Brownwood ISD issued the following press release Monday afternoon:

Congratulations to our February 2021 Spotlight teacher, Cara Helzer! Ms. Helzer is a kindergarten teacher at Northwest Elementary School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Baylor University in 2019 and is a certified teacher. This is Ms. Helzer’s first year with Brownwood ISD. Mrs. Helzer is a phenomenal teacher who is constantly looking for ways to move her students toward success. The kindergarteners in her class know that they are loved and valued. Mrs. Helzer thinks outside the box and allows her students to learn each new concept in a variety of ways. Mrs. Helzer has a heart of gold and it is evident in her classroom, her interactions with others, and her work ethic. She is a team player, consistently offering suggestions and asking for input on how to be the best she can be for her students and for her campus. Brownwood ISD is thankful to have teachers like Ms. Helzer who go the extra mile to care for our students, connect with staff, and work toward continued success.

Our Staff Spotlight honoree is Jimmy Ward. Mr. Ward is a Licensed Professional Counselor for the Brownwood ISD Special Populations Department. He holds a Bachelor of Behavioral Sciences degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Education degree in Counseling from Tarleton State University. Prior to joining Brownwood ISD, Mr. Ward served as a Mental Health Specialist for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Since joining Brownwood ISD, Mr. Ward has worked diligently with his students, staff and parents to assure the success of his students. He is always available when needed and greets everyone with a smile. He is kind, caring, and excellent at building relationships with students. He invests in their lives inside and outside the classroom, attending events they are involved in such as football and basketball games. There has been tremendous growth in the students that receive his services. Brownwood ISD is grateful to have professional counselors like Mr. Ward who build lasting relationships and provide the tools and guidance students need to rise above their challenges and excel.