Round of Applause
Let’s give a round of applause to our ATPE members all around the state who go above and beyond.
Abilene
Jennifer Jordan, a social studies teacher at Abilene High School, received the Jay Taylor Moore Outstanding Teaching of U.S. History Award from Humanities Texas in January. Jordan was awarded $5,000, and her school received a $1,000 grant to support humanities-based instructional materials.
Humble
The following ATPE members were named 2026-2027 Campus Teachers of the Year:
- Nakyta Adolphin-Chambers, Jack Fields Elementary
- Danielle Bailey, Cambridge School
- Lisa Cooper, Maplebrook Elementary
- Cornelia Davis, Atascocita Springs Elementary
- Benjamin Estridge, Timberwood Middle
- Desiree Garcia, Hidden Hollow Elementary
- Crystal Guzman, Lakeshore Elementary
- Andrea Kirkwood, River Pines Elementary
- Leslie Leslie, Foster Elementary
- Crystal Medina, Atascocita Middle
- Barbara Murray, Kingwood High
- Laura Pechal, Early Childhood Center
- Maria Strate, Bear Branch Elementary
- Marina Tiscareno, Oak Forest Elementary
Killeen
Samantha Dunaway, theater director at Chaparral High School, received the Texas Thespian Golden Apple Award, an award that celebrates educators with more than 10 years of experience promoting Texas educational theater.
Mesquite
The following ATPE members were named 2026 Mesquite ISD Campus Teachers of the Year:
- Candice Adcock, Vroonland Vanguard High School
- Rhonda Arnwine, Kimbrough Middle School
- Juan Avelar Conteras, Florence Elementary School
- Jeffrey Blackwell, Poteet High School
- Laura Braswell, Henrie Elementary School
- Britt Earnheart, Berry Middle School
- Dana Ferris, Shands Elementary School
- Haley Fruit, Gentry Elementary School
- BaDreaka Henderson, The Learning Center
- Amber Hernandez, John Horn High School
- Tiffany Hill,C. New Middle School
- Ashlee Holmes, West Mesquite High School
- Billy Huey, Mesquite Academy
- Delmarie Irizarry De Chazal, Cross Elementary School
- Tameisha Jackson, Shaw Elementary School
- Hilary Locke, Tisinger Elementary School
- Melissa McCormies, Black Elementary School
- Leticia Orduna, Range Elementary School
- Julio Pena Cereceres, Floyd Elementary School
- Latoya Porter, Hodges Elementary School
- Christie Roman, Cannaday Elementary School
- Elizabeth Terrazas, Agnew Middle School
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo
Dr. Mercedes Yañez, a teacher at Marcia Garza Elementary, earned National Board Candidacy Certification. According to PSJA ISD, Yañez is one of only 26 educators across the Rio Grande Valley to hold the certification.
Rockwall
The following ATPE members were named 2026 Teacher of the Year nominees for their respective campuses.
- Leila Gibson, Maurine Cain Middle School
- Dawn Goar, Ouida Springer Elementary
- Geraldine Robertson, Rockwall High School Ninth Grade Campus
Spring Branch
Three ATPE members were named 2026 Campus Teachers of the Year:
- Dunia Camperos Diaz, Spring Branch Elementary
- Courtney Carter, Stratford High
- Gloria Elias, Special Education
These educators were nominated by campus staff, students, parents, and community members and are eligible to apply for the district’s Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year titles.
Tyler
Cristian Armstrong Pool, a Life Skills teacher at Dixie Elementary School, was named Tyler ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Month in February.
Weslaco
Anahi Espinoza, a teacher at Dr. R.E. Margo Elementary, was named a 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards finalist in the Leadership Elementary category.
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