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 the 2021 ATPE Virtual Summit. 

The 2021 Administrator of the Year award was presented to Dr. Sylvester “Bruce” Wilson of Corpus Christi ISD. Bruce serves as the Executive Director of School Leadership and has only been in this role for two months, but he has been an ATPE member for the past 11 years during his time as the principal of Roy Miller High School.

ATPE reached out to Bruce to find out what he has enjoyed most throughout his career!

What made you want to be an educator?
When I would tutor other students while in college, I would stand at the front of the classroom after class and mimic the professor. Watching others benefit from my explanations and teaching made me want to inspire other learners! Hence, I decided to pursue education as a career.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my current job is the opportunity to enhance leadership, teaching, and learning experiences for principals, teachers, and students throughout the district. Having served as the principal of elementary, middle, and high schools, I am able to bring a perspective to discussions to positively impact all levels. Having former students, teachers, and principals tell me that I impacted their lives is such a blessing.

What is the most important thing you wish someone had told you when you started out in your career?
I wish someone would have told me that homeless students include families living doubled-up with others or in hotels. I could have helped so many other students instead of only thinking the homeless strugglers without resources were in shelters. There are so many community partners that are ready to support schools by providing students with opportunities to attend events and have experiences to somewhat level the playing field.

What is your biggest hope for the future of Texas public schools?
I hope that public schools can explore creative “out-of-the-box” ideas to maintain that connection to all stakeholders and draw families back.

Share your favorite moment as an educator.
My favorite moment as an educator was when I received this award from ATPE. I was completely caught off guard. On another note, I created a “First in Family” annual reception for all seven high schools in our district to recognize students who are the first in their families to graduate. I secured scholarship funds for two students from each school. Nine years later, I still get to enjoy the moments when the ceremony is held and the scholarships are presented to “First in Family” graduates.