Derrick Crowder was nominated by Marcia Lawson, a member of his community.
Mr. Crowder loves making a difference in the life of others and knowing that someone’s life is better because of his efforts. In his words, “I can save the world,” and he does so, one student at a time. Throughout his career, Mr. Crowder has consistently given back to the community in a vast number of ways. He helped to develop an architectural program for youth. He also gives back to the community by collecting and distributing blankets, coats, shoes, sleeping bags and food to the homeless. Mr. Crowder is very active in his church ministry and is always willing to serve in whatever capacity needed.
He loves working with students, building relationships with them and helping them to be effective in the diverse environment in which they live. He seeks to turn poor behavior into future possibilities. Mr. Crowder has the same desire for every students that he has for his own children. During the times that Ms. Lawson is on campus, she notices the positive reaction of students - especially the young men - whenever Mr. Crowder is around. He's not only there and willing to help a student who needs his help, but he is also willing to help and assist staff members with information needed for career advancement.
Mr. Crowder was the Spotlight Teacher of the Year in 2012, and he also received Cyfair’s Secondary Teacher of the Year Award in 2012. In addition to his family, ministry, and working with others in the community, he is currently working on his doctorate in Leadership at the University of Houston.
Derrick Crowder in the news:
CyFair ISD teacher in running for national award
Derrick Crowder's Video Vignette:
Derrick Crowder - 2017-18 LifeChanger of the Year Nominee
I started my first year teaching at Dean and Mr.Crowder was my Assistant Principal,but he was much more than a boss or someone that just walks into my classroom to observe me, he was a mentor. During my first year of teaching there were many times that I was stressed, overwhelmed,tired or had no idea what I was doing. He was always there to listen, help or just make me smile. Looking back I am able to see how much he was really able helped me, and still continues to do so by being an outstanding reference. I now teach in Seattle but wish I had a mentor/ assistant principal that has so much passion and love for their staff and students like Mr. Crowder does.
Have you ever seen a hero? Here he goes. He is always somewhere doing something. He is supportive and even if that means not getting any sleep it doesn't matter. He is dependable and his impact is noticeable. Don't believe me...let him miss school :-). I'm proud to work with him and this award will only be the beginning.
Mr. Crowder is the best Assistant Principl that I’ve worked with in all my years of education! His commitment to TEACHINGas his main tool for discipline is unparalleled. He works seven days per week to serve the principal, teach the students, and support all staff is remarkable.
If there is ever an Educator worthy of such an esteemed award; it is Derrick Crowder.
He is the hardest working man in Education!
His passion and love for the younger generation is unspeakable. Each individual child in school that crosses his path has his undivided attention for their education to excel to higher levels. He reach out to them on their level to encourage them that they can be the best at all they do. His impact has already changed many . I feel that he is very deserving of this recognition.
As a former colleague of Derrick Crowder, I can say with confidence he has positively impacted the lives of many students. Derrick sponsored a break dance club after school that helped students build confidence & self esteem. He also built a drafting program that used real life application of skills in the community. Derrick continues to be a positive influence as an administrator.
With a heart of gold, Mr. Crowder has paved the way for many young people in the cypress community. His devotion to students has not wavered. Great man!
Mr. Crowder is a loving father and a very caring teacher, now administrator. I appreciate his efforts to keep in touch with students who need some extra guidance.
Thank you Mr. Crowder for all you do for our students. You are are often the only positive male role model that some of our students have in their lives.
Mr. Crowder is great influence in his community. All aspects of community. Not only does he work hard for parents and students, he is actively involved in supporting faculty and staff members at Dean. On a typical day at Dean, you will see Derrick collaborate with numerous staff to find solutions to your day to day situations that arise at a campus. From building management to student engagement. There is not a task Derrick is not willing to assist with.
He is also an amazing friend. There are times when your personal life crosses over with your professional life. Sometimes you just need a friend to listen and give you words of encouragement.
I am honored to work and be friends with such a wonderful person.
Mr. Crowder taught both my children in Cypress Creek High School. His foundational beliefs have propelled him to be more than an educator. He is a mentor, leader, and a man of God. He is great advocate for children and a leader in his community. Well done!
Mr. Crowder played an important role in my life. He helped keep me motivated and on the right path as I worked as a paraprofessional at his school. Willing to lend a helping hand in any and every way and keeping the students as a number one priority has always been at top of his list. He is a great nominee for this award and very deserving if he were to receive the award.
It is a privilege and a pleasure to work with Mr. Crowder. He has a heart for our students and this is demonstrated in his actions on a daily basis. The students love him, they respect him and they respond to him. He is very supportive of the staff. He constantly voices his appreciation for what we do and that means a lot to me. I wish him all the best in his endeavors, because he certainly deserves it!!
I had the pleasure of teaching at the same campus with Derrick. I have always been impressed with his selfless approach to serving. He is truly concerned with what is best for kids and the community. He provides an outstanding example for all of us - youth and adults alike.
Derrick has been a tremendous inspiration to me. In fact, I first met Mr Crowder in 2012. The following year I was chosen as a Spotlight teacher as well as the Cy-Fair Secondary Teacher of the Year. Definitely not a coincidence. His passion for education, in regards to both students and colleagues, is contagious. Thank you, Derrick, for ALL that you do for this community!
Congratulations to an awesome man who always go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others!
Not only have I watched Mr. Crowder care for students, I've been one of the lucky ones he's cared for. He goes above and beyond not for the praise, but simply because he's just that type of man. From his household, to his school to his Church and community he's one of a kind!
Crowder,
Your commitment to serve the community and to fight for those who have no say does not go unnoticed. i am sorry that the education system fails teachers daily, but am grateful for those who have fought. Teachers and educators like you make school worth showing up for! I send my best regards
Mr. Crowder exemplifies leadership qualities our staff & students respect. He serves with care & concern, and sees the potential in all. He is most deserving of this award. He inspires all he comes into contact with to be & do better.
Derrick Crowder is not just an amazing educator, he's an inspiration to many. His passion for people is evident in his daily walk and life. Derrick Crowder's leadership exudes to other professionals around him. He encourages us to do more and grow professionally. He is well deserving of this honor.
Mr. Crowder exemplifies leadership qualities our staff & students respect. He serves with care & concern, and sees the potential in all. He is most deserving of this award. He inspires all he comes into contact with to be & do better.
Mr. Crowder makes a difference in all the lives that he touch. He leads by example. He has worked tirelessly with some of our challenged young men and women; the change in their actions has been outstanding. He really does see the good in all. It's a pleasure to have you as an assistant principal at Dean Middle School.
You are a fantastic role model. Heartfelt Congratulations to you!
This educator builds fabulous relationships with his students. He is selfless and kind; driven and inivated; humble and smart. I have been honored to have worked with him.
Derrick Crowder demonstrates excellent leadership at work, church and home! I am very proud of the Man he has become!!!
"During the times that Ms. Lawson is on campus, she notices the positive reaction of students - especially the young men - whenever Mr. Crowder is around. He's not only there and willing to help a student who needs his help, but he is also willing to help and assist staff members with information needed for career advancement." This couldn't be a truer statement. After working with him for 2 years, I can see the difference he makes in our students' mindsets and goals.
His architectural program has proven to be unique and innovative exposing students to unforeseen opportunities!
During my junior and senior year in high school (class of 2013), Derrick Crowder taught me the tools and skills necessary to succeed in my career as a designer in the petrochemical field. Because of his energy to drive people and the way he connects to individuals at a personal level, I now live a life that I would have never imagined. Crowder teaches you real world skills, which have real world application. He does not just sit you in class and make you read out of a textbook.
Mr Crowder is a pleasure to work with for teachers and staff, as well as an amazing advocate for his students. He is the best example of making a difference- not just in the classroom but in the lives of young people.
Congratulations! All your hard work does not go unnoticed. You are amazing with the kids and they love you very much!
Mr. Crowder works tirelessly to assist within his community. He is consistently attempting to improve the quality of educational experiences for the students we have the opportunity to teach, as well as, serve as a community outreach for those in need. It is an honor and privilege to work for and with this young man.
Congratations! Thank you for being such an upstanding example to our youth. Good luck!
Mr. Crowder was my assistant principal at Dean Middle School last year. He worked with many of my struggling students and their families. As he spoke to all the students, and parents, and everyone who crossed his path, he always showed them respect and love, every single time. He always spoke to them calmly, softly, and in a caring manner. He tried hard to not only solve a problem, but make lives better. And I witnessed this, every day. He is truly a man of God. Mr. Crowder deserves recognition for being an awesome leader, father figure and mentor to the students, counselor to the students teachers and parent, and a strong leader in the community. I am blessed to have worked with him.
Derrick Crowder makes an astounding difference in every life he touches. He is a God send! Wherever he works, serves, lives, or whose lives he touches is enhanced. We're all blessed to have in our lives. Thank you, Derrick, for going the extra mile and going over and beyond the call of duty to make everyone's life you are a part of all the more better. It is a delight to be even a small part of your life. I'm confident that you will exceed everyone's expectations wherever you go and whatever you do. God's speed and God's continued blessings and favor be on you, Mr. Crowder. You are a deserving and hard working man.
God bless you , thank you for all you do.
My cousin is definitely a LifeChanger just seeing the relationship he has with his students shows how a positive person he is to them. He is a perfect role model and an awesome father.
I've known Derrick since college and he is and has always been a leader. He is a shining example of the kinds of role models and mentors the next generation needs. I am confident that any recognition this award brings him, will be used by him to continue to help those around him.
This is such great news! Congratulations Mr. Derrick Crowder on receiving such a prestigious honor. I am mighty pleased to know you and to witness God using you for His glory, right where you are. Keep growing!
Mr. Crowder has worked hard in the forld of education for over a decade. He continues to be a positive influence on our youth. Continue the hard work young man. Continue to make us proud!
I met Derrick this year and within a very few weeks of meeting him I felt appreciated and respected as a teacher and a person. He would uplift me with with a smile or statement in the hall often on the days where somehow he knew it was needed. I would enjoy watching students smile as he said, and sometimes yelled down the hall, positive statements to them. I believe that regardless if he gets this award or not he will stay a positive life changer wherever he is needed.
Mr. Crowder has been a friend of mine for 20 years. He has always been an inspiration to others with a selfless spirit and positive attitude. He goes above and beyond to help those in need beyond the classroom doors. I don't know anyone more deserving of such a great honor!!!
Derrick goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure student success. He cares about the academic success as well as the social/emotional success of all students.
"Great works are performed not by strength, but perseverance." Mr. Crowder is the consummate professional and he has found his calling guiding, helping and nurturing today's youth. Our communities are in desperate need of great male leadership and he has stepped up to be a part of this critical task. Congratulations on the nomination and best wishes for continued future success!
Awesome man. Keep up the great work that you do!
He wants to see the children thrive and he makes himself available for them to do so.He is so deserving of the nomination and l know he would be ecstatic for the children/school to win.
It is an honor to work with Mr. Crowder. He is a role model to all students and staff.
Thank you for investing in our future. Job well done. God bless
Great job! Blessings and success to you
