Marcia Caballero of Schertz-Cibolo-UCISD was surprised with the KENS 5 EXCEL Award and a $2,000 check from Credit Human.
SCHERTZ, Texas — SCHERTZ-CIBOLO- A science teacher whose passion extends far beyond her classroom, and who makes sure every student feels supported from day one is this week’s KENS 5 EXCEL Award winner.
It’s easy to see why Marcia Caballero, a 7th-grade science teacher at Ray D. Corbett Junior High, earned the EXCEL Award for SCHERTZ- Cibolo- Universal City ISD. The honor comes with a $2,000 check from Credit Human and recognizes exceptional educators across South Texas.
Caballero, now in her 17th year of teaching, is known for more than her engaging science lessons. She serves as her campus science team lead and is the founder of the Corbett Welcome Committee (CWC), a student-led program she created to help new students feel at home the moment they walk onto campus. What began as support for military-connected students has grown into a system that welcomes all new students.
Before becoming a teacher, Caballero served in the U.S. Air Force as a Med Tech in San Antonio, an experience that helped shape her commitment to service and structure.
This week, the entire campus gathered for what Caballero thought was a pep rally. Instead, she walked into loud cheers, signs, and her family waiting for her, the surprise announcement that she was the newest EXCEL Award winner.
“I’ve wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember,” EXCEL Award winner, Marcia Caballero said. “I had the worst middle school experience, and I didn’t want other kids to go through that. I wanted to create the best experience I possibly could for them. That’s why I teach middle school.”
Overcome with emotion during the presentation, she added: “I’m so touched that my district and my campus and my students and my admin… I’m so touched that they think that I work hard. I just come to work and I work hard.”
Her students say Caballero’s passion, structure, and support make all the difference.
“She has a lot of passion for her students but not only her students,” said student Kirielle Law. “She thinks beyond her classroom that day.”
Another student, Darius Sumera, said Caballero transformed the way he feels about science.
“Before I had Miss Caballero, I didn’t really like science that much,” Darius Sumera said. “But she made it one of my most appreciated subjects with her teaching style.”
For students who need routine, for students who need encouragement, and for every new face navigating Corbett’s hallways, Caballero is the teacher committed to making school feel like home.
Caballero also received a $2,000 check from Credit Human for her dedication in and out of the classroom. She shared that she planned to spend it celebrating her birthday with her twin sister — a well-deserved treat after a heartfelt surprise.