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 finalists
Four ATPE members were named H-E-B Excellence in Education finalists. They each received a $1,000 check for themselves, as well as a $1,000 check for their school.
- Carlos Perez, Southwest ISD, Lifetime Achievement Secondary Finalist
- Vicki Rowe, Taylor ISD, Lifetime Achievement Secondary Winner
- Christine Martinez, McAllen ISD, Leadership Secondary Finalist
- Christie Wootton, Humble ISD, School Counselor Secondary Finalist
Rowe received the Lifetime Achievement Secondary Award in early May. She was presented with $25,000 in cash and a $25,000 grant for her school.
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) finalists
PAEMST is the highest recognition a K–12 science, technology, engineering, or mathematics teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.
The following ATPE members were named finalists for the science award:
- Jamie Flint, Chemistry and AP Chemistry teacher at Spring Woods High School, Spring Branch ISD
- William Howard, AP Biology and dual-credit biology teacher at Tyler Legacy High School, Tyler ISD
Abilene
Sara Garza, an English as a Second Language teacher at Abilene High School, was recognized in April through the district’s Employee Awards Program. These awards honor outstanding educators and staff who exemplify the district’s strategic priorities: fostering collaboration, promoting active classroom engagement, and building strong partnerships with the school community.
Austin
Jan Loewe, a math teacher at O. Henry Middle School, was named one of four finalists for Austin ISD’s Teacher of the Year award.
Chapel Hill
The following Chapel Hill ATPE members were named teachers and staff members of the month in March.
Staff Member of the Month:
- Amanda Burns, Chapel Hill High School
- Dana Thrapp, Chapel Hill Junior High School
Teacher of the Month:
- Annette White, Chapel Hill High School
- Patrick Downing, Chapel Hill Junior High School
Cypress-Fairbanks
Two ATPE members were recognized as National Board Certified (NBC) teachers during the district’s April board meeting:
- Carole Lueb, Post Elementary School
- William Spaulding, Cypress Ranch High School
Dripping Springs
Two ATPE members were named 2025-26 Teacher of the Year for their respective campuses:
- Lisa O’Banan, Dripping Springs Elementary
- Jena Bernhard, Sycamore Springs Elementary
Duncanville
Barbara Rose, a teacher at PACE High School, was named the 2024-25 Campus Teacher of the Year.
East Central
Deena Ford, a math teacher at Legacy Middle School in San Antonio, received the KENS 5 EXCEL Award in March.
Edinburg
The following ATPE members were selected as finalists for ECISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in April:
- Eloy Falcon, Robert Vela High School
- Zulitazhira Hinojosa, Economedes High School
Killeen
Three ATPE members were recognized in April for milestone years of service to Killeen ISD:
- Susan Smith (35 years)
- Martha Heckathorn (35 years)
- Susan Mooney (40 years)
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo
Tami Bhadai, a science lab teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary, was named PSJA ISD’s 2024-25 District Elementary Teacher of the Year. Additionally, the following ATPE members were named Teacher of the Year for their respective campuses:
- Carina Castillo, PSJA North Early College High School
- Jonathan Chapa Trigo, Reed & Mock Elementary
- Daisy Garza, Amanda Garza-Peña Elementary
- Imelda Morales, Edith & Ethel Carman Elementary
- Cynthia Quintanilla, Geraldine Palmer Elementary
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