San Antonio, Texas, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Timothy Kitterman, a cherished American Sign Language teacher at MacArthur High School, passed away following a medical emergency during class. The 65-year-old educator was a significant figure in the North East Independent School District, known for his dedication and being awarded Teacher of the Year in 2019. In light of his sudden death, the school has initiated counseling services to support students and staff as they navigate this challenging time of grief and loss within the community.
San Antonio, Texas – A tragic incident unfolded at MacArthur High School on Thursday, September 4, when a beloved teacher, Timothy Kitterman, passed away after experiencing a medical emergency during his first-period class. Kitterman, aged 65, was an instructor of American Sign Language (ASL) at the school, where he had served dedicatedly for over a decade.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed Kitterman’s identity, leading to an outpouring of grief within the MacArthur High School community. Kitterman was recognized for his contributions to education, having previously been awarded the Teacher of the Year honor by the North East Independent School District (NEISD) in 2019.
The school principal, Joaquin Hernandez, addressed the situation in a letter to parents and staff. He notified them that the campus had gone into lockdown while first responders were summoned to the scene. Despite urgent life-saving measures performed by emergency personnel, Kitterman did not survive the medical emergency.
In the wake of this loss, MacArthur High School has stepped up to provide support for students and staff. Counseling services are now available on campus to help the school community navigate this challenging time. Counselors will remain available to assist anyone seeking help as they process their grief and loss.
Timothy Kitterman had been a fixture in the NEISD for 20 years, primarily focusing on American Sign Language. He was one of the original ASL teachers at Reagan High School, helping to establish the program that has since flourished in the district. Following ten years at Reagan, Kitterman moved to MacArthur High School, where he continued to impact the lives of numerous students. In addition to his teaching role at MacArthur, Kitterman also taught ASL part-time at Our Lady of the Lake University, further influencing the broader educational landscape.
The loss of Kitterman leaves a significant impact on both the students he taught and the faculty he worked alongside. As the community mourns, school officials emphasize the importance of coming together to support one another during such a difficult time. The provision of counseling services aims to ensure that all affected individuals have access to the necessary support resources as they come to terms with this unforeseen tragedy.
MacArthur High School will continue to offer counseling to students, parents, and school personnel in the days ahead, as they collectively navigate the profound grief stemming from the passing of a cherished educator.
FAQs about the Incident at MacArthur High School
What happened at MacArthur High School on September 4?
Timothy Kitterman, a teacher at MacArthur High School, died on campus during a medical emergency while teaching his first-period class.
Who was Timothy Kitterman?
Timothy Kitterman, 65, taught American Sign Language at MacArthur High School and had taught for 20 years, earning recognition as Teacher of the Year in 2019.
What was done in response to the incident?
The school went into a hold while first responders were called. Despite their efforts to save him, Kitterman did not survive the emergency.
What support is available for students and staff?
Counseling services are being provided on campus to assist students, parents, and faculty as they deal with their grief during this time.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Teacher Name | Timothy Kitterman |
| Age | 65 |
| Subject Taught | American Sign Language |
| Years of Experience | 20 |
| Awards | Teacher of the Year (2019) |
| School Affiliation | MacArthur High School, Our Lady of the Lake University |
| Emergency Response | First responders attempted life-saving measures |
| Support for Community | Counseling services available |
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Additional Resources
- Fox San Antonio
- KSAT
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: American Sign Language
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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