National Teacher of the Year honored in Texas

Shanna Peeples, an Amarillo High School English Teacher, was recognized by Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday for winning the 2015 CCSSO National Teacher of the Year award.

Many gathered at the Governor’s Mansion in downtown Austin to celebrate the honor.

“In Texas we take pride in Texas exceptionalism,” Gov. Abbott said, “we all know the best state in America is Texas and we also know that the best educator in America is a Texan."

Peeples has been a teacher for 12 years, spending the last four at Palo Duro High School in Amarillo. Peeples has not only been teaching in Texas for over a decade but she also earned her Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degrees all from Texas Colleges.

“I want Texas to lead the nation in innovation, creativity and to continue to be the best,” Peeples said, “I think we can do that because we have the best teachers. I am a little biased, but I think we have the best teachers in America."

Peeples is the first teacher from Texas to win the honor in over 50 years. In April, she was invited to the White House where President Obama presented her with the Teacher of the Year award.