William D. Slider Middle School teacher Jennifer Rodriguez has been honored as the Texas VFW Middle School Teacher of the Year for her exceptional dedication to promoting citizenship, patriotism and student leadership.
Rodriguez was presented with the award during the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Mid-Winter conference on Jan. 17 in Corpus Christi. As the state winner, Rodriguez will now advance to the National VFW Teacher of the Year selection process. The Texas VFW Teacher of the Year award honors outstanding educators in grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
“Every year, I make sure I incorporate something for my students in my classroom that makes my country proud because, like I said, I have pride,” Rodriguez said during her remarks at the conference.
Slider Middle School celebrated her achievement at the school’s monthly faculty meeting on Jan. 22.
An educator for 23 years, Rodriguez, a reading and language arts teacher, has taught at Slider for 10 years. She was nominated for the honor by VFW District 10 Post 2451 and selected from over 200 middle school applicants across Texas.
During the school’s celebration, District 10 Commander Michelle Crittendon recognized Rodriguez's accomplishments by presenting her with a challenge coin. Crittendon emphasized the importance of acknowledging educators like Rodriguez for their dedication to preparing students for the future.
“And they do it from the heart,” Crittendon said. “And I say people who volunteer or teach or just do things from the heart are the most valuable people or assets that we have today.”
To promote patriotism in her classroom, Rodriguez has students read stories about Veterans Day and Memorial Day. She also organizes events celebrating veterans and encourages her students to participate in writing contests to express their love for their country.
Although Rodriguez had always been a proud American, it wasn’t until her daughter, Hazel Acosta, was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School last year that her connection to the military deepened.
In May 2025, Rodriguez organized the district’s first military signing ceremony at Pebble Hills High School to honor seniors who enlisted in the military or planned to attend military schools.
“I've never been part of this world,” Rodriguez said. “I didn't realize how big these academies were. But either way, academy or not, it's military. These soldiers are taking an oath for you and I to go defend something that some of us take advantage of -- freedom.”