Two Pasadena ISD teachers were recently named as this year’s Wal-Mart Teachers of Year. Pasadena High School science teacher Diane Barnes and Pasadena Memorial High School Yearbook/Journalism teacher Candace Maxwell both received a $100 Wal-Mart gift card for personal use, a $1,000 educational grant for their schools, a framed certificate of recognition and a T-shirt.

Barnes and Maxwell were nominated by students, co-workers and community members.

“We are extremely proud of Candace and Diane,” said Pasadena ISD Superintendent Kirk Lewis. “Teachers districtwide provide creative and innovative instruction on a daily basis, and we are exceptionally proud when their hard work and devotion to our students are brought to light. We are grateful to Wal-Mart for recognizing these outstanding teachers.”

Honoring the local winners is the first part of Wal-Mart’s three-tiered Teacher of the Year program. Barnes and Maxwell now have the opportunity to apply for state Teacher of the Year with a chance at winning a grant for $10,000 for their schools.

Wal-Mart’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers at the local, state and national level for their hard work and dedication toward the education of children. Since 1995, the program has recognized more than 26,000 teachers and has provided more than $5 million to schools across the country in honor of their outstanding teachers.