Nancy Lane, Content Strategist
Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU)
For Immediate Release
Central Texas Educator and SAGU Alumnus Honored as Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year
Robinson, Texas – August 8, 2023 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is thrilled to announce the distinguished recognition of alumnus April Eide as the Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year. This prestigious accolade not only highlights Eide’s commitment to excellence but also emphasizes the significant impact that she and her fellow SAGU graduates have made in the field of education. Eide’s journey as an educator has been defined by her exceptional skills in leadership, teamwork, and unwavering dedication, which have undoubtedly contributed to her remarkable success.
With an impressive teaching career spanning 16 years in Texas public schools, Eide teaches first grade at Robinson Primary School in Robinson ISD, where she has been for the past five years. Before that, she taught second and third grade at Grand Prairie ISD and second and fifth grade at Red Oak ISD.
“April Eide represents the epitome of what an exceptional teacher embodies, says Robinson ISD Superintendent Michael Hope. “Each day, she inspires her students to expand their knowledge, develop essential skills, and foster compassionate values toward others. April’s invaluable contributions make her a cherished asset to our students, staff, and the entire teaching profession.”
Eide has also written several grants for Robinson Primary. One in particular established the “Kindness Crew,” whose primary objective is to foster a nurturing, safe, and joyful atmosphere that makes every student feel valued and secure. Members of the Kindness Crew welcome newcomers, greet fellow students, and participate in community service projects.
Eide regularly organizes field trips and invites professionals from various fields to interact with the students in the classroom. These activities serve as a bridge, connecting students with their community and helping them understand the importance of different roles. This approach especially benefits students who may need to be more academically inclined, enabling them to appreciate the diverse talents contributing to a thriving community. In Mrs. Eide’s words, this is a crucial step toward igniting her students’ passion for learning about the world.
Beyond her role as an educator, Eide’s commitment to equipping students with the skills necessary for success extends beyond the classroom. By incorporating social-emotional learning and creating a positive and nurturing environment, she is a role model for educators throughout the region.
Eide’s passion for education and her desire to make a difference in the lives of her students were nurtured and cultivated during her time at SAGU. As a student-athlete and former student worker in SAGU Online, Eide honed her leadership, teamwork, and dedication skills, which have undoubtedly contributed to her success as an educator. “While at SAGU,’ Eide says, “Dr. Paula Manley in my undergraduate studies and Dr. Elmer Humphrey in my graduate work poured into my life both in academics and prayer. They taught and modeled how to impact students’ lives like mine meaningfully. The encouragement and dedication from the teachers and staff at SAGU serve as an excellent standard that I strive to have with my students today.”
Eide’s husband, Shaun, is also a SAGU alumni and worked in the Registrar’s Office and SAGU Online before transitioning to a teaching position at Baylor University. Eide’s brother, Jeff Francis, is the current director of financial aid at SAGU.
SAGU proudly congratulates April Eide on this well-deserved recognition. The University is honored to have played a part in shaping such an outstanding educator, and we celebrate her commitment to excellence, dedication to her students, and embodiment of Christian values.
About SAGU:
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, Christian university located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. The university was established in 1927, and now offers more than 70 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus or online.
More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.
