Frenship ISD is proud to celebrate Memorial High School's Lindsey Pierson as the September High School Mrs. Baird’s Teacher on the Rise recipient. The Mrs. Baird’s Teachers on the Rise award is a monthly recognition program in the Lubbock area where students, families, and community members nominate educators who go above and beyond in the classroom. Each month, one teacher is selected from elementary, middle, and high schools.
Pierson was nominated by Memorial High School sophomore Ellasyn Stevens, who highlighted the impact Pierson has had on her growth as a performer and as a person.
“Mrs. Pierson has done incredible things for me in just the one year I've known her. She is the head theatre teacher at Frenship Memorial High School. I am in her advanced musical theatre class this year, and I was last year; I also did our Fall musical (Godspell) with her as well as our regional qualifying One Act Play. She has done so much for me. She pushed me out of my comfort zone and has made me a better performer by FAR and overall, a better person," said Stevens.
For Pierson, being recognized by one of her students is especially meaningful because it reassures her that she is making an impact far beyond curriculum.
“I am pretty hard on myself, so it is always nice to feel like something you are doing or saying is landing and that it matters," said Pierson. "It is humbling and an honor at the same time to be recognized by a student. To hear their words and watch them soar is a privilege.”
Pierson said the recognition also serves as a reminder of the importance of the work educators do each day.
“It reminds me that every day matters. To keep pursuing the light inside of kids and reminding each other that we are worthy, not because of something we did or are going to do, but simply because we exist in this second together. Every day, we have an opportunity to be better because of one another," said Pierson.
Stevens’ nomination reflects that philosophy, sharing how Pierson encouraged her to take on challenges she never expected to face. During One Act Play season, Stevens found herself taking on significant responsibilities just weeks before the first competition.
“During OAP season, I was actually an alternate for our show. BUT!! Things happened, circumstances changed, and I was put in charge of LED lights, sound, and stage managing a week and a half before our first competition. Mrs. Pierson worked with me and understood and was very patient and helpful during those stressful two weeks and the rest after that as we advanced from district to bi-district, then to area, and eventually when we qualified at region," said Stevens.
Stevens said Pierson consistently turns challenges into opportunities for growth and encourages her students to step outside of their comfort zones.
“Mrs. Pierson can take anything and turn it into a learning moment," said Stevens. "She pushes you past your 'limitations' and shows you that you are capable of so much more if you just put yourself out there and try, even if you fail, and when you fail (when, not if) you fail and own it. Like 'YEAH. I DID THAT. I TRIED.'”
One of Pierson’s sayings has especially stayed with Stevens.
“Mrs. Pierson has several sayings. One, for example, is 'You are worthy NOW. Not if, not when, NOW.' But my favorite is 'Show up. Be seen. No apologies.' She tells us that before every show, every audition, every class presentation, everything. It means so much to me. She has shown me that being afraid is okay, but you do things anyway. She believes in me even when I don't believe in myself," said Stevens.
Pierson said her relationship with Stevens has been just as meaningful to her, describing her student as someone who consistently rises to the occasion and brings something special to every production.
“Ellasyn is a multifaceted jewel. I have had the opportunity to work with her in multiple productions and in Musical Theatre since Memorial opened last year. She is one of those people you can trust with work that seems insurmountable, and somehow, she executes it with precision, creativity, and wisdom,” said Pierson. “She is exceptional in every way and seems to laugh in the face of adversity. Ellasyn is the kind of student who will do whatever job needs to be done, no matter how tedious, to help execute a production. She is extremely intuitive, intelligent, and a natural problem solver. She works tirelessly with no expectation of recognition.”
Pierson said Stevens has become an important part of the theatre program and the productions they create together.
“Without Ellasyn, our show would not have the fluidity, depth, and texture that she so gracefully provides to the production process. With her, the sky is the limit. What a privilege to be a small part of her big journey," said Pierson.
For Stevens, Pierson’s influence extends far beyond the theatre classroom. She said Pierson consistently makes time for her students and reminds them that they are capable of more than they may realize.
“She trusts me. She puts her time and effort into our school. She's there early every morning, late every night, and she's even there on the weekends and over the summer," said Stevens. "Mrs. Pierson loves every single one of her students and gives us all so many chances and shows us that we are capable of more than we could ever dream.”
That dedication is part of what makes teaching so meaningful to Pierson. Although education was not initially the career she envisioned, her family’s influence eventually helped shape her path.
“I did not want to be a teacher. My dad made me get a teaching certificate in college, and I said, "I'm never going to be a teacher! Ha!" said Pierson.
Pierson grew up surrounded by educators and said her father helped her recognize the lasting impact teachers can have.
“I came from a family of educators, and my dad always said, 'You know, Lindsey, there are a lot of things in life that are not worthwhile, but teaching isn't one of them." He is a firm believer in public education and the impact it has on people's lives. I have seen that firsthand myself, and I can hardly think of a job that is as difficult and rewarding at the same time," said Pierson.
Pierson said she has found a sense of belonging in Frenship, particularly through the district’s support of fine arts and the people who make up the Frenship Family.
“Frenship values the fine arts, and it has always felt like a small community within a big school district," said Pierson. "Frenship has made me feel seen, appreciated, and capable of doing what I need to do to allow students to experience what they are capable of doing. I have felt at home in this district.”
As she reflected on the recognition, Pierson also shared her appreciation for the fine arts educators she works alongside each day.
“I would like to acknowledge and thank the team of fine art educators I have the opportunity to work with every day: Jen Cagle Gillmore, Emily Chavez, Erik Prospero, and Tim Algate," said Pierson. "Get around any of these people for two seconds, and you have to work at not being a better person.”
Pierson said the people within Frenship are ultimately what makes the district special.
“The people we serve and the people we serve with are what make the brick-and-mortar building we teach in exceptional. The people are where it's at. That's what makes Frenship what it is. The people," said Pierson.
Stevens said she is grateful to have Pierson as a part of her high school journey and looks forward to all that is still ahead.
“I am so excited to have Mrs. Pierson in my life, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my high school journey with her!”
As part of the recognition, Pierson received a $100 gift card from United Supermarkets, a basket of goodies from Mrs. Baird's, and a meal for two at The Texas Tech Club. As part of nominating a teacher, Stevens also won a $50 American Express gift card from Mrs. Baird’s. Pierson will be honored at the Teacher on the Rise celebration at the end of the school year.
For information on how you can nominate a Frenship educator for the Mrs. Baird's Teacher on the Rise Award, CLICK HERE.
Congratulations, Lindsey Pierson! We are thankful for your leadership, your heart for students, and the impact you make every day.