Pasadena, TX – Bailey Elementary third-grade bilingual teacher Jasmin Muñoz has been named the winner of Instructure's Academic Excellence Award in the Transformative Program category for her innovative use of Canvas and commitment to student success.

The Instructure Academic Excellence Awards recognize educators whose work demonstrates innovation, impact and excellence in teaching and learning. Finalists were selected from a competitive global pool of nominees representing a wide variety of institutions and disciplines. Muñoz was selected as the winner of the Transformative Program category for creating engaging, accessible digital learning experiences that support bilingual learners while helping students build academic and technology skills.

"When I received the email informing me that I had won the Transformative Program category, I was incredibly honored and grateful," Muñoz said.

In her first year using Canvas, Muñoz designed visually engaging courses that promote student independence and meaningful digital learning.

According to Kristen Gibson, Pasadena ISD Innovation & Development specialist and Muñoz's award nominator, Muñoz's innovative use of Canvas, commitment to student success and willingness to explore new ways to leverage technology in the classroom made her a standout candidate for national recognition.

"Her innovative use of Canvas, commitment to student success and willingness to explore new ways to leverage technology in the classroom made her an outstanding candidate for recognition," Gibson said.

In addition to her classroom work, Muñoz participated in district discussions on expanding Canvas use in elementary grades and helped organize a campuswide Canvas course designed to streamline communication and provide a centralized location for all staff resources