(STARLIGHT EVENT CENTER -- Aug. 13, 2022) – MacArthur PK-8 Andreana Harkless, better known as ‘Coach Shuga,’ was named second runner-up for Region 19 Secondary Teacher of the Year Saturday evening at the Starlight Event Center.

Harkless, a former BIC paraprofessional turned PE teacher, also coaches volleyball, track, basketball and softball.

“It’s an honor to be able to serve alongside Coach Harkless who embodies the best of all teachers, an individual who is every student’s cheerleader, with endless energy and will to daily empower and improve students’ love of learning,” said MacArthur principal Rose Ann Martinez. “Her contribution to creating a sense of positive self-worth for students, faculty and our community has endeared her to all who know her as ‘Coach Shuga.’”

Harkless’ teaching philosophy is summed up by her promise “to gently nudge my students day after day to help them grow, to lead by example, to be kind, to be compassionate, to have a servant’s heart, to have fun, to be fair, to care – always, to show respect. Most importantly, I promise to know them individually and connect with them personally.”

Don Haskins’ teacher Amy Martinez Perez, El Paso ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year, was among the district teachers recognized during the ceremony.