Round of Applause
Let’s give a round of applause to our ATPE members all around the state who go above and beyond.
H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Seven ATPE members were selected as 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education finalists and awarded $1,000 each. Additionally, each teacher finalist received a $1,000 check, counselor finalists a $1,500 check, and principal finalists a $2,500 check, all benefiting their respective schools.
- Margo Anderson, Jim & Betty Hughes Elementary School, Prosper ISD, Lifetime Achievement Elementary
- Latoya Davis, Stafford Early Childhood Center, Stafford MSD, Rising Star Elementary
- Anahi Espinoza, Dr. R.E. Margo Elementary School, Weslaco ISD, Leadership Elementary
- Summer Gault, Van Raub Elementary School, Boerne ISD, Principal Elementary
- Lisa Hamblen, James B. Havard Elementary School, Galena Park ISD, Principal Elementary
- Dustin Perez, Robert L. Crippen Elementary School, New Caney ISD, Leadership Elementary
Amanda Still, a counselor at Charles A. Tosch Elementary School in Mesquite ISD, received the top honor in the School Counselor Elementary category. She received an additional $10,000 as well as a $15,000 grant for her school.
Austin
Ashley Muir, an English teacher at Crockett Early College High School, was named a finalist for the district’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year award.
Goose Creek
Five ATPE members received the 2026 Campus Teachers of the Year for their respective campuses:
- Julia Hurtado, Bowie Elementary
- Marcus Limbrick, Crockett Elementary
- Chelsea Clynes, Harlem Elementary
- Canji Rhodes, Lee High School
- Veronica Rosillo, POINT Alternative Center
Humble
Anita McKeague, a fourth grade reading and language arts teacher at Elm Grove Elementary, was named Humble ISD’s 2026-27 Elementary Teacher of the Year and presented with a $10,000 check sponsored by Robbins Auto.
Katy
Three ATPE members received 2026 honors from Katy ISD:
- Quarde D. Alfred, Leonard Elementary—Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Sonya Rebec-Dobbs, Mayde Creek High School—Campus Student Support Personnel of the Year
- Sara Blakley-Cosser, Seven Lakes High School—School Psychologist of the Year
Midway (12)
The following ATPE members were named 2026 Midway ISD Campus Teachers of the Year:
- Angela Brown—kindergarten, Hewitt Elementary
- Jill Fischer—third grade, Woodway Elementary
- Sydney Gutierrez—second grade, Chapel Park Elementary
- Maci Holt—first grade, Spring Valley Elementary
- Michael Isenberg—fine arts (music), Castleman Creek Elementary
- Wendi Kimmel—fourth and fifth grade, Speegleville Elementary
- Jodi Martin—second grade, South Bosque Elementary
- Shawn Thomas—prekindergarten, Park Hill Elementary
- Monica Williams—social studies, River Valley Middle School
New Braunfels
Dalia Martinez, a fifth grade teacher at Voss Farms Elementary School, and Taylor Uecker, a reading intervention teacher at Veramendi Elementary School, were named 2026 Teachers of the Year for their respective campuses.
Richardson
Eric Funke, a math teacher at Berkner High School, was named one of Richardson ISD’s eight STARS (Superior Teaching Achievements in RISD Schools) Teachers of the Year and was presented with a $1,000 check.
Richardson High School Associate Principal Alison Reams was named RISD’s Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year.
Royse City
Two ATPE members received the 2026 Teacher of the Year title for their respective campuses:
- Crystal Holm, Davis Elementary School
- Laura Rice, Bobby Summers Middle School
Sheldon
Senior Master Sergeant Damion Randolph, an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) instructor at C.E. King High School, was recognized as the school’s Teacher of the Month in March.
Tyler
Tia Johnson, a reading teacher at Caldwell Arts Academy, was named Tyler ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Month in April.
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