88R23561 TBO-D By: Ordaz H.R. No. 1309 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Teaching is a profession that calls for character, passion, and commitment, and Dr. Ramon C. Benavides has demonstrated these qualities in abundance throughout his 12-year career with the Ysleta Independent School District; and WHEREAS, Dr. Benavides currently teaches 9th- through 12th-grade biology classes at Del Valle High School in El Paso, and over the course of his tenure, he has distinguished himself as a caring and supportive mentor to his students; he played an instrumental role in establishing the school's biomed and biotech pathway, and he has overseen the Medical Sciences Club, the Environmental Stewardship Club, the Anime Club, and the Science National Honor Society chapter; in recognition of his dedicated efforts in the classroom, he was named the 2022 Texas State Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers; and WHEREAS, In addition to his work as an educator at Del Valle High School, Dr. Benavides has served as a grant writer and coordinator for Ysleta ISD as well as a part-time biology adjunct instructor at El Paso Community College; he has also participated in Research Experiences for Teachers, authoring scholarly articles related to science education and teacher leadership; moreover, he has been involved with numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Texas State Teachers Association, the National Education Agency, the Ysleta Teachers Association, the Eastside Democrats, and the League of Women Voters of El Paso, and he cofounded Pareja PhD, where he serves as a motivational speaker; and WHEREAS, Dr. Benavides holds a bachelor's degree in biology from The University of Texas at San Antonio, a bachelor's degree in chemistry from The University of Texas at Brownsville, a master's degree in teaching science from The University of Texas at El Paso, and a doctorate in educational leadership policy from Texas Tech University; and WHEREAS, Dr. Ramon Benavides has made a lasting and positive difference in the lives of countless students in Ysleta ISD, and he is indeed deserving of special recognition for his outstanding contributions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commend Dr. Ramon C. Benavides for his exemplary service to the Ysleta Independent School District and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success with his important work; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Dr. Benavides as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.