Christina Ritter, Special Education Director and Holli Pharis , Senior Director of Special Programs, present Sheila D. Southall, with the James Becker Thomson Award.
The second time is a charm for Shelia D. Southall! The San Jacinto Elementary School resource teacher was named the 2023 James Becker Thomson Special Education Teacher of the Year. She received this same award in 2001. The award was established by Dr. Richard Thomson, a retired ophthalmologist, in honor of his late brother James, who benefitted from special education services.
Southall has over 33 years of experience; 31 spent at San Jacinto Elementary School. The LaGrange, TX native is a graduate of Texas A&I (currently A&M Kingsville) and the University of Houston. Along with this honor, Southall was also the Campus Teacher of the Year 2006-2007 and Student Choice Award winner in 2020. When the wife, mother and “Gigi” is not busy providing services on her campus, you can find her spending time with family, shopping, traveling, collecting angels, fishing, or relaxing by the water.
Southall is known for her patience, organization, problem-solving and developing a strong report with the many students that have come across her path over the past three decades. She enjoys teaching students based on their learning styles and though she isn’t planning for it today, retirement is on the horizon.