Round of Applause
Let’s give a round of applause to our ATPE members all around the state who go above and beyond.
HEB Excellence in Education finalists
Two ATPE members were named H-E-B Excellence in Education finalists. They were each presented with a $1,000 check for themselves, as well as a $1,000 check for their school.
- Christie Wootton, Kingwood Middle School, Humble ISD,School Counselor Secondary Category
- Vicki Rowe, Taylor High School, Taylor ISD, Lifetime Achievement Secondary Category
Canyon
Hillside Elementary Assistant Principal Anna Ortega was named Region 16’s Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA).
Chapel Hill
The following Chapel Hill ATPE members were named teachers and staff members of the month in December.
Staff Member of the Month:
- John Kaiser, Chapel Hill High School
- Melissa Northcutt, Chapel Hill Elementary
Teacher of the Month:
- Tabatha Baker, Chapel Hill Elementary School
- Amy House, Chapel Hill Junior High School
Cypress-Fairbanks
Region 4 ATPE Director Jay Guerrero recently received the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Superintendent’s Coin, which is intended to encourage a positive work environment and recognize employees who go above and beyond in their roles.
Lackland
David Garcia, an art teacher at Lackland Elementary, received the KENS 5 EXCEL Award in January, and Credit Human, a nonprofit credit union, presented him with a $2,000 check.
Leander
ATPE Immediate Past State President Jayne Serna was named a Women of Wilco Awards finalist. The Women of Wilco Awards recognize women across Williamson County who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to their communities.
Humble
Humble ATPE members were named 2025-26 Campus Teachers of the Year for their respective campuses.
Elementary:
- Centennial Elementary – Christina Jacquot
- Deerwood Elementary – Aimee Perkin
- Eagle Springs Elementary – Stephanie Baker
- Foster Elementary – Taylor Robbins
- Greentree Elementary – Amie Bess
- Maplebrook Elementary – Darla Tinelli
- Pine Forest Elementary – Kari Schellinger
- River Pines Elementary – Jennifer Stein
- Woodland Hills Elementary – Megan Cagle
Middle:
- Kingwood Middle – Catherine Summers
- Ross Sterling Middle – Karl Koehler
- Timberwood Middle – Shannon O’Brien
High School:
- Humble High – Amy Walker
- Summer Creek High – Cornelia Patterson
Mesquite
Alyssa Boyett, a gifted-and-talented teacher at West Mesquite High School, received the 2024 Yale Educator Award, which recognizes outstanding educators from around the world who have supported and inspired their students to achieve at high levels.
Paris
Paris ATPE members Lessia Stone, Carla Scroggins, Seanda Gilbert, and Melanie Hodges were named December 2024 GROWL Award winners (Getting Results from Outstanding Wildcat Leaders).
Spearman
Teresa Gomez, a teacher at Gus Birdwell Elementary School, was named by The United Family and Mrs Baird’s Bread as one of three Teachers on the Rise for November 2024. Gomez received a gift basket with Mrs Baird’s goodies, as well as several gift cards.
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