In our final installment of Hometown Pride, we take a look at Bess Race Elementary School kindergarten teacher Teresa Gilbert (Terri Davis). Gilbert is a 1982 Crowley High School graduate. She also attended first through sixth grade at Bess Race while Jackie Carden was principal and H.F. Stevens Middle School before it was relocated and transformed into the Crowley 9th Grade campus.

Gilbert, who is in her 20th year of teaching in the district, taught kindergarten classes at Bess Race for 18 years before recently moving over to teach pre-kindergarten in 2019. During her time at Bess Race, she has taught many generations of students, including several children of former kindergarteners and even grandchildren of some of her former CHS classmates.

“I have often been asked if there was anyone in the district that I did not know. To that I answer a few, as we are family here in Crowley ISD. There is no normal day in Pre-K. I love knowing my day will never be the same as the day before. Something new is always happening and every day is a new adventure. I love seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces as they experience something for the very first time,” said Gilbert.

During her time as a student at CHS, Gilbert was involved in several clubs and activities as she was not only the Eagles mascot from 1980 to 1982, but was also a standout on the CHS varsity tennis team, earning second-place accolades at both regionals and districts in doubles action. She would go on to serve as the parliamentarian in the prestigious Vocational Office Education club, while also holding the secretary position for the FHA Executive Counsel. Gilbert even played volleyball for the Eagles during her time roaming the hallways of CHS.

Gilbert’s family has been a centerpiece in Crowley ISD for many years as her sister Renee graduated from Crowley in 1985. She returned to the district a few years later as a teacher and coach for the Eagles volleyball, track and softball programs from 1990 to 1999. She would go on to close out her CISD career as a physical education teacher at Deer Creek Elementary School in 2005. Finally, Gilbert’s son Trace followed in his mother’s footsteps as well as he attended Bess Race, H.F. Stevens and Crowley High School (2013 graduate).

“I knew when I was very young, I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I also knew I wanted to teach in Crowley, giving my passion and love of learning back to my hometown. I hope I can inspire future generations just like my family and my school family has done for me. I am blessed to have a job I love. I am living my dream,” said Gilbert.

If you are a graduate of either high school and would like to be featured during the 2021-22 school year in this series, please email information including your high school, graduation year and a photo to news@crowley.k12.tx.us.