Juan Gonzalez Named EPSID Teacher of the Month for April 2018
(PRESS RELEASE) The Eagle Pass Independent School District has partnered with local businesses throughout our city to highlight the Teacher of the Month program, which honors educators who have made a difference in our community. The program recognizes outstanding kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school teachers in Eagle Pass, Texas.
Coach Juan Gonzalez is an extraordinary and respected teacher at Eagle Pass High School and your April Teacher of the Month. He brings out the best in his students and athletes by setting his highest expectations upon them so that they may each strive for success. It is not often that you acquaint yourself with students that genuinely admire their teachers and who make bold statements such as, “He’s the best teacher I have ever had.” However, Coach Gonzalez is the exceptions to this norm. He has devoted 22 years to teaching and is currently teaching Anatomy & Physiology where he is helping students in their efforts to pursue a career in the medical field. His appreciation and enthusiasm for the subject is both evident and contagious. His is as instrumental to EPHS as he is inspiring.
In addition to his tremendous work in the classroom, Gonzalez coaches the school’s award-winning Cross Country and Track team. It is in this area that he is known as the beloved “Coach G” by the athletes. His passion for the sport is imparted to the athletes and translates as commitment and dedication which is how the runners have been able to achieve so much success over the years. Featured in MileSplit’s online documentary, “A Team without Borders” Coach G’s world comes to life. The production company spent several days in Eagle Pass following and interviewing the well-known Coach G and his team. This documentary gained speed and now thousands across the nation have viewed and taken part in this epic story. Coach Gonzalez’ Cross Country brigade is now recognized and respected everywhere they to; they are now known as one of Texas’ best. Over his career, Coach G has pushed his teams to become not only record breakers but District Champions, Regional Runner-Ups, and State Qualifiers. It is with the fundamentals and discipline that he coaches his athletes to be able to obtain collegiate success. When asked to describe Coach Gonzalez as a coach and teacher, EPHS Principal John Cox quoted Braveheart, “People follow courage, not titles. It takes a special coach to inspire students.”
Coach Gonzalez serves his community as well. Year after year, he holds donation drives for the students to participate in. The group collects items from toys to clothing for the orphans in our neighboring community, Piedras Negras, Mexico. He also serves as terrific EPISD representation at coaching clinics in McAllen, Corpus Christi, and Laredo.
He is an exceptional teacher, coach, husband, and father. He serves as a father-figure to many students and is an excellent role model that anyone would want to shape their lives after. Juan Gonzalez plays a significant role in EPHS’ family and has brought great honor to the school! For all these reasons and more, Juan Gonzalez is your Teacher of the Month.
A segment will appear on iVision throughout the month of April detailing many more accomplishments of Mr. Gonzalez. This month he will also appear on community media, news publications and the EPISD website throughout April 2018. A teacher will be selected each month through May 2018 for a total of eight (8) honorees. The “Teacher of the Month” will be chosen based on educational achievements in the classroom, community contributions and innovative programs and techniques used by the teacher. The “Teacher of the Month” will receive a certificate of recognition and will be featured on iVision, local media news, news publications and radio broadcasting. Additionally, each “Teacher of the Month” will receive donations from local businesses.
