Terry Phifer was nominated by an anonymous colleague.
Mr. Phifer is one of the most loved and respected teachers at Leonard High School. Nearly all students take at least one course with him during their high school year, and most students take several with him.
His plant science course offers students hands-on time working with plants in the greenhouse and elementary school teaching garden. Even though his school is located in a rural area, many students have never had these opportunities before. Students learn everything from planting seeds and propagating plants to selling seedlings they've grown and planting flowering plant baskets for sale. Students sign up to water plants during the summer when school is not in session. His students also work with elementary students to teach them about gardening and taking care of plants. Several students comment that out of everything they get to do in Mr. Phifer's class, they enjoy mentoring the younger students the most.
Mr. Phifer also teaches a series of engineering and robotics courses. His robotics students have the opportunity to learn the engineering problem-solving process and apply it by building and programming robots for several different competitive events. His students also do outreach with the younger grades in the school district. Mr. Phifer is excited about the growth he's seen in this program over the past few years. He's looking forward to the younger students coming up with more background in engineering and robotics, so they'll be even more prepared and successful in his high school program.
Even with all the academic advantages students gain from his courses, Mr. Phifer's real superpower lies in the relationships he builds with students through the school. Many students at his school do not have positive role models in their lives, but Mr. Phifer is one person every student knows is in their corner. Mr. Phifer gently offers good advice and coaching for students, which truly makes a difference in their lives. He's so approachable that students readily seek him out when they need to talk about a problem or ask an adult for advice.
"As a colleague, Mr. Phifer is always supportive and helpful," said his nominator. "He has given me valuable suggestions for working with students and understanding their reactions to a given situation."
Additionally, he cooks pancakes for the seniors on Wednesday mornings during the second semester! Seniors are especially mindful that they need to be on time to get their pancakes. Staffers also appreciate the pancakes and other goodies Mr. Phifer cooks throughout the year.
Overall, Mr. Phifer has a life-changing effect on students throughout his district, both through his academic classes and through his life lessons.
I came to know Terry Phifer while we were roommates in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. Terry was an enthusiastic student and corps member. Terry was a Proud Aggie, even joining the lacrosse team as a means of representing A&M. He later stepped forward to become a member of the national champion Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team. Along with his knowledge gained by years of showing livestock, he used what he learned at A&M to help countless 4-H and FFA youth learn important life lessons. Terry's subject matter may have changed through the years but he is just as enthusiastic and dedicated to his nursery, science and robotics students. Mr. Phifer is deserving of this award and recognition this year and every year! I am honored and proud to call Terry my longtime friend.
TP is as good as they come...first of all, he's an Aggie. That's greatness in itself. I've taught on staff with him for almost 20 years between two schools, and he is the most beloved teacher I have seen. His knowledge is vast on multiple subjects, and he is a man that you want leading your kids - godly, respected, hard-working and humble. All of his hours of daylight and many more under the moon outside of class time are spent at LISD with his landscapers and his robotics squad. He's a winner, plain and simple.
There couldn’t have been a better selection.
Mr. Phifer is a wonderful person and truly deserving of this honor!
Congrats Mr Phifer. I’m proud of you!
I honestly didn’t know how much I learned from you until I went to college and started answering questions in Biology Lab, that i didn’t know i knew, and then started coaching my son’s first year in T Ball!
“Hit it with a Purpose, Chance!’
Thanks for being such an awesome person in my life!
CG
One of the Best Teachers I ever had. He is loved and respected by anyone that crosses his path. Very Well Deserved Mr. P!!!
Terry works hard to ensure all student needs are reached! When traditional teaching doesn’t work, he pulls out the untraditional lessons! From the classroom, to the outdoor classroom to cooking pancakes for the seniors, to writing recommendation letters for those who are ready to take the next step in their educational endeavors, he goes above and beyond! He gets to know his students and he truly Cares for each one! I’m proud of him and his accomplishments!! Great husband, dad, teacher, Church leader... he’s one of a kind!!! I’m proud to call him my husband!!
I have taught with this man for many years! I saw how the kids were extremely enjoying his classes. He’s the type of educator that makes learning science fun! Great Christian man and teacher!
Terry Phifer was more than a teacher to my son he was a mentor of life for him. God Bless him for being the man he is, the teacher he is and for loving our children enough to make a difference in their lives.
You deserve this award because of the impact you make because of who you are. I know how grateful you are for this.
Me. Phifer taught my kids and still has my youngest in his class this year. My son walked away from his class loving plants and the outdoors. He is a great teacher.
Mr. Phifer is one of a kind. I had him as a teacher for 7 consecutive years and learned so much. He’s passionate about his job and anyone that has had him as a teacher or worked with him can clearly see that.
Congratulations!! One of my sons favorite teachers. Always says “Mr Phifer this and Mr. Phifer that!”
We ALL love Mr. Phifer!!!!! He has always been that same positive influence in everyone’s life!!! I miss having him as a teacher!!!??
Mr Phifer is a very incredible teacher and always has a good attitude and cares about others!!
I taught with Terry when u first got out of college years ago. He was an amazing co worker who I learned a lot from just by observing how he did things. Kids and adults love him and he is an example of what the perfect teacher is.
I graduated in 2015. MR. Phifer was an amazing teacher! He took the time to understand his students and helped them succeed.
Mr. Phifer is more than deserving of this award! He goes above and beyond daily for his students and everyone around him.
Mr Phifer is an amazing man. He taught me several years in jr high and even coached me in little league- he is such a good soul, down to the core is a great man. He had a huge impact on my studies in college. I have utmost respect and love for Mr Phifer
My son loves Mr. Phifer and his class.. it really takes someone special to bring that out in a kid that doesn’t like school much. Thank you for the “extra” you put into our kids.
Congrats Terry, very well deserved.
He has taught all three of my children and we created the outdoor classroom together. He developed amazing science lessons for my students in the past and he has made sure all students in elementary have a pumpkin for halloween. He has a heart and mind for kids!
I've known Terry Phifer for years. He is a great teacher, he is all in for the students. Mr. Phifer is very deserving of this award.
I graduated with the class of 2014, and Mr. Phifer was one of our favorite teachers. He made his classes interesting and enjoyable, but more importantly, he was encouraging and helpful outside the classroom. I remember him helping several of us get all of our required community service hours before the end of the year, and kindly asking what we had planned after graduation. his pancakes were also something to look forward to every week! He’s an all-around great guy, and it would be awesome if Mr. Phifer won Lifechanger of the Year!
Worked at LISD with Mr Phifer . He is an example of the best teacher, encourager, friend for students and his co-workers I have had . He deserves this award. Thank you for your hard work and all you do for our school.
Both my kids had classes with Mr. Phifer. They also participated in summer activities through community service. He was a great influence in my kids lives.
When I was attending High School, Mr. P was the most loved teacher by our entire school! You could see his passion for science, which in turn created a love of science for the rest of us. I can still remover him giving each us in our last class (of high school) a Single Dime! He said he with tears in his eyes, he believed in all of us and it was an investment in our future! Having someone believe in you like he does is truly life changing!
Thank you Mr.P
I’ve taught with Mr Phifer for over 12 years. He continually keeps his students engaged and learning!!
Mr. Phifer goes above and beyond for his students daily. He is a favorite among the students and does an outstanding job building relationships. He has a passion for Robotics and it is apparent each time I enter his classroom. We are very blessed to have Mr. Phifer at LHS.
Cody M Plake
