The Charles Pickitt Educator of the Year Awards recognize ATPE members who demonstrate exceptional or innovative capabilities in their respective educational fields. This year’s winners were honored during a virtual session during the 2020 ATPE Summit, which, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, was streamed online to ATPE members across Texas. 

The 2020 Administrator of the Year Award went to Kellye Loving of Corpus Christi ISD. Kellye is a principal at the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) located on the Texas A&M–Corpus Christi campus. She has been in education for 30 years, all as an ATPE member. ATPE reached out to learn more about Kellye. 

What made you want to be an educator?
My aunt was a theater arts teacher. I followed in her footsteps. 

What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the students! I love to talk to them and discuss their goals and progress toward the goals. You can have a bad day, but then you walk into a pre-K or kinder classroom and have the students treat you like a rock star. Your day turns around! What’s not to love about that?! 

What is the most important thing you wish someone had told you when you started your career?
I don’t think I realized how much I would love it!  

What is your biggest hope for the future of Texas public schools?
To continue to improve and expand our virtual connection during this time of virtual learning. This is a tremendous year of learning for all of us! 

What is the most important thing Texas educators can do for their profession?
Continue to learn and have fun!  

What’s one thing you wish someone would invent that would make your job easier?
A copy machine for me! I wish there were two of me to get everything done. 

Share your favorite moment as an educator.
There have been many; however, seeing my former students grown up and successful, that is a great feeling!  

What’s your favorite Texas vacation?
While I’m a true Texan (born in San Antonio), my favorite vacation is outside of Texas. Disney World is my second home! 

Share something fun about yourself.
I love to dress up! It’s so much fun to see children and adults light up when they see you in a costume for Halloween, special school events, concerts (Kiss!), and Christmas. It’s a great way to bring joy to someone, especially children! 

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