SSAISD & Judson ISD Teacher of the Year Couple: 25 Years of Love and Leadership

Throughout an educator’s career, earning the recipient title of Teacher of the Year represents a significant milestone. As colleagues and principals cast their votes, they seek a candidate who embodies the core values and beliefs of their district. The recipient's engaging classroom environments, impactful teaching styles, and fostering meaningful connections with students is a reflection of their well deserving accolade of Teacher of the Year. 

 

This year, on a very rare occasion, two spouses of 25 years of marriage both become recipients of the 2025 Teacher of the Year award: Mrs. Cynthia Perez from South San Antonio High School alongside Mr. Steven Perez from Judson ISD’s Veteran Memorial High School.  In addition to their commitment to being outstanding educators, both are devoted parents to their seven daughters and actively contribute to their communities. In celebration of their well-deserved recognition, Mr. and Mrs. Perez sat down to share their inspiring story on becoming educators, life long partners, and their dedication to public education.

 

In 2004, Mrs. Cynthia Perez received her Bachelors in Criminal Justice at the University of Saint Mary’s. While her passion for criminal justice remained strong, it was secretly the literacy aspect of her law degree that she gravitated towards the most. With a shift of heart, she continued her education by receiving a Masters in Education, fulfilling her goals of teaching young adults throughout their transformative years. 

 

Mr. Steven Perez, a 1996 born and raised graduate of Judson ISD, has made a lasting impact on his community both in the classroom and on the basketball courts of Veterans Memorial High School. After earning a Bachelor's in Business and Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio, he began his career in accounting. Feeling a calling to teach, he returned to school to receive his teaching certification where he has spent the past 20 years educating, mentoring, and leading students to success. 

 

With her love for writing, Mrs. Perez teaches Early College English 2 Pre-AP to her junior students, focusing on professional writing skills, an array of pivotal literature, and STAAR exam preparation. Following that her course is a STAAR testing subject, Mrs. Perez prioritizes creativity and expressiveness and incorporates new methods to keep writing engaging for her students. “I initiated Free Write Fridays where students can spend their instructional time writing any prompt they come up with, and I’ve noticed it encourages them to write more creatively and escape formal writing for a day,” Perez expresses. 

 

At Veterans Memorial High School, Mr. Steven Perez assists students in need of instructional support, guiding students through exam preparation in his credit recovery course. “Seeing my students' faces when the things just click for them and they feel proud of themselves… that's a very rewarding feeling for me as an educator,” he explains. The reward he finds in seeing students grasp challenging concepts and experience success is reflected in his role as Head Coach for the boys' basketball team.

 

During his current eight year coaching span at Veterans Memorial High School,  Coach Perez has successfully led his team to the state championships from 2022-2024 and achieved three consecutive district titles. Summer practices, out of town games, after school practices, and becoming a role model is all worth it to Coach Perez as he prides himself in instilling important values that shape his players into young adults. His achievements reflect that not only is he an exceptional teacher in the classroom, but a decorated coach on the court as well. 

 

As Judson ISD alumni, Coach Perez was a former member of their boys basketball team, and his fondest memories of his high school years includes the sport he enjoys coaching everyday now. “I’m fortunate to be working for Judson, and I see myself in my students now that I work in the community I was raised in,” Coach Perez proudly states. 

 

Dr. Sue Arredondo, Administrative Principal at Veterans Memorial High School, emphasizes Coach Perez’s applaudable leadership as a coach and an educator: “ His focus is helping students turn their failures into success and getting them to believe in themselves,” she adds, “He will teach them, support them, mentor them, and coach them to help them become the best version of themselves whether it is on the basketball court or in his classroom.”

 

Back at Bobcat Nation, Mrs. Perez has a team of her own: The Student Council organization. Since 2012, she has taken the initiative to amplify school spirit and serves at the Student Council Sponsor. Her students work diligently to create special memories such as homecoming events, poster parties, fall festivals, and end of year prom celebrations. “My student council members also design the school’s fiesta medal and they really enjoy having an input and receiving full creative control,” Mrs. Perez explains. Her role as sponsor for student council fits Mrs. Perez perfectly as she acts as an advocate for her students and embodies the high school’s morale booster.

 

When asked about the key to balancing their careers and family life, both Mr. and Mrs. Perez attribute their success to one thing: their strong partnership of 25 years. 

 

Married in 2012, Mr. and Mrs. Perez have built a tight-knit family with their seven daughters. Being a teacher, spouse, parent, coach, sibling, and friend requires more than one hat to be worn simultaneously, but Mr. and Mrs. Perez have mastered the art of teamwork and partnership. Coach Perez adds, “My wife makes everything look so effortless and my coaching career wouldn’t be possible without her support.”

 

From classroom core memories, student success stories, and teacher-to-teacher advice, Mr. and Mrs. Perez’s shared experience of teaching in public education allows for them to rely on one another for a sense of support, encouragement, and motivation. “My husband is the only person that understands what I experience as a teacher and he always gives me the best advice.”

 

Administrative Principal of South San Antonio High School Mrs. Erika Almendarez speaks highly of Mrs. Perez and her dedication to her students - “ with her unwavering commitment to student-centered learning and excellence, she inspires her students to reach their full potential.” She continues, “passionate and positive, Cynthia creates an engaging environment where every student feels valued and motivated to succeed.”

 

The story of Mr. and Mrs. Perez's 25 years of companionship serves as a powerful message of the impact educators can create not only in the classroom but in the lives of their students and community. Their dedication to teaching, coaching, and mentoring, paired with their support for one another, exemplifies the core values of commitment, passion, and teamwork. As they celebrate their Teacher of the Year awards, South San Antonio and Judson ISD could not be more proud to have the Perez family represent each district with the utmost honor and pride.