Last month, 14 educators, one from each Frenship campus, was nominated for this honor, and after a thorough selection process, Nunez was chosen to represent the district as Frenship’s selection for the LCU Distinguished Educator.

In the nomination letter to the selection committee, Willow Bend Elementary Principal Jennifer Pierce described Nunez as a trustworthy and respectful teacher who has positive impacts on his students and anyone who crosses his path.

Pierce explained how Nunez teaches his students to embrace their heritage through music, technology, and hands-on experiences.

“Mr. Nunez takes great pride in his work, his commitment to students and his Mexican heritage,” Pierce said. “He is constantly trying to improve his practice by going to school, reading books and articles, and trying new things in the classroom to engage students. Robert realizes that education will provide an opportunity for families to have more resources and knows that it can change their lives. He embraces EVERY student, every day, and helps them to believe that they can do ANYTHING they want to do….no excuses.”

Beyond the classroom, Pierce said Nunez teaches guitar lessons to any interested student during his 30-minute lunch breaks. She explained that Nunez even helps students find guitars and repairs them to ensure students have an opportunity to play.

“Giving students opportunities that they would not normally have is at the heart of his work,” Pierce said. “He takes the assignment of being a positive male role model very seriously and understands the brevity of his role as a mentor to students and their families. He is always a quiet and encouraging presence and works outside of school to aid families in need, as he understands that the language and resource barriers that they possess.”

Nunez said that in his eleven years at Willow Bend his passion for education has grown from working at a campus where leaders go “above and beyond.”

“I love my classroom and there is no place I'd rather be teaching in,” Nunez said. “I have been very blessed to meet and serve so many classroom families, and I am grateful for all the classroom parents who have supported me in many projects, and especially for fostering a love for learning in their students.”

Chosen as Frenship’s distinguished educator, Nunez will join other nominated area teachers for the chance to be selected as the LCU 2021 Distinguished Educator of Lubbock County. That award will be chosen later this school year.