Hempstead ISD

For Hempstead Middle School teacher, Christina Conklin, teaching isn’t just a profession; it’s part of who she is. As a third-generation educator, she grew up surrounded by a love for learning, watching both her mother and grandmother dedicate their lives to students in the classroom.

“I think I was born to be a teacher,” Conklin expressed. “At some point in my teenage years, I realized through volunteer work how much I liked working with children, and education became a natural pathway. I was taught to follow my passion, and I was fortunate enough to make my passion my career.”

That lifelong calling and deep commitment to her students have now been recognized as Conklin has been named the 2025 Hempstead ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year. She is also a Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Exemplary Teacher, one of the district’s highest designations recognizing outstanding classroom performance and student growth.

When describing her teaching style, the words warm, positive, and engaging come to mind. Conklin creates a classroom environment filled with energy and heart.

“I love the energy and creativity of my students, the daily humor they provide, and the rewarding feeling of building meaningful relationships with them,” she said. “No day is ever boring in my classroom.”

Her classroom is a place where students feel safe to explore, express themselves, and connect what they learn to the world around them. Whether she’s guiding a lively discussion or introducing a new concept, her approach keeps students engaged and inspired.

After more than two decades in education, Conklin says her proudest moments come not from awards, but from the small, everyday affirmations that she’s making a difference. 

“One of my recent favorites is when students tell me they talked about what they learned in my class at home with their families,” she shared. “I also love it when adults who visit my classroom tell me, ‘If I had you as a teacher, I would have actually been interested in history.’ That always makes me laugh.”

Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Last year, Conklin was asked to teach eighth-grade U.S. History, a subject she had never taught before. 

“I felt inadequate to teach a STAAR-tested subject that I didn’t know anything about,” she admitted.

Without pre-made lessons, a teacher’s guide, or a partner teacher to collaborate with, she built her curriculum entirely from scratch. 

“It was overwhelming,” she recalled. “But because I was learning the content right alongside my students, I could see things through their eyes. I asked myself where they might get confused or stuck, and I made adjustments until it clicked.”

That challenge became one of the most transformative experiences of her career. 

“I think it was actually a blessing to be as untrained about history as I was,” she reflected. “By understanding how I had to learn it, I became a better teacher for my students.”

As a Teacher Incentive Allotment Exemplary Teacher, Conklin embodies what it means to be both a learner and a leader. 

“I read articles, follow educational social media pages, and watch education-related videos daily. I seek out other educators, attend professional development, and ask questions. I love learning, and I love finding new ways to improve my craft. I’m always trying to be better than I was before.”

Being named Hempstead ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year is more than an accolade; it’s a reflection of her dedication to her students and the education profession. 

“It’s a humbling honor that validates the hard work and passion I pour into my classroom every day,” she said. “It also gives me renewed energy to keep growing and a sense of responsibility to advocate for teachers everywhere.”

Above all, Conklin hopes her students leave her classroom with confidence and care. 

“I hope they leave my classroom feeling loved and supported,” she said. “I hope they feel more confident in themselves than they did before we spent the year together.”

Through her bold passion, perseverance, and purpose, Conklin continues to inspire students, colleagues, and the entire Hempstead ISD community, proving that the best teachers never stop learning, leading, or loving what they do.