Meet ATPE’s 2025 Charles Pickitt Educators of the Year
These outstanding educators from across the Lone Star State were formally recognized during ceremonies at the 2025 ATPE Summit and received $5,000 prizes.
Congratulations to ATPE’s 2025 Charles Pickitt Educators of the Year!
This award—named after founding ATPE member Charles Pickitt—recognizes ATPE members who demonstrate exceptional or innovative capabilities in their respective educational fields. Award recipients receive a $5,000 prize. Meet this year’s recipients:
Cheryl Tripplett, Beaumont ISD
Administrator of the Year
Cheryl Tripplett has served as the principal of Sallie Curtis Elementary School for five years. She has been an administrator for 12 years. At Sallie Curtis Elementary, Tripplett helped implement two innovation programs: the BRACE Program and Student Residency Program. The Student Residency Program allows the school—in partnership with Region 5 ESC and Lamar University—to have student teachers work on campus for an entire school year while they work on their degrees. Tripplett also volunteers as Boerne ATPE secretary.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to win (this award),” Tripplett says. “I know that all Texas principals work extremely hard to serve their staff, students, and parents. They spend long hours each day to ensure the people (adults and students) under their care are safe and achieve growth. Saying it’s a tough job is like saying the ocean is wet. In short, all principals deserve recognition, but to be the one selected for this year’s Administrator of the Year is a true blessing. This honor tells me that my efforts, passion, and commitment are appreciated and valued. It inspires me to keep doing everything I can to make sure Texas public education continues to prepare our children to be competent and successful citizens.”
Ashlee Galvan, Corpus Christi ISD
Associate of the Year
Ashlee Galvan has worked with at-risk students at Calk-Wilson Elementary School in Corpus Christi ISD for three years and has 14 years’ total experience in education.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the ATPE’s Associate Teacher of the Year. First and foremost, this award isn’t about me. It’s a recognition of all the paraprofessionals who give their time, talent, and hearts to our students—quietly, selflessly, and with incredible impact. Behind every strong school is a strong team. Thank you to ATPE, CCISD, and the Champion family for your encouragement and teamwork; it has been invaluable in my journey as a paraprofessional. I am inspired to continue learning, growing, and giving back to this profession and our students. I am also grateful to have such a supportive family that gives me the strength to be who I am and do what I love!”
Galvan was named CCISD’s Auxiliary Staff of the Month in October 2020. She was also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Melanie Gohn, Boerne ISD
Melanie Gohn has been an educator for 25 years—four of those years at Fabra Elementary School in Boerne ISD. She teaches second grade math and science. The Boerne ATPE membership chair and campus representative was also the recipient of the 2021 ATPE Doug Rogers Campus Representative of the Year Award.
“Thank you, ATPE, for this honor! I am both humbled and thrilled to be this year’s Charles Pickett Elementary Educator of the Year! I am truly blessed to get to do what I love and for the chance to make a difference in the lives of my students.
“I would also like to thank my always supportive and loving parents, who continue to be involved in my classroom needs, whether it’s chaperoning a field trip, organizing my classroom library, or building seating options for my students.
“Reaching this milestone has not been a solo experience. My teaching practice has evolved and improved over my 25-year career. Colleagues from Dallas to Seattle to Boerne, as well as my cohort from National Board certification, have helped me continually grow and improve as a reflective practitioner.
“We, teachers, are passionate about positively impacting students’ lives every day and are grateful for the opportunity to get to do what we love. This recognition and appreciation for it, though, is the icing on the cake!”
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Heather Kukuk, Arlington ISD
Heather Kukuk has taught for 13 years—the past two as a creative writing teacher and college readiness and study skills teacher at Arlington College and Career High School. She is also the vice president of Arlington ATPE.
“Being named Educator of the Year is an incredible honor; it affirms the dedication, effort, and heart I’ve poured into my students every day. Even in moments of uncertainty, I kept striving, building a classroom where student success speaks louder than words. Those challenges became a reason to push forward, to do better, and to believe in what’s possible. I want to thank the students, colleagues, mentors, and loved ones who have shaped this journey with me. My students, past and present, thank you for inspiring me every day. You have taught me as much as I have taught you. Lastly, to my greatest motivation—my family, especially my children Matthew and Samantha—thank you for brightening even the most difficult days. You are not only my light, but also my purpose. I am, and always will be, grateful to have all of you in my life.”
Kukuk has also received several other awards, including Teacher of the Year in Birdville ISD and the 2020 Teaching Superstar award from Gov. Greg Abbott. She previously won ATPE Secondary Educator of the Year in 2022.
Miguel Renteria, Amarillo ISD
Special Services Educator of the Year
A 12-year educator, Miguel Renteria has served the past two years as an interventionist for primary grades at Mesa Verde Elementary School. He is also the Region 16 ATPE president, Amarillo ATPE membership chair, and a Leadership ATPE alumnus.
“It is more than humbling to receive this award. I am honored to receive it on behalf of myself and the phenomenal educators on my campus. Amarillo ISD has proven to be a place of growth and achievement, and I am only a small part of the big picture. It is true that we cannot make ‘stone soup’ without the collaborative efforts of all involved. I have learned from the best, and I am continually supported by my family and friends. I would like to thank Blythe, Janice, and Shane for helping me grow as an educator and inspiring me to be more than ordinary. Thank you, ATPE, for this recognition.”
He also works to help his community by spearheading canned food drives and donations to Panhandle area community services. When tornadoes and other natural disasters strike, he springs into action, gathering supplies for those in need. Renteria is also an avid supporter of the ATPE Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC) and past ATPE-PAC Statesman—an honor bestowed upon those ATPE members who have donated $20 or more to ATPE-PAC for 12 consecutive months.
Again, congratulations to ATPE’s 2025 Charles Pickitt Educators of the Year!
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