Suggestions

Round of Applause

Let’s give a big round of applause to our ATPE members all around the state who go above and beyond.

Aldine

The following ATPE members were named 2024-25 Campus Teachers of the Year for their respective campuses:

  • Leigh Albarrán, Kujawa EC/PreK/K School
  • Rogelio Edar, Aldine Young Women’s Leadership Academy
  • Kimberly Grein, Cypresswood Elementary School
  • Dominic Hammock, Carver High School
  • Carla Hardin, Francis Elementary School
  • Anitra Harleston, Knippel Education Center
  • Senquinthia Howard, Lane School
  • Candace Langenbuch, Avalos P-TECH School
Leslie Halencak, Adapted physical education (APE) specialist, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD

Carrollton-Farmers Branch


Leslie Halencak, an adapted physical education (APE) specialist, was named the Randy Foederer Region 10 APE Professional of the Year. The award is presented by Region 10 ESC.

Ector County

Andrea Berndt, a teacher at Ross Elementary, recently earned National Board certification along with six other ECISD educators.

Frisco

The following ATPE members were chosen to represent their campuses as 2024-25 Campus Teachers of the Year:

  • Maria Gorman, first grade, Curtsinger Elementary
  • Bailey Colacecchi, second grade, Rogers Elementary
  • Shauna Charissa Kellems, English language arts, Lebanon Trail High School
  • Beth Evans, English language arts, Liberty High School
  • Kyra Slater, science instructional coach, Lone Star High School
  • Leon Friedrich, CTE, Wakeland High School
Health science theory instructor Caren Wonders with Houston Rockets mascot Clutch and the Clutch City Dancers.

Pearland

Caren Wonders, a health science theory instructor at Turner College and Career High School, was chosen as December’s Teacher of the Month by the Houston Rockets. The Rockets’ Teacher of the Month program celebrates and honor educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their students and the community.

Jessica Stillwell (top right) with the Refugio High School Lady Cats Volleyball team.

Refugio

 

Jessica Stillwell, a volleyball coach at Refugio High School, was named one of the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s 2024 “Thirty Under 30” coaches.

Richardson

The following ATPE members were named 2025 Campus Teachers of the Year for their respective campuses:

  • Lenora Fornadel, Forest Meadow Middle School
  • Melissa Ruffino, Lake Highlands Elementary
  • Anne Gallo, Prairie Creek Elementary
  • Corbin Quisenberry, Richardson West Junior High
  • Reagan Fuller, Richardson Heights Elementary
Ashlyn Bergethon, Algebra I and Honors Algebra II teacher at Robinson High School, Robinson ISD

Robinson


Ashlyn Bergethon, a 2024 graduate of Baylor University’s School of Education and an Algebra I and Honors Algebra II teacher at Robinson High School, received multiple honors for her student teaching experience. She was named National Student Teacher of the Year by Kappa Delta Pi (an international honor society in education) and the Association of Teacher Educators, as well as Clinical Teacher of the Year for the State of Texas by the Texas Directors of Field Experience.

From left: VFW Post 1820 Commander Jimmy Douglas, Temple High School history teacher Angie Diaz, Senior Vice Commander Steven Porter, and Junior Vice Commander Alphonso Dudley.

Temple

Angie Diaz, a history teacher at Temple High School, received the 2024-25 Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. The award recognizes teachers who educate students about the role of veterans in creating and shaping America. VFW Post 1820 presented Diaz with a $300 cash award and a plaque.

Do you want to recognize a fellow ATPE member in Round of Applause?

Contact Us