The United Independent School District (UISD) proudly announces its three recipients of the 2025 Laredo Chamber of Commerce School Bell Award. These distinguished educators were honored recently during an annual ceremony that celebrates exceptional teaching and dedication to students, colleagues, and the broader educational community.
This year’s School Bell Awards were presented during a heartfelt ceremony at the Kazen Student Center at Laredo College, where family, friends, school leaders, and community members gathered to celebrate the honorees. The event, sponsored by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce Foundation along with Killam Development, Sames Laredo Chevrolet, McDonald’s of Laredo, and Laredo College, among others, recognizes outstanding educators across all educational levels citywide.
The 2025 UISD School Bell Award recipients are: Elementary Level, Elvia Teeters – Barbara Fasken Elementary School; Middle School Level, Monika Sanchez – United South Middle School; and High School Level, Linda Lee Ramón – United South High School.
Each of these educators was selected by the Chamber’s Education Committee from a competitive pool of nominations submitted by schools across the region. All nominees were required to have principal endorsements, and each school could submit up to two candidates.
UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz made a special appearance at the event, personally presenting the awards to the winners and joining in commemorative photos. Award recipients each had the opportunity to share words of gratitude and reflect on their career journeys, often ringing their ceremonial bells for the first time in front of their supporters.
Meet the 2025 UISD Bell Award Recipients:
Elvia Teeters – Elementary Winner
A first-grade bilingual educator with 30 years of teaching experience, Elvia Teeters is known for her nurturing, inclusive classroom at Barbara Fasken Elementary. She works closely with both general and special education students to ensure all children thrive academically and socially. Elvia holds a Master’s Degree in Bilingual Education from Texas A&M International University and has received numerous accolades, including multiple “Teacher of the Year” titles and the Abrazo teacher district recognition. She also serves as Afterschool Adventures Supervisor for five campuses, leads community volunteer efforts, and has helped launch a successful student vegetable garden in collaboration with A&M AgriLife. Fasken Elementary was recently designated a “Healthy South Texas Campus,” the only school in South Texas with that distinction, thanks in part to her leadership.
Monika Sanchez – Middle School Winner
A visionary art educator at United South Middle School, Monika Sanchez has spent the past decade transforming traditional art instruction into a multimedia celebration of creativity and culture. Her paper mache sculptures, rooted in South Texas traditions, have garnered global attention with over 30 million social media views on her platforms. Her projects have caught the eye of major brands like Crayola, Whataburger, and Doritos, and she and her students were even featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for creating giant maracas. A double Master’s degree holder, Sanchez also leads local youth workshops and inspires students through national appearances, including a victory on a Play-Doh game show streaming on Amazon. She is a Golden Apple nominee and remains a passionate mentor and cultural ambassador.
Linda Lee Ramón – High School Winner
With over 20 years of service in education, Linda Lee Ramón is currently a Reading Language Arts Pathfinder at United South High School, where she spearheads curriculum development, data-driven instruction, and teacher training across the district. A certified English teacher with ESL specialization, she has led initiatives such as bilingual reading programs, student-led tutoring, and award-winning UIL journalism competitions—including a history-making state championship. As a curriculum writer and professional development leader, Ramón continuously works to elevate literacy, technology integration, and equity in education. She was awarded Educator of the year for RGISC (Rio Grande International Study Center) in 2019 and has also been selected Teacher of the Year for her campus three times in her career. In 2024, she earned Exemplary TEA designation through the Teacher Incentive Allotment. Her dedication extends to community service through Youth Leadership Laredo, where she serves as Communications Chair, helping cultivate the next generation of civic-minded leaders.
UISD congratulates Elvia Teeters, Monika Sanchez, and Linda Lee Ramón for their incredible contributions to education and for embodying the spirit of the School Bell Award. Their impact, both in and beyond the classroom, continues to shape student success, strengthen community ties, and inspire excellence throughout Laredo.
Linda Lee Ramón – high school winner receiving her Bell Award and sponsor prizes.
Monika Sanchez – middle school winner with her parents.
Elvia Teeters – elementary school winner with her family and Fasken Principal Liliana Barragan.
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