Amber Sturdy Honored at the Houston Astros Game on April 18, 2025
Recognized for her excellence in the classroom, Porter High School math teacher Amber Sturdy was honored as the ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month and celebrated by the Houston Astros.
Sturdy teaches Algebra 1 at Porter High School, where she has worked for 12 years. She has worked in education since 2007, teaching Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Math Models, Math Lab, and TAKS remediation. Sturdy also served as an instructional coach for two years and was named Porter High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2020. Along with the ConocoPhillips award, Ms. Sturdy has also been nominated for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
“Amber is a leader in the classroom, in her school, and in the district,” said Secondary Mathematics District Specialist, Leo Rios. “With many years of content knowledge, continuously reflecting and refining her practices, Amber epitomizes a professional educator that is a life-long learner.”
This month, Sturdy was named the ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month, a prestigious title given to only six math teachers from the Houston area per year. Out of hundreds of nominations, these teachers are selected by an external committee who choose educators that demonstrate leadership skills, innovation in the classroom, excellence in mathematics teaching, and embody the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT values.
Amber Sturdy and secondary math specialist, Leo Rios, pose with Orbit.
As the math teacher of the month, Ms. Sturdy received multiple prizes from ConocoPhillips and the Houston Astros. In addition to a classroom visit from Orbit and recognition at an Astros game, winners also receive a stadium tour, game tickets, $1,000 donation to their school district, a $100 gift card for classroom supplies, a ConocoPhillips and Houston Astros gift package, a pre-game radio interview, and recognition on the ConocoPhillips website.
Ms. Sturdy is the first New Caney ISD teacher to be recognized for this award.
“I am truly honored to represent Porter High School as the ConocoPhillips Math Teacher of the Month,” Ms. Sturdy said. “I’m incredibly grateful to Leo Rios for the nomination and for making this recognition possible. Knowing that my hard work is being seen and appreciated means the world to me—it’s one of those moments that gives you goosebumps. One of the most unforgettable parts of this experience was introducing Orbit to my students and seeing their excitement light up the room. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am without my amazing kiddos—they are the heart of everything I do.”