At Bens Branch Elementary, Lee Ann Marler, New Caney ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, has become a household name. Known for her enthusiasm and spunk, Ms. Marler changed the lives of countless kindergarteners through her innovative and engaging lessons. During her 19 years at BBE, Ms. Marler’s commitment to excellence and encouragement created an environment where every student felt valued and able to succeed.
After a 37 year career in education, Ms. Marler retired last year from BBE as a dual language kindergarten teacher. Throughout her career, Ms. Marler worked for Navasota ISD, Brazos Port ISD, and in the private school system before joining New Caney ISD. In each of these districts, Ms. Marler taught Pre-K through second grade, though her passion was always kindergarten.
“They’re just so full of life,” Marler said. “They want to learn. The way you teach them is totally different, so hands on and engaging. I just loved it and I really felt like that’s where I was supposed to be, with the little ones.”
Teaching had always been Ms. Marler’s dream. She fondly recalls making her brother play school with her before she even began kindergarten. However, when she actually started school, it was nothing like she expected. She struggled in the beginning, where she was belittled and discouraged for her inability to read. Everything changed when she met Ms. Hike, her second grade teacher, who had faith, compassion, and ultimately believed in her ability to succeed.
“I always thought ‘I want to be a teacher like her,’” Marler said. “I hope I made her proud because she really changed my life.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Abilene Christian University, Ms. Marler began her teaching career with a clear purpose—to help students recognize their worth and reach their full potential. Inspired by her former teacher, she worked to design lessons that connected with every learner. Her creativity in the classroom lent itself to dual language education, where she spent 16 years at BBE.
“I became so passionate about not only instilling that love of having two languages in my Spanish-speaking students, but what a privilege it was to give that to English speaking students as well,” Marler said. “I loved looking at a lesson and thinking, ‘How can I reach, not only the high ones that are going to get it right when I teach it, but how am I going to bring that to life for someone who struggles like I did?’”
Ms. Marler’s commitment to her students did not end in the classroom. She found it extremely important to connect with families, sending messages and photos to parents during the school day, inviting them to events at the campus, and also attending her students’ extracurricular activities. These experiences left a profound impression on her students, with many returning as adults to tell her about their accomplishments. For Ms. Marler, these moments with her former students are the most rewarding.
“Moments like that remind me that even the youngest learners remember the joy and encouragement they experienced in the early years,” Marler said. “I know in my heart that we play a vital role in shaping a child’s love of learning.”
According to BBE Principal Ruth Anderson, Ms. Marler’s impact can be felt by all who knew her.
“Ms. Marler made a lasting impact on her students by creating a learning environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success,” Anderson said. “She instills confidence in her students and helps them believe in their own potential, often pushing them to achieve more than they thought possible. Mrs. Marler embodied what it means to be a lifelong learner and a true champion for children.”
For Ms. Marler, winning Elementary Teacher of the Year filled her with immense gratitude.
“I’m especially grateful for my incredible team, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to New Caney ISD,” Marler said. “The district always supported me, encouraged me, and most importantly, treated me like family. I will live that moment for the rest of my life in my heart. What a way to end my career.”