changer of the year award because of her outstanding effort in helping kids learn to play the guitar. her extremely uplifting motivation and attitude. lastly, her passion to help students use music in their everyday life.
I recommend Mrs. Poquette Drews because she is very intelligent and has different ways of teaching. She has inspired me to play more guitar outside of class. She also has fair rules for everyone to follow.
I’d recommend Mrs Poquette because Modern Band helped me find meaning and purpose in life.Before I had trouble deciding what I wanted to do in life,Md found it for me.
I think she should get that Award because she spired everyone in my class to do their things to play, sing .She teach me a lot of different types of music I have never heard.She is the best music teacher that I have .
I would recomend Ms.Poquette Drews for The Life Changer Award because, without we wouldn't have Modern Band and Mariachi and learn different ways of playing guitar. Shes also inspired me to not give up no matter how hard things get.
I would recommend Mrs.Poquette Drews for the life changer of the year because she inspired me to find my talent and always helps me when I need help.She’s always in a good mood everyday.I think students that come in every year will realize what a wonderful teacher she is.
I would recommend Mrs Poquette Drews for the life changer of the year because she inspires me to not quit on something I can’t do.And when I feel sad I can express my self by playing the guitar
Mrs.Poquette should get an award because she has teach me a lot. I didn’t knew how to use a guitar but she put effort to teach me. Know I’m good playing a lot of songs.
Mrs Poquette helped me loose stress with music,and help me find a meaning in life.
I would recommend mrs.poquette Drews for the life changer award of the year because I found a way to put my hate in music and that makes me fell free and relieved
I would choose ms poquette because she changed my life because she taught me music and she is a great teacher and without her we would not have guitar class
I will recommend Ms Poquette Drews as life changer of the year because she works hard to teach us new songs and she helps us when whe messed up
I would like Msr.Poquette Drews to be the life changer, because not only has she brought Modern Band & Mariachi to this school but, has inspired many students throughout years.
I would choose mrs.Poquette Drews for the life changer of the year, because, without here there wouldn’t be no mod bad class in Stockard middle school, other thing. She’s one of the best mod band teacher I’ve ever had.
This is a awesome Teacher like the best teacher of all over oak cliff she helped with mostly of my music career i don’t know what would of be with out her !
Beth is an incredible leader in our district! She is a pivotal member of the opera education team, which provides opera education and opportunities for 4th-12th grade students throughout the district. She frequently leads modern band teacher training at the district, regional, and national level and helped write the K-12 modern band curriculum for our district--one of the first of its kind in the country. When I first started teaching modern band, it was Beth who allayed my concerns and showed me how it could be done. Even beyond music, Beth has been recognized by numerous regional, state, and national organizations for her innovative teaching and her ability to motivate kids.
She is a great teacher always full of heart when it comes to our learning always be there for us no matter what if she is in the hospital she always gets someone to be there to help us and she be cancelling her family stuff to help us learn all the time and when she is in hospital she can just leave and retire from her job but she don't she stay strong and continue even tho she has some problems she still can so things she also made our school faoumose with our Marachi met oprea and it was cool. I've been her student for 3 years I play with the violin I started in the 4th grade but she is the one that helped me the most with it and all this means she's a great teacher
I run Little Kids Rock, a national nonprofit that works with thousands of public school teachers across the country. Beth Poquette-Drews has been a member of our educator community for many years and is known as an inspirational leader by all who have had the privilege of working with her. She has a tireless commitment to her students and endless belief in them as scholars and as people. The world needs more people like Beth and we also need to recognize and celebrate them when we find them. Beth is one of the most gifted, life-changing educators I have ever met. She changes her students' lives. She changes her colleagues lives. She has changed my life by her shining example.
Beth is a crucial member of the Dallas ISD music department. She is a key part of the district opera education team and she leads numerous training sessions ranging from opera to rock band to arts integration and much more. She is a leader and mentor to her peers. When I first started teaching modern band, Beth spent a great deal of time guiding me through curriculum and teaching strategies. Years later, she served on a team to create the official curriculum for the district, which is already seen as a model and inspiration for other districts. She is a tireless worker, a source of student motivation, and a constant innovator. Certainly, the district is stronger because of her.
Beth is a very dedicated educator, teacher, advocate, leader and friend to all the students whose lives she has touched. Next to her family, her students are her life. She has always had a love for music and has passed that love on to many students. When she talks about her kids and their accomplishments, she beams with pride. She goes above and beyond to inspire her students. I am very proud of Beth and her success as the best teacher in the state of Texas.
Mariachi is part of my life because it is part of my family and culture. My big brother is a mariachi. Mrs.p-d gives a chance to be in mariachi class and represent our school and represent our Mexican culture. I am happy because I play the same instrument my big brother played. Thank you Mrs.p-d because you help us represent our culture
Ms pd is the best teacher because she is always worry for us to be great and to do the best is music and learn more about the mexican culture and the other types of music for mariachi
I recommend Ms.Poquette Drew’s because she's the best teacher.she has brought us a long way. It’s been a long year and i can’t count how many times we went on trips cause of ms.poquette.My favorite part was when we actually got to play for a staff member at our school and she had recommended it to us.I recommend Ms.Poquette because of all the things she has done for us.
Ms. Poquette has been a great teacher I know because she's been my teacher for 3 years and she has thought me how to embrace my culture and also how to help others with their music and problems and that's why she deserves to win.
Ms. poquette has been a great teacher and I truly wish her luck with next years mariachi, she has taught me a it’s of things during my time in middle school. Ms. Poquette has lot’s of great teaching moments and even thought Spanish is not her best she is still a great teacher and is the best teacher I ever had.
Miss Poquette should be lifevchanger of the year because she deserves that tittle for all the work,time and effort she has put in for her students.
1:To be on mariachi means to me and its a special thing,on mariachi i have learn alot of songs and to play better one time when i was trying to sing i was bad at it so i give up later my class ask me to sing again i dint want it to but i did and when i dis i notice i was alot better now i play guitar better and sing better thanks to maricahi i have good friends and a nice teacher thanks to this class i have leran alot of my cultere next year im goig to be here but alot better.
2:she is very nice she takes her teaching time to help us and we would bot have a mariachi.and this is important to us because not many schools have mariachi.and we ne the award for more student to join the mariachi
Mrs Poquette has teach us alot of stuff and we are really grateful for her hard work and for her support to us and other people she is a lovely teacher and she has told us her storys and the past moments of her life.
Mrs.Poquette has changed not only my life, but the whole mariachi.She is a very caring teacher and sacrifices so much for us.One thing I will never forget that she told me was”there is only a certain amount of bullets I can take to protect you before I’m gone”.This just comes to show that she is willing to risk her life to protect her students.It made me cry to think that a teacher that I am not related to is willing to die to protect me.
Mrs.PD has inspired us to always go to concerts and to do our best.She has been nice to us even if she isn't feeling her best she always inspired us and thats what we like about her.She is one of the best teachers out their and the most strong and wonderfull
Mrs.poquette has impacted my life as well as our whole mariachi.she faught hard for us to become as equal as others groups. I would like to appreciate her because she has sacrificed so much for us and our culture even though it’s not hers.
What mariachi means t0 me is spending time with friends and going to performences .From:Rosa
To me mariachi means participating in a group of a different culture and playing for people to celebrate a special day.
Ms Poquette Drews should be life changer of the year because she has not only thought me to play the violin but, she has given me the opportunity to become a great Mariachi, and to be able to make great friends in the Mariachi.
She’s has worked really hard to help us learn how to play our instruments and also play it. She has never given up on us and has a lot of faith in us throughout the whole year. Her class is really fun and all.
Mrs.Poquette has changed the point of my view on mariachi whenever I first joined I thought it was going to be embarrassing being part of a mariachi but whenever my teacher started teaching me music i loved it she is the best one.
Mrs.PD inspired me by to love playing the guitar in class.And mrs.PD should be the life changer of the year because she is the best teacher I ever know and because she try her best to teach all of his students to play their instruments.
Mariachi has meant a lot to me for example I never tought to myself that I would of been a mariachi. Since the first day I came in I knew I would become something successful in a music class
Mrs.poquette has changed my view of life because no matter what you are, where you are from, you can do whatever you dream if you work hard for it. She has also changed the way i see the stage, it is not something im told to do but its something I LOVE to do
Beth was my mentor teacher when I started teaching in Dallas ISD. Her leadership and initiative expanded an endangered program into a popular and exciting one that was bursting at the seams! She engages and inspires students who are at risk and helps them become successful! Help her continue to do so by awarding her this grant.
Beth is an impressive individual in a myriad of ways. I first met her at church when she was home visiting her parents during summer vacation. Her enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in to help our quilt group, Circle, and music ministry made her immediately stand out despite the fact that she is a very humble person. I was touched as she spoke with shining eyes about her student’s accomplishments despite the many obstacles they encountered. Her students must feel bolstered by her encouragement as well as her high expectations. She would bring pictures of her kids all dressed up for their performances and showed them off with pleasurable pride. I am extremely proud to know her.
I been a student for her 3 years and I fell in love with music. She was the person who made me find a another part of me throw music. I it wasn't for her I would not had a passion for guitar. I started in 6th grade to 8 she was my teacher , am still playing the guitar and I wont stop . I she did not show me how to play I would not be the person who I am now.
She was a pretty good teacher from the three years I’ve had her , very good at what she does she deserves to be teacher of the year again .
She’s a great teacher and is eager to help any student to succeed she will always make sure her class is feeling great and she leaves everyone with a smile
Ms. Poquette was a great teacher and a great person, in general, even before I had a class with her. She inspired me to reach for the stars and helped me realize my full potential. Due to her efforts, my peers and I had an amazing time in mariachi and learned a lot from her and helped us for the future through our experience.
My Aunt is a great teacher! I have helped on feild trips with her in the past and her care and love of both her students and music shows in everything she does! So deserving of this honor! Congratulations!
Beth is a wonderful educator! She is passionate about what she does and is very helpful to other teachers as well!
Beth Poquet-Drew’s is a wellspring of motivation to fellow teachers! I am in Miami-Dade Florida, and met Beth three years ago at the Modern Band Summit where I attended her workshop on Classroom Management, and her enthusiasm, love of teaching, and love and respect for her students is contagious! I was hooked! Every year I scour the Modern Band schedule to register for any courses she may present on such wonderful topics as Guitar Games, Mariachi, and many others. Beth is an amazing educator, and helps so many of us become better teachers!
Beth has truly changed the lives of her students by giving them tools that they can use now and in the future to see go beyond the “neighborhood”.
Many a student has returned to tell her what an influence she made in their life; personally not just musically.
Beth is a gem, and her community is lucky to have her. She is a woman of many talents and reaching students’ hearts of all nationalities is one of her talents. She is an advocate for her students and music education and it is no surprise she is nominated for this prestigious award.
Beth is a positive influence in her school and builds community relationships. Her students in Mariachi perform at restaurants as fundraisers to purchase their costumes. All of her students have the opportunity to attend an opera. Beth also teaches adult educators the importance of relationship building and the success in doing so betters classroom management. She is deserving of LCOY.
Ms. Poquette is an incredible educator with a passion for our students! We are so lucky to have her as a part of our Panther Community!
