Veronica Twining was nominated by Sherry Martin, a member of the community.
Ms. Twining is fully committed to supporting the students and families at Lively Middle School. She completed her student teaching at Lively and has been working there ever since (close to ten years). She creates a welcoming environment in her math classes while challenging students and letting them know she cares.
Ms. Twining supported families in the community by helping them enroll in a program for utility bill assistance. She also ran the eighth grade math summer school program. She continues to stay involved with her students outside the classroom. Ms. Twining truly cares for their families as a whole and makes sure they do not go without utilities.
Veronica is not just a role model for students, but also for teachers. She guides through patience and understanding for all students. She believes in the power of “Yet” and strives to ensure that every student has the strategies to achieve growth in math. She remains positive in difficult situations and is always willing to help her fellow teachers. In Veronica’s classroom, every student can achieve greatness. Veronica truly manifests the oath that every teacher takes to teach every child with love, kindness, and fairness.
As one of the program coordinators with Austin Energy it is my pleasure to write on behalf of the time and commitment Ms. Twining dedicates to her school and community. Ms. Twining is easy to work with and is always happy and willing to go above and beyond her role as a classroom teacher. She dedicates her time after school and during the extended holiday breaks to visit and counsel families during some of their most difficult times.
She is fully committed to changing the lives of her students and their families and spares no expense. She has used her personal days in order to attend the required meetings to attend the mandatory partner requirements, so that her students’ families have these resources available to them.
Upon reviewing the criteria for the Life Changer of the Year award, Ms. Twining embodies and exemplifies what it means to be a life changer. Ms. Twining is changing the lives of her students and her community.
I have the pleasure of working side-side in Veronica’s classroom as an Inclusion teacher. It goes without saying that Veronica is a hard-working, talented teacher. I can speak extensively about the wonderful teacher she is, her pedagogical knowledge and application of research-based instruction to help students achieve success in math. However, what makes Veronica a Lifechanger is all in how she makes people feel. She has a unique ability to uplift people, making students and colleagues feel “seen.” In Veronica’s classroom, students feel comfortable being themselves, knowing they have a safe judgment-free space because their individuality is honored. In the short time I’ve spent with Veronica, I can say I have gained a mentor and friend. She is simply an outstanding human!
I have known Veronica Twining for several years. She was my mentor teacher when I began my career and is now my colleague in teaching 7th grade math at Lively Middle School. When tasked with providing a comment or two for Ms. Twining’s LCOY profile, I knew I had a challenge on my hands. Not because examples of her excellent work are few or her professionalism intermittent. The comments already posted here speak to the contrary. Rather, the challenge comes in trying to encapsulate how an individual transcends one’s profession beyond simply being great to being truly impactful. Life changing. The LCOY website lists what a Life Changer looks like. The stated ideals like building a nurturing environment or enhancing school culture or providing committed leadership all apply to Ms. Twining. Her fellow teachers lives are changed by her unending kindness and foresight of their needs. Her administrators lives are changed by her thoughtful and measured approach to seeing the mission through. But most importantly, her students and their families lives are changed by her intelligence and her humble desire to share it. She is a life changer because she challenges everyone she meets to see a child’s worth and potential impact on a brighter, more positive future for all of us. Of all the awards Ms. Twining could rightfully be honored with, one that recognizes impact is the most fitting. But recognition or not, she will be there the next school day doing what she does best. Changing lives.
At the beginning of this school year, my seventh grader son was bored in math class and asked if he could switch to a more advanced class. Ms. Twining was teaching an advanced class at the same time as his current math class and invited him to sit in her class to see if would be a good fit. There were some concerns about whether he would be able to catch up, because he hadn't been in advanced math the previous year, but she advocated for him and offered him daily tutoring during lunch. There were some administrative hiccoughs, but she didn't give up on him and continued to work with the administration to make the switch happen. After some initial tutoring and catching up, he's been doing great in the class. Ms. Twining is everything a teacher should be and then some. She believes in her students and advocates for them, and most importantly, she doesn't give up on them. I'm so grateful for her!!
Ms. Twining is an excellent teacher and deserving of the Life Changer Award. She works tirelessly to help her students grow and truly makes a difference in their lives.
Ms Twinning was one of the best teachers I have ever had. Her teaching strategy and ability was truly some of the most impressive. She was great at keeping kids interested and on task under all circumstances. She hosted tutorials at lunch every day for the whole year. They were really fun especially when my friends came. It felt like just a normal lunch most of the time but when we stopped and looked back we had gotten a lot of work done over that half hour lunch period. She was just able to make such a good environment that we were just having fun but still unknowingly learning and getting work done so when the tests came around, we aced it.
Ms.Twining is my current seventh grade math teacher. Everyday that I walk into her classroom I feel welcome and inspired. She inspires me to push myself and explore more of the mathematical world. Ms. Twining has also helped me grow as a person as well. I have only known her one semester but I admire her dedication and love for teaching. I hope that one day I will be able to be as amazing as she is.
As the new librarian, Veronica Twinning was one of the first staff members to get to know me. As math department chair, I admire how she works with her fellow math teachers to make sure they have what they need. She is both warm and professional and plans everything so that her students needs are met. She is a huge asset to the Lively Middle School community.
Mrs.Twining had been my 7th grade math teacher and my 8th grade cheer coach, but she was also a person that I looked up to and an important individual in my middle school experience. On my first day of 6th grade, Mrs.Twining walked me to my first period class because I was nervous and scared, and was new to the building, though talking to her and being around her made me feel less scared to start middle school. In 7th grade she taught my math class, and though I have always struggled with math even to this day, Mrs.Twining’s class was always one that I looked forward to because she made learning fun and was always there to support me if I was struggling. In 8th grade, I tried out for cheer because I knew Mrs.Twining was the coach and I looked up to and admired her. Mrs.Twining had been more to me than just another teacher, she was a role model and a supporter and she has helped me be the person I am today (even still as a freshman in college), in and out of the classroom.
I had the pleasure to share my NBC journey with her and she is probably one of the best treasures I earned from it. She is an amazing professional, caring and hardworking teacher. I learned a lot from her and I hope to continue doing so, I'm not surprised at all by this nomination.
Veronica is a teacher’s teacher. Excellent at what she does, she sets the bar high for her colleagues and students. Her lessons are creative , engaging and she is the consummate professional. Our school is fortunate to have her on the campus and the students who pass through her math classes are always the better for it.
I had the honor of working with Veronica for 5 years at Lively Middle School. I came to know an extremely dedicated educator who truly has a passion for teaching. Veronica provides her students with engaging lessons and makes sure each student has a risk free learning environment. Moreover, Veronica works with Lively's economically disadvantaged families and provides information and direction to find assistance with their utility bills. Veronica is a true Lively Falcon, spending her summer working summer school and transition camps. As if all of this weren't enough, Veronica is such a strong support system for all of her fellow educators!
I had the privilege of working with Veronica when I served as 7th grade school counselor at Lively MS. Veronica is a model educator. She goes above and beyond to meet her students social. emotional and academic needs. Our student population is extremely diverse. They face many challenges.
Many students confided in Veronica with their problems. She was always open to collaborating with me to ensure her students well being was priority. Her commitment to her profession and dedication to her students is what makes Veronica and outstanding educator. She is a true "Lifechanger" in every sense of the word. Their isn't a more deserving candidate!
I worked with Veronica at summer school last year. It was extremely clear from even interacting with her within the first 10 minutes that she is 100% about the kids. She is a great educator, is child centered, and goes above in beyond for her students and school.
Ms. Twining is an amazing passionate math teacher. I had the pleasure of watching her grow as a student teacher all the way to taking on leadership roles in the district. She has spent her entire career in a not so easy Title I school. She creates a safe environment for students to grow and learn. She also helps the families in the community. As a national board certified teacher she has shown dedication to always working on her craft and doing what is best for students.
Veronica is an exemplary educator. She truly cares about each and every one of her students!
I am a fellow teacher at Lively Middle School with Ms. Twinnig. Though I have only been at Lively two years, Veronica has always made me feel welcome. She is a strong mentor to her fellow teachers, and is available for advice as well as a sympathetic ear. The Lively community is lucky to have her. Students and colleagues all agree Ms. Twining is essential to not only Lively’s success, but also to every element of the education endeavor.
Ms Twining is the teacher everyone looks up to and admires. She is a role not just for new teachers but ALL teachers! She always goes further than the extra mile for not only her students but for the whole community that the school serves. She also not only continually works on improving her teaching but helping others become better teachers as well. She is the most selfless person I know.
Super caring and whip smart, awesome teacher.
I worked with Ms. Twining during the summer. We were writing curriculum for AustinISD. She is a very uplifting and organized coworker. It was a pleasure to work with her for the couple of weeks I had the opportunity. She has left a positive mark on my memory.
Veronica was my school next door neighbor for four years, and I learned so much from her in that short time. Veronica is generous with her time and knowledge, helping students, families, and colleagues. She volunteers for a variety of school activities and always can be counted on to do more than she's been asked. Veronica is thoughtful, kind, and a truly excellent teacher. She is most definitely deserving of this award.
Let me start off by saying that Veronica is not only my colleague but my friend. Everyone needs a person at work they can rely on with not only work items but personal as well. Veronica is my person.
When I first arrived at Fulmore, she was my mentor and guided my into the teacher I only hoped to be. Through the years I have gone to her for concerns in the classroom, strategies of teaching, advice on how to handle parents and administration and lastly for some adult time when it is much necessary. Although Veronica has her plate full, she always makes time for her colleagues and people of need.
Speaking of her plate being full, here are some of her accomplishments that she has been recognized for:
Member of the Texas Council of Learning Disabilities
Lead Mentor Teacher Coordinator
Department Chair
A presenter for the Teacher Induction Program and the University of Texas- AISD Research Forum
Mentor to 1st/2nd year teachers, summer school teachers, and for teachers seeking National Board certification
Grade level Team leader.
Awarded almost 80K to assist families that are transitioning in/out of homeless or exercising a crisis get back on their feet by offsetting the cost of their electric bill's being the Director of the utility assistance program on campus
Counsels families by making home visits through out the summer and school year to see if there are any other resources in the city that can assist them, so that they can get back on their feet.
Without Veronica I would not be the teacher or person I am today. She inspires and continues to inspires not only the students but families and colleagues as well no matter how tough life gets. She is Lively Middle School's backbone, my backbone and my lifechanger!
Ms. Twining is a gifted teacher who works relentlessly to ensure that all of her students not only have access to a high quality education, but are successful in their schooling as well. Ms. Twining, a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, beliefs in creating engaging experiences so her students not only enjoy learning math, but understand it at a deep, conceptual level. She challenges student’s math identities. Often students enter middle school after years of experiences in math class that make them believe they are not “good” at math. Ms. Twining helps her middle school students shift their mindsets around math, builds their sense of self efficacy, and helps them reach ambitious academics goals they set for themselves. Ms. Twining’s care for students extends well beyond the walls of her classroom. She also ensures students are safe and well cared for at home. As a teacher who teaches a high population of economically disadvantaged students, Ms. Twining often applies for grants that families of her students can use to pay for utility bills when times are hard. These are just a very few examples of the many, many, ways Ms. Twining changes lives in her classroom everyday.
Ms. Twining is one of the most passionate and exceptional teachers I’ve had the privilege to work with in my career as an educator. Her lessons are not only challenging but they’re fun and engaging to ALL of her students. Teaching at a very diverse campus with learners of all capabilities; Ms. Twining has a special way of making every one of her students feel welcomed, accepted, accommodated, and most importantly she provides the safe and comforting atmosphere that is needed for student growth both academically and socially. Ms. Twining truly is a rare gem and I’m honored to have witnessed the magic of students learning in her classroom.
I have been a teacher at Lively Middle School for 20 years and I have seen many student teachers come and go. Fortunately for our campus once Veronica got certified to teach, she chose Lively MS and she immediately embraced our children, accepted their challenges and got to work in teaching them math. But Veronica didn’t stop there. She got well involved in helping our students not only in the classroom but at home. She spends many hours of her time researching which of our children need assistance at home and she helps the family enroll in a utility bill assistance program. Veronica has also been a cheer coach at Lively, teaches summer school and other summer school programs like the dual language camp and 6th grade transition camp. She has been a Teacher of the year and is a National Board certified math teacher. Veronica, you are amazing. We love you and thank you for all you do.
Veronica Twining is truly the epitome of a well rounded educator. She has gone above and beyond her normal duties as a teacher to show her students that it's not just about test scores, but how she can truly help in and outside of the classroom. She has earned respect amongst her peers for her leadership abilities and always offers a helping hand. She has the know how and ability to make everyone, adult and child alike, welcome and heard. Students are so lucky to have her as their teacher and I have been so lucky to call her a co-teacher and friend.
I’m am so proud of you Veronica! I knew from the first moment of you teaching my class that you would be an amazing asset to our community. I thank God that UTeach placed you as my student teacher. I know I kid around saying that you got everything you know from me, but you didn’t. You came into this profession with compassion, knowledge of the math, and the ability to present the content to your students in a way they understand. You bring so much to our school.
Ms. Twining is truly a one of a kind teacher and an assest wherever she is. She is willing to do anything for her students to help them be successful in Math. I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Twining for 2 years and she was nothing but helpful and hard working. She is a caring, hardworking, and dedicated teacher. She is an asset to any campus she is apart of.
I worked with Ms. Twining for 3 years. This was my first teaching position. She welcomed me and mentored me. She has a passion for teaching and helping her families. She has wonderful relationships with her students. She is a true life changer for her students.
Veronica mentored me during my first student teaching experience. Her determination to deliver amazing math lessons and persist to teach all students even in the most challenging situations continues to inspire my work in my eighth year as an educator.
Mrs.Twinning is such a blessing she has helped my family
Ms. Twining goes out of her way to make students feel welcomed and extends extra support whenever needed. Her positive attitude and energy creates a warm atmosphere for all of her students. Her work outside of the classroom is equally as impactful for the families she influences.
Ms. Twining is a great teacher and always has a smile on her face. Thank you for everything you do for the students and our families.
Ms. Twining won the Learning Disability Teacher of the Year Award. She is dedicated to our school community and is also a National Board Certified Math Teacher for middle school children. She is dedicated to our school and students. Our school is great because of her.
Ms Twinning has made a world of difference in the lives of all three of my boys - she makes math fun and challenges them beyond their perceived limits!
I am a brand new teacher and Veronica Twining has welcomed me to the Lively Middle School community with open arms. She is friendly, personable and welcomes anyone who needs advice on how to better their classrooms and make connections with their students. She is a great role-model for her students and staff. Veronica's approach and style of teaching is in a class of its own; teaching is truly what Veronica was put on this earth to do. Her students, their parents, and our administration are very lucky to have a human being like Veronica advocating, encouraging, and empowering children to believe in themselves.
Ms. Twining is the type of co-worker you want to have and the type of teacher you're proud to work with. since I started working at Lively Middle School 3 and a half years ago, Ms. Twining has always been there to support me. She has welcomed me into the school and given me advice whenever I needed it. She works extremely hard to provide her students with challenging and exciting lessons and to also provide them the supports they need to be successful. Ms. Twining is a truly exceptional education who cases about the well-being of all of her students.
