2008 Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Corrie Hail
Belton ISD

Elementary Teacher of the Year Corrie Hail has been a teacher for 28 years and has served the last five in Belton ISD. She is currently the 3rd - 5th grade intermediate Title I reading instructor at Sparta Elementary. In this position, Hail works with all struggling readers in a small group setting. Prior to working for Belton ISD, she taught many elementary grade levels in San Angelo ISD for 14 years and nine years at St. Luke's Preschool/Kindergarten in San Angelo, Texas. Hail earned her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education with Kindergarten Endorsement from Angelo State University. She earned her master reading certification through ESC Region 12 in 2006. Hail graduated from San Angelo Central High School.

In addition to the Region 12 honor, Hail was nominated by her peers for 2007 and 2005 Teacher of the Year at Sparta Elementary. She has served as a lead teacher for Sparta Elementary and as a member of the Site-Based Decision Making Team since 2003. Some of Hail's leadership activities include: creating a literacy lab to enhance a Guided Reading Program for the last two years; creating a "study hall" for grades three to five to help struggling students; leading an “Essential 55" group of at-risk students; creating and developing curriculum and curriculum standards for numerous subjects.

Hail has also served as a mentor teacher through ESC Region 12 and Mary-Hardin Baylor, led development sessions to share best practices through a literacy conference and initiated and trained teachers to integrate fluency and phonics into reading programs. During her time with San Angelo ISD, she initiated curriculum changes that helped the campus to reach an exemplary rating, led district-wide in-services to implement new math and reading programs and attained both ESL and Gifted/Talented Certifications. Hail has been a member of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) since 1988.

"Throughout my life, I have received numerous honors, but none can compare with the way I feel about being selected as Region 12 Teacher of the Year. I am so humbled to have been selected, first, from such a wide field of excellent teachers in Belton, and then to be selected from the entire region is unbelievable! I am humbled by this honor because I am surrounded by passionate, caring educators and administrators, and I know only too well the dedication and drive that goes into becoming a notable teacher. I cannot imagine being honored for doing something that has brought so much joy to my life. I hope that I have made even half as much difference in the lives of my students as they have made in mine."

During her free time, Hail often spends time mentoring new campus teachers. She has also worked on various community and church programs to help area students and families in need and chaired fall festivals for the elementary school Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and countless fundraisers. Hail and her husband Steve have three children and five grandchildren. The couple lives in Belton, Texas.