At Seminole ISD’s Success Center, the work doesn’t always look like a typical school day. Many of the students who walk through its doors are carrying more than a backpack: some are at risk, and some are working through hard situations at home. For Coach Braiden Galla, that is exactly why the work matters, and it’s why he has been named Seminole ISD’s first Teacher of the Month of the year. “We get a lot of kids that are at risk, a lot of kids that are going through something in their home life,” Coach Galla said. “It’s just an opportunity for us teachers over here at Success to guide them and kind of pave a path for them outside of school and outside the Success Center. We just kind of help them along the way and help them be successful.”
His colleagues say that commitment shows up every day. “As a co-worker, we can always depend on him. He’s reliable,” said Success Center Counselor Raylee Welch. “He’s the first one to step up and help where it’s needed without being asked, and he’s been awesome for our students. He’s always there to support them, help them, encourage them.” Other staff members echoed that praise. One called him “a leader on our campus” who “supports our students and staff and wants everyone to succeed.” Another described him as “compassionate about student learning,” with “a great ability to balance that with student success and understanding students’ needs.” Others pointed to how closely he works with students on their assignments, making sure no one falls behind and that every student truly understands the material.
Students see it too. One student described Coach Galla as someone to turn to on a rough day. “He’s always a good person to talk to and cheer you up in case you’re having a bad day,” the student said. “He’s always there to talk to about cool stuff, about traveling, about anything you do in your life.” For students who need someone in their corner, that kind of steady presence can help them build a path forward that lasts beyond the Success Center.
True to form, Coach Galla was quick to share the credit. “I think it’s a great award to receive,” he said, “but every teacher here does the exact same thing. Every teacher is definitely capable and should be rewarded Teacher of the Month over here at this campus.”
That humility says a lot about both the man and the team he works alongside. Congratulations to Coach Galla, and thank you to the entire Success Center staff for the difference you make for our students every day.