Teaching duo Speer (left) and Harris.
The honor of being selected for Wylie ISD’s Hall of Honor is quite a distinguished one, and this year the honor goes to Jill Harris and Cherie Speer, who retired in 2023 and 2022 respectively. District representative Kristian Spencer said the honor is bestowed upon individuals in the Wylie community who represent unwavering commitment, make an incredible impact and show a deep love for the Wylie community.
“The Hall of Honor has a storied history of recognizing those who embody the Wylie Bulldog spirit, particularly beloved educators like Cherie and Jill,” said Spencer.
For the first time, the honorees will be inducted into the Hall of Honor at the Wylie Bulldog Education Foundation’s Bulldogs, Boots and Bling Dinner on March 5, which was held at the Exhibit Hall of the Abilene Convention Center. Below, Harris and Speer share their thoughts on their time teaching at Wylie – accomplishments, fond moments and words of encouragement for their fellow educators.
Taught 35 years | 24 in Wylie ISD
Family and Consumer Sciences; Culinary Arts
PROUD ACCOMPLISHMENT
“One thing that meant a lot to me was when I received the 2012 Teacher of the Year award for the high school that is voted on by fellow teachers. But mostly it’s when someone tells me that I touched their life or their child’s life in a positive way. I still hear from students who continue to use the skills taught in the classes I taught! I love hearing that someone is still making ‘Bunny Cakes’ as a tradition with their children.”
PERSONAL GROWTH
“My years at Wylie helped me to realize the importance of relation-ships, connections and communication. It also made me realize the importance of being passionate about your job so that it never felt like ‘work.’ It was what I wanted to do, and I poured myself into it. It also showed me how important it is for us to understand each other despite age gaps.”
WORDS OF WISDOM
“Show up. Get involved. Find your passion. Be kind and have integrity. Practice gratitude and take responsibility. Work hard. Eat your fruits and vegetables! And remember: It’s always great to be a Wylie Bulldog!”
Taught 32 years | 27 years at Wylie High School
Integrated Physics & Chemistry, Chemistry and Biology – AP/PreAP
FOND MOMENT
“There isn’t one moment that can define me. I have a big box full of letters, copies of emails, and visits from former students thanking me for the science foundation that I gave them. Many thanked me for being tough on them to learn the material, and many thanked me for meeting them at school early in the morning or staying until after football to tutor and help them. I always said, ‘If I could help or influence one person — this is why we teach.’ I carried my students in my heart. I loved my students…and I loved my job!”
PERSONAL GROWTH
“As a teacher, you wear many hats! Not only are you a teacher, but you are a surrogate mother, nurse, crisis manager, counselor and friend. You are constantly adapting to changing environments and different students’ learning styles. As I matured as a teacher, I was more attuned to the different needs of different students. In the past, I had taught one way, but as I taught more and became more experienced, I learned not all students learned in the same way. I was constantly trying to explain complex ideas simply and respond with more sensitivity. I think I fostered deeper connections with my students. Every year I taught, I redid my lessons trying to be more innovative and build students’ confidence so I would become a trust-ed teacher and role model. I was constantly reflecting on my teaching and interaction with my students, asking what could I do to improve or do better? In doing so, I tried to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills for my students, as well as witnessing student growth. These two skills are an integral part of life for us all, not just learning subject matter.”
WORDS OF WISDOM
“To the teachers, remember that you are molding the lives of our future leaders and citizens. Never get stagnant. Remember, you can always do better – improve and grow. Continue to learn with your students. Love and be passionate to your students; you never know what is going on at home. Let them know your room is a safe room, and they can always depend upon you! Love your job. Encourage and help new teachers coming into our district by sharing lessons and your words of wisdom.”