It was a normal lunch period for Angelica Patino, until she was called into the cafeteria where she was happily surprised with balloons and representatives from Mrs. Baird’s and United Supermarkets as they named her the Middle School Teacher on the Rise winner for March. The students eating lunch in the cafeteria celebrated and cheered as Patino received the award.
The Mrs. Baird's Teachers on the Rise award is a monthly teacher recognition program across the Lubbock area where students can nominate their teachers for going above and beyond. Each month a different teacher is selected from elementary school, middle school, and high school.
Shiloh De Los Reyes, a 7th grade student at Alcove Trails, was one of the students who helped nominate Patino for this award. In her nomination letter she expressed how Patino goes above and beyond in the classroom.
“My teacher has gone above and beyond since the day she started teaching my class,” said De Los Reyes. “She stays after school to tutor. She also has to go home and take care of her kids, still does grad school, and is in the Army. She is the most hardworking teacher I've ever met!”
Patino, a member of the Texas Army National Guard, has been serving since 2008. She has been deployed to Afghanistan and currently holds the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7) as the Platoon Sergeant. She views teaching the same way as she does serving in the National Guard, protecting her students and caring for them.
“I love knowing that I reached at least 28 students’ hearts. I go into work everyday to work asking myself how I can truly make an impact on those young lives,” said Patino. “We live in a world that is hard and often we have to make decisions. I push the fact that every decision we make in life, good or bad, will have an impact in our lives. As a Sergeant First Class in the Texas Army National Guard, I must work hard to protect the lives of my soldiers. In a way, my students are my responsibility in the same sense of protecting their lives. They never will have to ask whether I care for them.”
Since 2022, Patino has been in education and has enjoyed every second of it. She felt inspired to pursue teaching from past teachers who made an impact on her life.
“A teacher is the person who changed my life for the better. Growing up in a poor neighborhood with my single mother, they helped push me to be the best version of myself,” said Patino. “Because of these teachers, I joined the Army at 17 years old. I was able to apply for Texas Tech University and got the acceptance letter on my 18th birthday. Throughout my life I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I love being in the classroom and I love being able to teach people what I know.”
De Los Reyes shares that Patino has helped her understand math concepts better and has created a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help.
“Every time we don't understand anything, she’ll go back over it as many times as it takes us to get it. She is honestly the best math teacher I have ever had. I used to not like math because I never really understood it, but ever since I've had her, I understand it way better and I have an A in her class,” said De Los Reyes. “She is also good at talking to anyone if they are upset. She is always there for the kids, and if one of the girls needs anything, they talk to her about it. Mrs. Patino is the BEST teacher ever!”
Patino shares that her favorite part about being in the Frenship Family is the strong sense of community and school spirit that unites students, teachers, and families.
"The competitive nature and tight-knit environment at Frenship make it feel like home. From my daughter's time at Legacy and Westwind Elementary to my own experience as a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how the district prioritizes academics, fosters respect, and builds meaningful connections. At Frenship, no matter where you go, you’re always a Tiger," said Patino.
Overall, Patino feels very grateful to be selected as a Teacher on the Rise recipient. She is honored to receive recognition based on student nominations and takes great pride in creating a supportive and caring environment for her students.
“It is such an honor to be a Mrs. Baird’s Middle School Teacher on the Rise recipient. I have researched this award and was surprised to see the history of what this award is about. It began as nominations from students to voice how they feel their teacher has made an impact on their lives,” said Patino. “As a teacher I always strive to ensure that all students know exactly how much I care for and love them. Being in middle school, they don’t hear it as often, so I make sure to let them know every day when they leave my classroom that I love them, no matter what we go through in life.”
Patino is currently in graduate school at Texas Tech University pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership. She plans on becoming a principal and continuing to inspire others.
“I envision myself one day becoming a principal and continuing to make an impact on students and future generations. I became a leader and teacher because of a teacher, so I plan to be that for another person, to pay it forward and pass the torch,” said Patino.
She credits much of her success to her family—her husband, Jose, whom she has been married to for 15 years and who has supported her throughout her journey, along with their two children, 7-year-old Allison and 1-year-old Clark.
As a part of the recognition, Patino received a $100 gift card from United Supermarkets and a meal for two at The Texas Tech Club. As a part of nominating a teacher, Shiloh De Los Reyes also won a $50 American Express gift card from Mrs. Baird’s. Patino will be honored at the Teacher on the Rise celebration at the end of the school year.
For information on how you can nominate a Frenship educator for the Mrs. Baird's Teacher on the Rise Award, CLICK HERE.
Congratulations, Angelica Patino! We are thankful for your leadership.
To view the full photo album of all Frenship Teachers on the Rise recipients this school year, CLICK HERE.