HOUSTON – Nov. 28, 2017 – At a ceremony held Tuesday at the Gordon M. Anderson Leadership Center, members of the Spring ISD Board of Trustees named Gerald Points, Career and Technical Education (CTE) technology specialist, as the recipient of the Employee Excellence Award for November.
Board President Dr. Deborah Jensen – joined by Trustees Justine Durant and Jana Gonzales – made the announcement during the surprise event in the front lobby of the building, before an audience of central office employees gathered for the occasion.
In announcing Points as the award recipient, Jensen noted his strong advocacy on behalf of CTE teachers across the district and his willingness to go the extra mile to resolve problems.
“I just love that you are this wonderful hands-on person when working with our teachers and our students,” Jensen said. “The nomination made it clear that Mr. Points is always looking for ways to improve the service we are providing to our students and the support provided to our teachers.”
Points, whose wife encouraged him to consider teaching after previous careers in restaurants and computers, originally joined the district as a teacher at Twin Creeks Middle School, then later became the Teacher Facilitator for all district CTE teachers. Earlier this spring, he joined the CTE department full time in the newly created role of CTE Technology Specialist.
“We needed somebody who could handle the intersection of technology and classroom instruction, and he was the person for the job,” said CTE Director Cynthia Williams. “He’s taken off and made it a really valuable position and one that we really, really need in Spring ISD. The team appreciates all that he does. The teachers love him, and so do the students. He really loves CTE.”
Points agreed, adding, “CTE is the connection, it’s the ‘why’ in education. It’s what we do – we get students ready for the real world. So I really believe in it. Mrs. Williams is a treasure to work with, and it’s one of those things where I’m able to do what I love to do, getting students excited about learning and getting them and their teachers the technology they need.”
During Tuesday’s presentation, Jensen also commented on Points’ “all hands on deck” mentality and personalized approach to dealing with complex technology issues – even when it meant evening and weekend work with vendors to sort out problems.
“As board members, there are times we know people are working day and night, and we don’t always know who they are,” Jensen said. “But we’re so thankful for what they’re doing, way beyond what their job calls for. We are just so fortunate to have you as an employee. Thank you.”
As with the previous recipients of the Employee Excellence Award, Points received a framed certificate and a special recognition pin, as well as a check for $100 (funded by the Spring ISD Education Foundation from donations made by Superintendent Rodney Watson, who has been contributing his speaking fees to fund the prize). He will also join the year’s other monthly winners in being considered for a $1,000 prize to be awarded at the district’s annual Employee Recognition Banquet at the end of the school year.
In accepting the award itself, Points was self-effacing and spoke briefly. “I am without words,” he told fellow employees gathered for the ceremony. “I love Spring ISD, and I love what I do. It’s been a blessing to be here, so thank you very much.”