ESC Region 12 has named LaGay Pittenger, a fifth grade teacher in Belton ISD, as the Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Michael Chirhart, a high school science teacher in Hillsboro ISD, as the Region 12 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

LEFT: LaGay Pittenger of Belton ISD, Elementary Teacher of the Year. RIGHT: Michael Chirhart of Hillsboro ISD, Secondary Teacher of the Year.

ESC Region 12 has named LaGay Pittenger, a fifth grade teacher in Belton ISD, as the Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Michael Chirhart, a high school science teacher in Hillsboro ISD, as the Region 12 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“We are pleased to honor these exceptional educators for their excellence in teaching and for the tremendous impacts they make on students’ lives,” said Dr. Jerry Maze, executive director of Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12. “ESC Region 12 is proud to have teachers like these serving Central Texas school districts.” 

LaGay Pittenger, Elementary Teacher of the Year from Belton ISD, has been teaching at Lakewood Elementary for 23 years and has more than 25 years of teaching experience. 

From an early age, Pittenger enjoyed working with children. She completed her undergraduate degree in Education at Abilene Christian University, and jumped right into teaching. One of her biggest motivations in education is to make a difference in the lives of students. 

“I truly believe that every child is entitled to a strong educational foundation; one that will prepare them to be successful, contributing citizens in a future that is continually changing,” she said. “My hope is that by providing innovative, hands-on learning experiences and a dedication to student success, we can create a nurturing environment where all students gain that strong foundation.”

Throughout her career in education, Pittenger has taught many elementary grade levels and has specialized certifications including Elementary Art, English as a Second Language, and Gifted and Talented. She now serves as the Fifth Grade Team Leader at Lakewood Elementary School, where she focuses on encouraging new teachers.

“Mentoring new and aspiring teachers is very rewarding. It is especially gratifying to help teachers gain confidence while honing their teaching skills,” Pittenger said.

Ultimately, her goal is to instill a love of learning in her students. In her history classes, her students act out events, wear hats, sing songs, draw pictures and create maps to learn about the past.

“I take it as a personal challenge to help my students love history,” Pittenger said. “If they enjoy learning about it, they will remember it. If they can remember it long enough, perhaps it will help them create a better history for themselves.”

Pittenger is an active member of the Parent Teacher Association, a Belton Educational Enrichment Foundation donor and attends many district events, ranging from academics to fine arts and sports. For the last 10 years, her family has awarded a scholarship for a Belton High School graduate planning to attend Abilene Christian University.

Michael Chirhart, Secondary Teacher of the Year from Hillsboro ISD, has been teaching for four years at Hillsboro High School. He teaches biology, anatomy and physiology and environmental science, as well as advanced placement courses. 

A trained nurse and medical administrator for more than 15 years, Chirhart felt called to leave the medical profession and become a teacher. He went through ESC Region 12’s Teacher Preparation & Certification program in 2012.

Though teaching is a new career for Chirhart, education has always been one of his passions and since becoming a teacher, he looks forward to going to work every day. 

“I love being a teacher,” he said. “Often my students will ask me why I became a teacher after making more money as a nurse. And I tell them, ‘You’re going to learn in life that loving what you do means more than a paycheck.’”

Chirhart’s teaching philosophy is to inspire his students with real-world applications for science that stimulate critical thinking. He incorporates a variety of teaching methods including carrying out investigations, collecting data and presenting findings with creative projects such as posters and multimedia presentations.

“There’s no better feeling than watching a student have an ‘aha’ moment. It is amazing to watch a student who was challenged with a concept or task, but with determination and guidance, they were able to successfully achieve a goal,” he said.

For Chirhart, high standards and rigorous curriculum must be coupled with genuine respect and care for students. His goal is to emulate the teachers who had the most impact on his own life. Beyond the subject matter they taught, it was the strong relationships, patience and respect which impacted him the most. 

“I believe that a teacher’s relationship with students can make or break the learning experience,” Chirhart said. “My students never cease to amaze me and they inspire me to continue pursuing my passion to teach.”

Chirhart is a member of the American Federation of Teachers, Science Teachers Association of Texas and serves as a Cub Master for the Cub Scouts of America in West, Texas. 

As ESC Region 12 Teachers of the Year, Pittenger and Chirhart will serve as ambassadors for public education in Texas participating in special appearances, workshops and other presentations throughout the upcoming year. They will also serve as nominees for the Texas Teacher of the Year, which will be announced in October. 


About Texas Teacher of the Year  
Facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), the Texas Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Every fall, the Texas State Teacher of the Year Program honors 40 regional teachers of the year, among which are two State Teachers of the Year — one in elementary education and one in secondary education — and four state finalists. These regional teachers represent each of the 20 Education Service Center regions in Texas.