A Heart for Teaching: Deana Lemen Honored with Kresston Educator Spotlight Award
Deana Lemen Wins 2nd Quarter Kresston Educator Spotlight Award
The Kresston Educator Spotlight Award is given to educators who go above and beyond for their students. This quarter’s winner, Deana Lemen, is the embodiment of dedication, showing up every day for her kids while battling cancer.
The 6th grade teacher at Magnolia Parkway Intermediate was rediagnosed with cancer in January and started chemotherapy in February. Despite this, she has hardly missed a day.
“My doctors at M.D. Anderson were gracious when it came to working with my school schedule knowing that I didn't want to miss days if it could be avoided,” Lemen said. “I was able to do chemo on the weekends, and they made many of my other appointments late enough in the day that I was able to go after school. I hate being away from my kids. I may have needed them more than they needed me. I think keeping things as normal as possible was good for everyone.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed with a submission for the award by a Kresston resident declaring, “She shows up every day, even on days that any other person going through what she is would stay home. She has continued to come in early to offer tutoring when she’s able to and has maintained her fantastic teaching to the best of her ability during her treatment.”
The nomination and $500 award came as a complete surprise to Lemen.
“I was completely caught off guard,” she said. “When the introduction started, I was looking around trying to figure out who was being acknowledged. We have so many great teachers on our campus and especially on our math team. I was thinking it could be anyone!
This is Lemen’s second year teaching at Magnolia Parkway Intermediate but her career spans 30 years. She received her education at Sam Houston University where she graduated with a BS in academic studies and a double minor in history and special education.
Lemen’s first job was with Magnolia ISD where she started as a Special Education Resource teacher at Magnolia Elementary. After three years there, she helped open Smith Elementary. Four years later she moved to Bear Branch 6th Grade Campus as a Resource Math teacher, as well as a Science and Social Studies Co-Teacher, eventually transitioning to a math teacher. She found a home at Bear Branch Intermediate, spending 21 years there before moving to Magnolia Parkway.
As a math teacher, Lemen tries to make learning the subject enjoyable, having empathy for students who struggle with math because she herself, struggled growing up.
“That's always at the front of my mind, so I try to teach the way I wish I'd been taught,” she said. “I teach multiple strategies for a concept and try to combine book work with hands-on opportunities and computer activities. I also try to mix partner and group work to leverage opportunities for all students to be successful.”
She said it makes her heart happy when things finally click for students.
Lemen plans to use her award money to set up a computer area that is more organized and efficient for students.
“Every minute of class is precious,” she said. “I want to maximize that with a set-up that lets students get what they need quickly and use as much of our time as possible for learning.”
She will let the students’ needs dictate what she purchases next as every year is different and she wants to let them guide how those funds are spent.
Outside of school, Lemen spends time with her husband of 31 years, Shawn, and their two rescue dogs and three cats. Their Lindsey and Laney are all Magnolia High School graduates. Lemen also has an identical twin sister who loves being mistaken for her by students and parents.
We are in awe of Mrs. Lemen and congratulate her on this award. Nominations are now open for the third quarter. Educators are selected based on recommendations from the Kresston community. Along with the recognition, winners receive a $500 prize to support their classrooms and innovative teaching methods. Educators and staff must work at schools serving Kresston, including Magnolia West High School, Audubon Elementary, Magnolia Parkway Intermediate, and Magnolia Parkway Junior High School.
If you are a Kresston parent and know of an educator who goes above and beyond for their students, let us know!