Tyler ISD is proud to announce its 2026 Campus Teachers of the Year, recognizing 30 educators whose passion, leadership, and commitment continue to shape classrooms across the district.
Each honoree was selected by peers on their campus for consistently going above and beyond to support students, inspire learning, and build meaningful relationships. These educators represent the very best of Tyler ISD, demonstrating excellence not only in instruction but also in service to their school communities.
"These teachers are difference-makers," said Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines. "Their dedication to students, creativity in the classroom, and commitment to continuous growth have a lasting impact, and we are honored to recognize their work."
The 30 campus honorees will advance in the district's Teacher of the Year selection process, competing for District Elementary Teacher of the Year and District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Candidates will participate in a multi-step process that includes a written portfolio and an interview with a selection committee. Final selections will be based on combined evaluation scores.
Tyler ISD will formally honor all campus Teachers of the Year during the Educators of the Year Gala, co-hosted by Tyler ISD and the Cooperative Teachers Credit Union, on Tuesday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m. The evening will also include the announcement of the 2026 Rookie of the Year and 2026 Principal of the Year. To add to the event's celebration, Tyler ISD will name the 2026 Distinguished Alumni and Community Partners of the Year.
The Teacher of the Year program is proudly underwritten by the Cooperative Teachers Credit Union, with additional support from Tab and Bonnie Beall and the Tyler ISD Foundation. The Rookie of the Year award is sponsored by The Mortgage House, while Ruby's Mexican Restaurant sponsors the Principal of the Year award.
District-level winners will move on to represent Tyler ISD at the regional level. Tyler ISD congratulates all honorees and thanks them for their dedication to students, families, and the community.
Photos of all Campus Teachers of the Year are available at tylerisd.org/toy.
A complete list of the 2025–2026 Tyler ISD Campus Teachers of the Year is provided below.
Elementary Campuses
T. J. Austin Elementary School - Cristina Vargas
Bell Elementary School - Silvia Vazquez
Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School - Sonia Gonzalez
Bonner Elementary School – Ricardo Yeverino
Caldwell Arts Academy - Emily Little
Clarkston Elementary School - Shari Bruno
Dixie Elementary School - Angel Weatherston
Douglas Elementary School - Sonia Osorio
Griffin Elementary School - Andrea Moore
Dr. Bryan C. Jack Elementary School - Erin Perry
Jones Elementary School - Kayla Ballard
A. W. Orr Elementary School - Maria Anza Goni
Owens Elementary School - Erin Beck
W. A. Peete Elementary School - Jannette Carter
Ramey Elementary School - Marcela Galvan Vega
Rice Elementary School - Farrah Johnson
Andy Woods Elementary School - Sydney Makowski
Secondary Campuses
Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School - Eva Salas Nuez
Boulter Middle School - Kevin Masenburge
Wayne D. Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs - Fiona Thurmond
Caldwell Arts Academy - Elise Ellexson
Career and Technology Center - Summer Tillson
DAEP - Breanna Henry
Early College High School - Mel Silva
Hubbard Middle School - Meghan Orlowski
Moore Middle School - Amanda Dunn
RISE Academy - Lindsay Chamberlain
Three Lakes Middle School - Maggie Wright
Tyler High School - Alaina Gomez
Tyler Legacy High School - Daniel Hancock
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.