Leadership / Distinguished Educators

Distinguished Educators

Each year, the Ұ��Ƶ recognizes teachers who embody the spirit and commitment that produces educational excellence. These outstanding educators also inspire others around them to be better each day. Ұ��Ƶ ISD campuses select educators that fit the description for this special honor. We are excited to recognize this group of professionals, whom we call Ұ��Ƶ ISD Distinguished Educators and Novice Teachers of the Year.

2023-2024 Distinguished and Novice Educators

Elementary Schools

Distinguished	Novice
Candlewood

Ashley Brady	Kai Priddy
"Be the educator you wanted and needed when you were in grade school. Elevate your students to their highest potential. As a continuous learner continue to explore best practices and engineer you a system that works best to deliver high-quality instruction in fun, loving, classroom environment."	"My goal is for my students to leave my class feeling confident in themselves and sure that they can accomplish any goal that they truly want to work for. I want my students to leave equipped with tools on how to effectively communicate with their peers- especially during moments of heightened feelings. Lastly, I want my students to leave knowing that they are loved."
Converse

Eunice Lopez	Jazmin Lopez
"My favorite part of the day is getting to know my students."	"The advice that I would give a 1st year teacher is to take it day by day, week by week. It's all trial and error, so if you at least have a routine, stick with it so that it's consistent and presents structure."
Copperfield

Elda Carrion	Sarah Fadaee
"The best part about being in the classroom is the students. Building relationships with my students is very rewarding and gives me purpose for coming to school every day."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is being able to have time to connect with my students on another level not just academically but as young individuals. Having the ability to watch my students grow from the beginning to now is very rewarding to me."
Coronado Village

Evelia Chapa	Ashona Mckinney
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is inspiring all learners to succeed. It is very gratifying to see growth and success in every single student."	"My teaching style is a combination of collaboration-driven teaching and student-led teaching. With student-led teaching, I put my students in charge of their own learning. On the other hand, with collaboration-driven teaching, my students work together in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class to solve problems and explore complex topics. This creates a joyful learning environment as we learn from each other in class."
Crestview

Khilee Scott	Mayra Arias
"My colleagues are the best! I have been given so much support and guidance. Everyone has their magic, and I have gotten so much better since coming to Ұ��Ƶ."
Elolf

Carol Harris	Michael White
"You do not have to have Pinterest driven room, but it is most important to take the time to get to REALLY know your students and build relationships. After that, be sure to give students a voice before jumping to conclusions."	"I want my students to have a desire for learning. This means that they challenge themselves to keep learning, develop discipline and never give up when it gets difficult."
Escondido

Jessica Mayfield	Gregory Anthony
"Try to focus on the things that will be the most impactful for yourself and for your students. Often times, new and veteran teachers alike will try to take on everything all at once and that can lead to increased stress and frustration. Focusing on the things that will make the greatest impact while allowing yourself to take breaks as needed will ultimately yield better results for both the students and teacher."	"I love making connections with my students in my classroom. They allow me to be myself and make teaching fun for me and for them. I love seeing the progress they make from the beginning of the year to the very end!"
Franz

Stephanie McClellan	Ansley Pierce
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is the relationship I make with each student. I want my kids to know they are in a safe learning environment and I am here to do my very best to educate each of them."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is building relationships and making sure every student knows how special they are."
Hartman

Liliana Huantes	Coral Romero
"Not every student learns at the same time or pace. Differentiating for the individual child helps students with their academic success and self-esteem. I especially enjoy when the student has the a-ha! moment."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is making meaningful connections with my students. Through these connections, teachers are able to spark a love for lifelong learning."
Hopkins

Joe Cuellar	Michaela Fischer
"Coming to school each day knowing I'm molding young minds makes me feel like I'm making a difference in the world. When the students follow my instructions and they accomplish the there activity it makes me realize they where listening to my instructions."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is building relationships with the students. Getting to know their personalities, and watching them grow. The way they come in at the beginning of the year is not the same way they leave. They are taller, smarter and older. And I'm thankful that I get to be a part of that change."
Masters

Lauren Alexander	Samantha Mercado
"My teaching style is definitely student-centered. The ultimate goal is to make the education process more meaningful to each student."	"I'm the facilitator teacher, because I'm more focused on promoting self-learning and helping students develop critical and thinking skills. I also seek to help students “construct” meaning and come to an understanding of important ideas. Teachers like this guide the students into complex problems, situations, texts, and projects."
Miller’s Point

Julia Dailey	Lillian Byas
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is watching young minds develop. I love watching their interests, supporting their struggles, and providing strategies that help them achieve their goals."	"I want my students to be on a trajectory of continuous academic growth and success. Learning should be synonymous with fun for them as they move on to their next year's adventure."
Olympia

Jennifer Henson	Jason Hurt
"I love my Ұ��Ƶ Family. I have had the pleasure to work and learn from some of the best professionals out there. I also love all the families that I've gotten to know over the years as I've worked in the Ұ��Ƶ."	"I enjoy building relationships with students. When students trust that you are there to help them, and you give them the respect and dignity that they deserve, they will be the best version of themselves, and hopefully grow closer to their potential greatness."
Park Village

Kesia Zapata	Sharifa Green
"My favorite part of being in the classroom is watching the progress and growth that my students have made throughout the school year. I also love being there for my students. I'm their cheerleader and a constant advocate for them."	"I would want my students to remember that they are seen (I recognize their talents), loved and celebrated."
Paschall

Marisol Jacquez	Giovanna Lacey
"As a dyslexia therapist, I love when students begin to show an interest in language. I see this interest when they start to ask questions about language."	"My style of teaching is kind of traditional style but with a little influence of a South American style. I love to give every child an opportunity to participate and get hands-on the activities of any kind. I will mix songs, drama, and games, put characters on equations, and so on."
Rolling Meadows

Courtney Rios	Andrea Diaz
"My advice to a first year teacher would be to embrace flexibility and be patient with yourself. Building relationships with students is as important as lesson plans. Don't hesitate to seek support from colleagues - it's okay to ask for help."	"One thing I would like my students to take away from my class is that they can do hard tasks that are presented to them in their daily life. Challenges are a huge part of my students growth whether it be mentally, physical or in their self confidence."
Salinas

Emily Comeaux	Cortney Taylor
"My favorite thing about being in the classroom is being able to ignite enthusiasm and nurture students’ natural curiosities. Especially in the library, it’s like being on a scavenger hunt with my students. Their next favorite book is just waiting to be found."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is the opportunity to be part of shaping & molding our future! As a mother of 3 grown Ұ��Ƶ ISD students, this has given me a chance to feel needed again."
Spring Meadows

Monica Cortez	Andrea Gallo Ramirez
"My favorite part about being in the classroom, is that as a Pre-k teacher, I get to set the foundation of success for my students."
Woodlake

Madison Moreno	Ursula Martinez
"May favorite part of being a librarian would be fostering a love for reading and learning in young students, watching them discover new books and topics, and helping them develop essential literacy skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. I also love the opportunity to work with everyone in the school, including students of all ages, staff and administration."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is the smiles I get see from my students. The bond I get to build and nourish with them is very rewarding/"
Wortham Oaks

Kelly Carreon	Angela Custodio
"I feel like Ұ��Ƶ is a family. I like the way everyone works together to put students first."	"I absolutely LOVE teaching at Wortham Oaks Elementary School! The friendships and amount of support I've received as a first year teacher is overwhelming. I've had such a positive experience being in the Ұ��Ƶ ISD education system."

Middle Schools

Distinguished	Novice
JSTEM

Meghann Latimer	Kaitlin Potter-Grisham
"My favorite part of Ұ��Ƶ ISD is the small town feel. I love seeing people that I have known since the beginning of my time in JISD in 2008."
Ұ��Ƶ Middle

Elizabeth Libbe-Schriewer	Samantha Acker
	"The advise I could give to a 1st year teacher would be enjoy what you do and every day is not the same. You will feel overwhelmed at times but, tomorrow is a new day to try again and it is all worth it."
Kirby

Chase Krager	Frezsanee Knight
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is being able to see the change in students from the start of the year when they come to me as 8th graders, to the end of the year when they leave as 9th graders."	"Lead with love, teach with understanding and compassion, be open to making mistakes but even more open to constructive criticism, ask questions and do not be afraid to be creative."
Kitty Hawk

Jessica Carrillo	Briana Morales
"Every day is a new day to learn something new about my students."	"Always greet students with a smile - believe in them by default. Remember your field of concentration is a true art form, and students will sense this always. Continue to absorb inspiration from other educators and colleagues - learning never halts."
Metzger

Shelia Gibson	Dulce Juarez
"I want students to take away the importance of personal wellness. I desire that every student be equipped with the necessary tools and skills to apply throughout their life journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle."	"I love building relationships with my students because it builds a home for all of us. The bad days only symbolize the growth in our family. Inside my classroom everyone is heard and safe."
Woodlake Hills

Brenda Morales	Kayla Loayza
"Teaching can be tough but don't lose faith. It will get better. Find a mentor or a teacher who can assist you."	"The first year is overwhelming but rewarding. Make time for yourself and your personal life because you can get burnt out fast if you put the job first.\|

High Schools

Distinguished	Novice
Ұ��Ƶ CARE Academy

Christy Cox	Nathalie McLean
"I love watching the students grasp understand of a subject. When they understand the subject, they can start to enjoy learning, which in turn leads to them becoming lifelong learners."	"My advice to a first year teacher would be don't be afraid to ask questions and find creative ways to engage your students."
Ұ��Ƶ Early College Academy

Rebecca De Luna
"I appreciate the diversity of Ұ��Ƶ ISD and its commitment to supporting the community and students. Having worked at several schools within the Ұ��Ƶ, I have experienced firsthand the helpfulness and friendliness of the teachers and staff and I value our mutual support for one another."
Ұ��Ƶ High School

Deyanira Gonzalez	Blayne Hisquierdo
	"I love the community! We have amazing school spirit and pride for our campuses!"
Veterans Memorial

Sarah Waters	Thomas J. Walker
"My advice to first year teachers would be to ask lots of questions of the teachers around you! No one knows it all their 1st year!"	"The best part of working for JISD is that I get to carry on the Walker name. My grandfather and father have both retired from this Ұ��Ƶ. I and my brothers have also all gone through JISD. It feels great to carry this on and be with my youngest brother as he gets through high school and into college."
Wagner

Sue Hoitt	Joan-Leah Alexander
"My favorite part of working at Ұ��Ƶ ISD is all the people I have met over the years and the support I get from my colleagues. Whether I see people once a year at professional development or see former students around the community, it's always great to catch up with people. I am proud to be a part of Ұ��Ƶ's ISD"	"Ұ��Ƶ ISD holds an incredibly special place in my heart! My mother has worked in Ұ��Ƶ ISD for 23 years and the teachers in this Ұ��Ƶ are unlike any other! These teachers have been such a huge part of my life, from not only teaching me but from letting me play in their classrooms, babysit their kids during PD days, and set up many of their computers!"

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Distinguished Educators

2023-2024 Distinguished and Novice Educators

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