Ross Sterling Middle School Teacher RecognizedRice University recently recognized Ross Sterling Middle School AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Teacher and Campus Site Coordinator Takara Badrock with this year’s Extra Yard Award.Through Rice’s partnership with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers initiative, Ms. Badrock was surprised with the announcement and a $1,000 Michaels gift card during a visit on September 14. Representatives from Rice University, including the school mascot “Sammy the Owl,” presented Ms. Badrock with the award.When it comes to teaching, Ms. Badrock sees it as an opportunity to give back.“I enjoy serving this community because Humble ISD allows me to be innovative while inspiring students to take control of their educational destiny,” Badrock said.As a child, teaching was a career goal for Ms. Badrock, but she had to overcome hurdles.“I used to pretend I was a teacher when I was a little girl,” Badrock said. “I was never a straight-A student, but always felt like I could have been motivated to reach my highest potential.”Ms. Badrock never had a role model to motivate her. It wasn’t until she was a college student when she found her niche for studying and began earning better grades. That’s why she believed it was her calling to teach in Humble ISD’s AVID program.“AVID would have been a perfect fit for me when I was a student,” Badrock said. “I would have had both academic and social support.”Humble ISD’s AVID District Coordinator Christie Huseman nominated Ms. Badrock for the award."Her dedication does not go unnoticed," Huseman said. "The role of an AVID teacher and coordinator is complex.” Ms. Badrock is charged with holding unwavering high expectations, while providing the academic, social, and emotional supports needed to reach those high standards. “I nominated Ms. Badrock because she does not see her position as a job; it is a calling,” Huseman said. “Watching her engage in her calling should motivate all educators to reflect on their own practice."Ms. Badrock is in her 20th year as an educator. Twelve of those years have been spent teaching in Humble ISD.“Our students and staff look up to Ms. Badrock and all that she does for our school,” Damico Bartley, Ross Sterling Middle School Principal, said.While teaching, she has served in a number of leadership roles such as department chair, lead teacher, summer school coordinator, mentor, and professional development presenter. Ms. Badrock has also served as a curriculum and instruction designer and writer.When asked about her thoughts on being an AVID teacher, “It’s more than just a curriculum or program,” Badrock said. “It’s family and I’m honored to provide both academic and social support for my students.”The Extra Yard Award was distributed as part of the CFP Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers Week, a nationwide celebration of teachers, led by the CFP Foundation within the platform of college football.