Frenship ISD educators Matt Bruce and Saundra Wimberley were recently recognized by the Staked Plains Council for Social Studies (SPCSS) for their outstanding contributions to the field of social studies education. The awards were presented at the annual spring banquet hosted at Lubbock Christian University this week.  

Bruce, a teacher at Alcove Trails Middle School, was named the 2025 Middle School Social Studies Teacher of the Year. Wimberley, who teaches first grade at Crestview Elementary School, received the 2025 Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year award. 

The SPCSS is a local affiliate of the Texas Council for Social Studies, which itself is part of the National Council for Social Studies. SPCSS members include current and retired social studies teachers from elementary to high school, as well as university professors. The council covers the ESC Region 17 area, serving educators across numerous counties in the South Plains region. 

Each year, SPCSS accepts nominations for several award categories, including NOVA (new to the profession), elementary, middle, and high school Social Studies Teacher of the Year. Finalists are observed in their classrooms, submit sample lesson plans, and respond to professional questions before recipients are selected. The awards are overseen by SPCSS President Ron Vick, a retired educator from Lubbock ISD, and Dr. Sam Ayers, who serves as the treasurer and awards committee chair. 

Bruce was happily surprised to receive this award and feels thankful for the opportunity to be honored. 

"I was very surprised. I am not one who normally seeks out recognition, and for this type of recognition to sort of fall into my lap was a very surprising and cool thing to happen,” said Bruce.  

When Wimberley found out she was one of the four area winners, she felt humbled and blessed. 

“I was very honored to be named with this award! I have always been passionate about teaching social studies because it's about people and true things that happened, which is something that children are hungry to learn,” said Wimberley.  

Bruce explained that the award provided personal and professional affirmation. 

“It is reassuring that the way that I work in my classroom and the relationships that I have with my students is work well done,” said Bruce.  

Saundra felt immense gratitude to be named a recipient and presented with the award from a familiar face.  

“I'm honored to be named by a professional organization who all live and breathe the subject. I'm also honored to be rediscovered and then named by Dr. Ayers, who was one of my master's level education professors at LCU,” said Wimberley. 

Bruce’s passion for teaching social studies stems from helping students see the broader world. 

“Being able to share ideas and events with students that allow for them to grow as young people in a world that is much larger than what we think most of the time,” said Bruce. “I want students to know that I will always be in their corner and that I met them where they were when we started the year, and that we moved through the class and have grown together.” 

Bruce wants to encourage other educators to make the most of their teaching experience and to find excitement in the subject.  

“Dig in. Find relevance for your students and yourself in what we teach them,” said Bruce. “Be excited to teach them new things and let them buy into it!” 

Wimberley also expressed deep gratitude for the honor. As a Frenship High School alum from the class of 1981, she reflected on her decades of service in the classroom and her drive to make history engaging and meaningful. 

“First graders are finally old enough to want something beyond fiction. They are hungry for the truth, real stories about real people,” said Wimberley. “They love learning to read maps, know about people's jobs, study landforms, and hear about amazing inventors and their inventions.” 

One of her most memorable contributions is leading first graders in historical reenactments at the National Ranching Heritage Center’s Candlelight at the Ranch event.  

“The first year I was at Crestview, I called the education director at the National Ranching Heritage Center to see if there might be a place for my class to participate. We've now had 24 years of dressing in period costume and doing historical reenactment at Candlelight each December. It's been a wonderful working experience with the museum, and I've now sponsored about 470 students in this experience,” said Wimberley. 

Wimberley is also known for engaging her students’ families to enrich cultural understanding.  

“I truly enjoy engaging the families from Crestview, many who have moved here from various places across the world. I love bringing those families in to teach us about their cultures, celebrations, and traditions. Firstly, I know I've learned the correct information from an original source. Also, I can use that information for years to follow,” said Wimberley. 

Her hope is that her students remember first grade as more than just a year in school.  

“Even though students don't remember a great deal about first grade, I hope that it inspires them to be good citizens, learn about and from history, and be responsible citizens,” said Wimberley. “I hope that they have internalized an interest and respect for cultures from around the world, and especially of those close to them as they continue in school.” 

To other educators looking to elevate their social studies instruction, Wimberley encourages creativity and enthusiasm.  

“Get into it! Make it lively and interesting. Act! Dress up! Ask lots of questions! Invite discovery and help students feel their place in the world. Then find a source for your teaching materials and information outside of the curriculum, such as a close tie to a local museum and the families of your students. Invite experts in to talk with your kids. They love it! Lastly, get your team involved and enthusiastic about it with you.” 

Wimberley would like to thank Dr. Ayers, who played a pivotal role in her receiving the award.

“Dr. Sam Ayers at Lubbock Christian University gave me the opportunity to receive this award, and if you EVER want to learn more about perfecting your craft as a teacher, then go see him,” said Wimberley. 

In addition to her teaching contributions, Wimberley has participated in TEA work groups in Austin, helping to revise the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for social studies. Her influence extends far beyond her classroom, impacting how social studies will be taught across Texas for years to come. 

Both Bruce and Wimberley exemplify excellence in social studies education and demonstrate the lasting impact passionate teachers can make on students, families, and communities. 

Frenship ISD is proud to have them in our district, inspiring students and shaping the future through their passion for social studies education. Congratulations, Matt Bruce and Saundra Wimberley!