Klein Forest High School teacher voted 'Secondary Teacher of the Year'

Sue Blackmon from Klein Forest High School was recently named Secondary Teacher of the Year for Klein Independent School District.

In her classes, Blackmon teaches writing, desktop publishing, photography and research and dedicates much of the year to publishing the student-run yearbook and electronic newsletters.

“She’s the heart of the yearbook,” said seniors Cindy Orellana and Susan Benavente in the press release. “Ms. Blackmon is a very upbeat, understanding and is constantly helping and encouraging us. She also helped me decide on a degree plan, which classes to take, and gave me direction on what specific areas are available in my career field.”

Blackmon attended Sam Houston State University and received a degree in speech communication and journalism in 1976. She was also certified as a master educator by the Journalism Education Association.

“I’ve always been interested in journalism because I’ve always loved to read, write and design,” said Blackmon in the press release. “Like Susan, entering college I didn’t know about journalism careers either and I too had a great professor who was fun, upbeat and just a joy to learn from. That is the same spirit and feeling I try to give to my students.”

According to the press release, a favorite part of Blackmon's job is the accomplishment her students feel when they see their names on a finished, printed project.

Many students have gone on to be successful in their careers after being taught by Blackmon, including KISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Angela Wrigglesworth.

“I love and adore Sue,” said Wrigglesworth in the press release. “She has become a mentor and great friend over the years, and to think that I would be in the same caliber of teacher as her is such an honor.”

Blackmon is the second consecutive Klein Forest teacher to earn the honor of Klein ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Klein Forest High School is located at 11400 Misty Valley Drive in Houston.