By ELVIA AGUILAR
The Brownsville Herald

When she was still a student herself, Carol Lustinger wished upon a star that she would become a teacher.

Seventeen years later, Lutsinger is the Rio Grande Valley Elementary Science Teacher of the Year who still looks to the stars for inspiration.

The prestigious award is given to teachers who have demonstrated leadership in promoting excellence in science education.

As the K-5 Science Teacher of the Year, Lutsinger received a check for $200 and a plaque at Tuesday’s Brownsville Independent School District’s board meeting.

A Brownsville Urban Systemic Program (BUSP) mentor teacher for BISD, she works with students and teachers throughout the district to help improve science instruction and increase student achievement.

Outside the classroom, she continues her science education efforts with weekly astronomy programs at the Brownsville Public Library and a weekly astronomy column in The Brownsville Herald and the San Benito News. She also works with the Brownsville Children’s Museum and is co-founder of the South Texas Astronomical Society.

However, Lutsinger believes her greatest accomplishment is being part of children’s lives.

"I feel very fortunate when I am able to see a student get excited when they learn something new about science," she said, noting some excitement of her own at the news of the recent recognition.

"I was really surprised because there are so many excellent science teachers in the Valley and I feel honored to have received this," Lutsinger said.

Success did not come easy for Lutsinger who looks back on many years of hard work and dedication that led to her current successes.

"I remember some of the most difficult days of my life were when I was trying to get through college and raise my three children at the same time," she said.

"I kept thinking about a time when I thought I would never graduate and a teacher helped me realize that I could do anything I set my mind to."

It was the one teacher — a science teacher — that inspired Lutsinger to pursue a career in science education.

She hopes her most recent accomplishment will "be an example to my students that they should try to do what it takes to pursue their dreams and with time, they will see their dreams come true," she said and smiled.

And while her students’ education is priority No. 1 for Lutsinger, the South Texas Astronomical Society is a close second for Lutsinger. The organization gathers people who love the stars and planets and meets the third Thursday of every month at the Brownsville Public Library to learn about astrology and stargaze.

Lutsinger hopes to watch the organization continue to grow and would eventually like the organization to be involved with an observatory planned for the University of Texas Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.