Distinguished Educators

Each year, the district 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. Judson ISD campuses select educators that fit the description for this special honor. We are excited to recognize this group of professionals, whom we call Judson ISD Distinguished Educators and Novice Teachers of the Year.

2022-2023 Distinguished and Novice Educators

Elementary Schools

Distinguished	Novice
Candlewood

Amber Zapata Kindergarten	Nia Warren 5^th Grade
"I would advise first-year teachers to take the time to get to know their students and not be afraid to ask for help."	"I like to facilitate discussions and present problems to the students so they become the problem-solvers who lead discussions from multiple perspectives."
Converse

Mallory Battah 1^st Grade	Torie Frederick 2^nd Grade
"Sharing my love of learning is my favorite part of teaching."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is being able to help each student learn and grow as students but also as people in our society. "
Copperfield

Jamie Lopez 4th Grade Math and Science	Heather Stevens PreK-3
"I want [my students] to know that I care about them and am here to help them grow as a human first and a student second."	"My favorite part of being in the classroom is interacting with all the students and experiencing their different personalities."
Coronado Village

Carlyn Lefler 5^thGrade ELAR	Ryan Oliva 5^th Grade Science
"Building relationships and seeing the growth in my students is my favorite part about being a teacher."	"Being able to do fun labs with the students and seeing their reactions to learning new things is my favorite part of teaching."
Crestview

Mireya Jimenez 4^th Grade Bilingual	Darci Denny Pre-Kindergarten
	"Be confident and trust yourself is the the advice I would give a first-year teacher."
Elolf STEAM Academy

Sharon Samelson Massiatte Art	Kelsey Ori 2^nd Grade ESL
"Being able to help my students discover their creativity and imagination - especially with this generation filled with social media, YouTube, and screen time is my favorite part of teaching."	"I love when our classroom has cultivated into a family. When students start to encourage each other, our class becomes unstoppable."
Escondido

Allan MacHail Physical Education	Adriana Garcia
"I consider myself a facilitator of learning. Therefore, my teaching style is student-centered and focuses on assisting my students in exploring their potential. I strive to create a hands-on learning environment where students are engaged and actively learning new concepts as they develop new skills."
Franz Leadership Academy

Patricia White 2^nd Grade	Heather Smith 4^th Grade Math
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is interacting with my students."	"Don't overthink everything and go with the flow is what I would tell a first-year teacher."
Hartman

Staci Vargo 1st Grade	Diamond Riojas 3rd Grade
"Working with my students daily and seeing those "a-ha" moments is the best part of being a teacher."	"Getting to see the students understand and participate in the lessons that are being taught is the best part of being a teacher."
Hopkins

Sheila Gunalda Pre-K 4	Kristina Potter 1^st Grade
"My favorite part of being in the classroom is my students! My students come in every morning smiling and excited and ready to learn. I get to see my students grow academically, socially and emotionally."	"Getting to see my kids and watch them have fun as they learn is my favorite part of teaching."
Masters

Andrea Mitchell 1^st Grade	Ayesha Readus Pre-K 3
"Even when things seem overwhelming, keep going. It gets better with time."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is my students and building relationships with them and their families."
Miller’s Point

Natalie Liles 5^th Grade RLA and Social Studies	Darren Hudson 4^th Grade Math
	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is seeing the growth and difference that I make within my students when it comes to their academics and also their cognitive development."
Fine Arts Academy at Olympia

Margaret Thurston 2^nd Grade Math and Science	Natalie Slocum Kindergarten
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is making connections with my students. I enjoy learning about their hobbies and out-of-the-classroom adventures. Building relationships with students that last beyond one year of teaching, I enjoy hearing back from my students as they move along their educational journey."	"Don't be afraid to ask questions and rely on your team. They are there to help you."
Park Village Blended Learning Academy

Megan Blackledge Librarian	Benita White Kindergarten

Paschall

Maria Scagliola 3^rd Grade Math, Science, and Social Studies	Lydia Vargas-Huizar PreK-3
"Every day is different."	"You learn something new every day. Be attentive to your students and grow with them. Your first-year students will always have a special place in your heart."
Rolling Meadows

Zitoria Kennedy Kindergarten	Victoria Barela 3^rd Grade
"The best part of being a teacher is being blessed enough to have opportunities to teach diverse groups of students, including those with learning abilities, ESL, those who perform at, above, and below grade level."	"My students are cared for, loved, and have someone who will always be their biggest cheerleader!"
Salinas

Sandra Lafferty Special Education	Melissa Cortez Life Skills
"Watching the students' eyes light up when they understand something that they've been struggling with is the best part of teaching."	"Interacting with my students and seeing when they 'get it' is the best part of teaching."
Spring Meadows

Jennifer Cushanick Special Education	Allison Hernandez Kindergarten
"Working with the students and seeing their growth throughout the years. I love those moments when something clicks and the student realizes they are learning."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is building relationships with my students and seeing them grow every day! Kindergarten is magical!"
Woodlake

Michelle Harrison 3^rd Grade	Thalia Sanchez 1^st Grade
"My favorite part is seeing the students excited about learning and watching them grow."
Wortham Oaks

Sandra Solis RTI Teacher	Katrina Lieberman 3rd Grade
"My favorite part of being in the classroom is who I get to share it with."	"My favorite part of being in the classroom is working with all of my students. I love getting to know each student and watching them grow and learn throughout the year."

Middle Schools

Distinguished	Novice
JSTEM

Lydia Ayala 7^th Grade Science	Za'Nisha Greenwood 6^th Grade ELAR
	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is knowing I'm a part of a child's journey to success. Children are the future, and I get to watch it happen little by little every day."
Judson Middle

Tiffany Lopez Physical Education	Zachary Bailey Band
"I truly believe there is no greater satisfaction than being a teacher. It is the most rewarding thing I could possibly do. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been an educator for 15 years. Seeing a child believe in themselves and gain confidence is remarkable. There is nothing like being a part of that process. I know, wholeheartedly, that teaching and coaching is my calling."	"Giving the students a voice through music to express emotion and to work as a team on something greater than themselves is the best part of teaching."
Kirby

Kimberley Hoffman 6^th Grade ELAR	Kira Chester 7^th Grade Math
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is knowing my students will take the knowledge that I have given them and use it for the rest of their lives."	"I have the opportunity to witness real growth in the classroom. I often get to see my students go from struggling with math to developing a real mastery and confidence with it."
Kitty Hawk

Wendy Howk Librarian	Abigail Lewis Apple Unit
"My favorite part of teaching is helping connect students with books and learning - seeing them make connections and get excited."
Metzger

Sharon Stuart-Thompson 7^th and 8^th Grade Math	David Valeriano Special Education (Math)
	"My favorite part of being in the classroom is just my daily interaction with the students."
Woodlake

Cynthia Brown LOTC	Patrick Zapien Physical Education
"My favorite part about being in the classroom is watching students grow and change through the school year."	"I strive to provide my students with lessons and experiences that apply to the real world. I want them to have the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a consistently changing world, and have the compassion to help others as valued members of their communities."

High Schools

Distinguished	Novice
Judson CARE Academy

Christi Rivera 9^th – 12^th	Suzette Huerta 6th – 8^th
"I love bonding with my students and seeing them get the taught concepts. The A-HA moment is amazing."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is seeing the students understand something. It is so cool to see the look of pride on their face when they understand a different concept or master a specific skill."
Judson Early College Academy

Elvira Leal 10th Grade English	Brianna Young Special Education
"My favorite part of being in the classroom is engaging with the students and creating a space for them to be comfortable in."	"I would advise first-year special education teachers to have a mentor in their content area. Having a mentor teacher in your content area will allow you to learn best practices regarding supporting students and teachers, special education documentation, and facilitating an ARD."
Judson

Emily Peery 10^th Grade World History	Bailey Robinson 9th Grade English
"I have a very student-centered classroom where I serve as a facilitator to their learning."	"My favorite part about being in the classroom is building relationships with my students."
Veterans Memorial

Michelle Thompson Math	Jill Jansen 9th Grade English and Reading
"At the end of the term, I want them to walk away knowing that someone sees them and that they matter. Plus, if they walk away not disliking math as much, then that's a bonus."	"I try to meet my students where they are to get them to where they need to be. Kids need to know you care but also need to know you have expectations."
Wagner

Erin Colleng 10^th Grade English	Sarah Gilmore 9^th and 10^th Grade English
"I live by the philosophy, 'kids don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.' My favorite part about being in the classroom is getting to know my students and sharing parts of my life in return. I am able to appreciate them for exactly who they are. Once we learn to care, then the teaching becomes simple and we see the lightbulbs come on when they learn a new concept and get clarification on a topic they have struggled with for so long. There is nothing more joyful than loving who you are with, and understanding what you are learning."	"I love interacting with the students. I learn from them just as much as they learn from me."

2021-2022 Distinguished Educators

Candlewood Elementary School

Sondra Guichard

Teacher
JISD employee since 1989

I want for the students to realize their self-worth. They have value no matter what negative things are said about them and their community. I want them to rise above their circumstances and make their families, me and themselves proud.

Converse Elementary School

Brooke Bailey

RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 2016

My favorite part of being a classroom teacher is building relationships with each of my students while encouraging, seeing and celebrating their academic growth.

Copperfield Elementary School

Jacqueline Wagner

Teacher
JISD employee since 2009

My favorite part about being in the classroom is my students because I love watching them grow as the year progresses. When you see the lightbulb go off for them, it is the greatest feeling in the world.

Coronado Village Elementary School

Kaitlin Andersen

Teacher
JISD employee since 2014

One thing that I would want my students to take away from my class is that everyday is a new day. Some days you might feel like everything is against you but you preserve and change the moment. You get the opportunity to start fresh every morning when you wake up.

Crestview Elementary School

Chantae King

Teacher
JISD employee since 2011

I would like for my students to remember our classroom as one that was a positive learning environment (their safe place). I would also want them to leave my classroom knowing how much I loved and cared about them. I would want them to remember the saying "if you can dream it, you can achieve it".

Elolf STEAM Academy

Linda Hinds

Teacher
JISD employee since 2015

One of my favorite parts of being in the classroom is building relationships with students and their families. I also love seeing the "AHA" moments when my students realize that they CAN LEARN!

Escondido Elementary School

Katrina Simmons

Library Media Specialist
JISD employee since 2003

I think every new teacher should get to know their librarian! A first-year teacher hasn't built up an arsenal of resources, and doing so takes time and money that many first-year teachers don't have yet. Librarians have access to books and digital resources a first-year teacher might not be aware of. . Tapping into the expertise of your school librarian is a great way to help a new teacher be successful.

Franz Elementary School

Rebecca Casarez

Teacher
JISD employee since 2003

I always want my students to know that no matter what, I am in their corner. If it is academic, the game they have on the weekend, or a spelling bee... I am there for them.

Hartman Elementary School

Rosa Guajardo-Geppert

Bilingual RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 1998

My favorite part about being in the classroom is the constant interactions with students of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We get the opportunity to be part of their daily lives, struggles, and accomplishments. These experiences help me grow professionally, emotionally, and at the same time, create a bond with my students.

Hopkins Elementary School

Aimee' Tijerina-Lara

Special Education Teacher
JISD employee since 2006

One thing I would like my students to take away from my class is self confidence in their ability as a learner.

Masters Elementary School

Jennifer Woodruff

Library Media Specialist
JISD employee since 2004

As a librarian, the most important thing I want students to take away is a love for reading. And an understanding of how reading is foundational to academic success and pleasurable recreational activity.

Miller's Point Elementary School

Marilyn McKinney

Teacher
JISD employee since 1985

I would like for my students to take away an enthusiasm for learning from being within my classroom. My favorite part about teaching is getting to work with the students.

Olympia Elementary School

Jessica Talley

Teacher
JISD employee since 2014

I would advise 1st year teachers to ask questions and don't stay in your room. Collaborating with peers and mentors will be the a great way to grow profesionally and to continue thinking outside the box.

Park Village Elementary School

Kaley Andrews

Teacher
JISD employee since 2013

My favorite part about being in the classroom is working with my kids and that every day is different. I like to lead by example with my students and be a facilitator for my their learning.

Paschall Elementary School

Bianca Rangel

Bilingual RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 2013

One thing I want for my students to take away from my classroom is for them to know and realize they are capable of succeeding.

Rolling Meadows Elementary School

Kim Low

RtI Teacher
JISD employee since 2002

I use an integrated style that fosters student engagement using various approaches to meet different learning styles. I believe in the gradual release model to promote independence and build student confidence.

Salinas Elementary School

Kristi Ann Villanueva

Teacher
JISD employee since 2007

My favorite part about being in the classroom is the relationships I get to build with students and their families.

Spring Meadows Elementary School

Marta Castañeda

Teacher
JISD employee since 1994

Sharing the day with my students is my favorite part of being in a classroom. There is nothing more than being a good listener to my students to help them be the best learner they can be.

Woodlake Elementary School

Rebecca Roberts

Teacher
JISD employee since 2008

My style of teaching is collaborative, my students and I all help to contribute to and take responsibility in the learning in our classroom.

Wortham Oaks Elementary School

Nelly Marquez

Teacher
JISD employee since 2014

Dear First-Year Teacher, Do what's best for your kids. Build the connections and earn their trust, which will produce so much more than just a score.

JSTEM Academy

Jennifer Gilson

Teacher
JISD employee since 2014

I love getting to know and connecting with my students. I absolutely love when they have accomplished something difficult and they have that sense of pride that they can't wait to share with you!

Judson Middle School

Isabel Canez

Teacher
JISD employee since 2000

I believe my teaching style is that of a facilitator. I encourage students to become self-learners and continue to present new ways of learning while also building self-confidence in and outside the classroom.

Kirby Middle School

Aaron Orozco

Teacher & Coach
JISD employee since 2017

I like to believe I am a blended teacher. I do lead direct teaches, but I also bring in independent and digital activities/projects to keep student engagement and interest high.

Kitty Hawk Middle School

Sarah Witte McDow

Teacher
JISD employee since 2011

I want my students to know they are valued and important. They know they are in a classroom where the teacher cares about them and wants them to learn. I always tell my students that we are in a big family for 10 months and each and every person in the classroom has value. We help and support each other, and we show respect. This begins with me. I set the tone by my approach and my attitude. My students know I love them and believe they can learn.

Metzger Middle School

Felix Encarnacion

Teacher
JISD employee since 2014

My favorite part about being in the classroom is working with students who are creative and inquisitive.

Woodlake Hills Middle School

Nicholas Rodriguez

Band Director
JISD employee since 2016

I like to get to know my students as we set goals. The more I know them the better I can understand what style works best for them to retain the abilities and skills.

Judson CARE (JCARE)

William Magee

Teacher
JISD employee since 2007

My favorite part about being in the classroom is student engagement. I want for my students to take away that they are lifetime learners with the power to impact their own lives and the lives of others.

Judson Early College Academy (JECA)

Rene Sterling, PhD

Teacher
JISD employee since 2000

I want my students to know that learning, being knowledgeable opens so many doors for them. Learning gives them the foundation for success and provides them with endless opportunities for their future. It will open up the opportunities to better scholarships, more universities, and diverse locations to settle down with a career of their choice. It will provide them with the ability to see solutions from different perspectives. It will give them the courage to overcome obstacles, rise to the occasion, and succeed because success is in the palm of every one of their hands. They simply need to realize their potential to reach it.

Judson High School

Lydia Bosquez

Teacher
JISD employee since 1977

Interacting with my students, watching them learn, laughing with them, challenging them are a few of my favorite things about being in the classroom.

Judson Learning Academy

Gabriele Simpson

Teacher
JISD employee since 1996

If my students would take away one thing from my class, I hope that they can be confident problem solvers, having the foundations that will be the gateway to bigger and better career goals. I would like for them to acquire the grit and determination to finish what they started and the confidence to know they are more than capable to cope with challenges that come along the way. I would like for them to recognize the benefits of treating others with respect and earning their respect in return. I would like for them to take away values that will serve them well for the rest of their lives, values like integrity, honesty and compassion just to name a few.

Veterans Memorial High School

Jeremiah Brunney

Band Director
JISD employee since 2010

If I could give advice to a first year teacher, it would be the following: "If you feel like the sky is falling, find a way to breathe and overcome the obstacle. Things don't always go the way you think or want but there is a reason for that. Find a way to be a part of the conversation, learn, and be adaptable."

Wagner High School

Colin Orand

Teacher
JISD employee since 2019

My teaching style is to put the students in collaborative groups and provide them avenues to rely on each other to develop conclusions. As hard as it is, I tend not to give definite answers. Instead, I redirect students through reciprocated questioning strategies to develop independent learners.

2020-2021 Distinguished Educators

Elementary Schools

Candlewood Elementary School

Avari Jecmenek

Teacher
JISD employee since 2019

"My favorite part about being in the classroom is just being with my students. They truly bring the biggest smile to my face. Not only do I enjoy being with them, but I enjoy learning with them as well. "

Converse Elementary School

Ariana Fittro

Teacher
JISD employee since 2018

"One thing I would like for my students to take away from my class is that they have grit. I teach them that no matter the amount of money someone has it's their grit
that determines their success."

Copperfield Elementary School

Tracy Guerin

Kindergarten Teacher
JISD employee since 2005

"I want my students to remember that I loved being with them and I loved teaching them. I want them to remember that it was never "just my job" to teach them. I hope they decide that learning is fun and carry that with them forever."

Coronado Village Elementary School

Shelly Ascolese

Music Teacher
JISD employee since 2009

"My favorite part about being in the classroom is seeing when a student "gets it", especially if they have been struggling. I also love when a student goes further with a concept on their own. Seeing students produce and be proud of a product that they created is a great feeling."

Crestview Elementary School

Esmeralda Garza

GT K-5 Teacher
JISD employee since 2006

"The advice I would give a 1st year teacher is to empathize with your students, create strong trusting relationships, and be patient with them."

Elolf Elementary School

Nicole Chavez

5th Grade Teacher
JISD employee since 2009

"My teaching style is student-centered with collaborative groups becuase it allows the students to have authentic conversations."

Escondido Elementary School

Regina Davis-Miles

Teacher
JISD employee since 2019

"The best thing about the class is building the relationship with each student. I get to hear their stories as I am getting to know them. The joy of a student that knows they are below other classmates saying ""thank you for believing I can do it"" is amazing."

Franz Elementary School

Sherlyn DeHoog

Music Teacher
JISD employee since 2008

"My style of teaching is engaging and enthusiastic! Every lesson contains something that each child can engage in at their own level."

Hartman Elementary School

September Patterson

4th grade Teacher
JISD employee since 2009

"Education is the most valuable posession you can acquire. It can never be taken from you. Knowledge is power, understanding is wisdom. With these you can change the world!"

Hopkins Elementary School

Claire St. Pierre

Library Media Specialist
JISD employee since 2015

"I hope that each student leaves my class knowing that they are important, valuable, and cared for. I also hope that students take something that they have learned with them to use it in the future. I want students to pursue their passions and grow in empathy and compassion for each other and the world around them."

Masters Elementary School

Norma Hidalgo

Teacher
JISD employee since 2013

"My style of teaching is student centered or cooperative learning. I believe in working in groups to accomplish a learning task. It promotes student accountability."

Miller's Point Elementary School

Bonnie Anderson

Music Teacher
JISD employee since 1995

"I want my students to know that they can achieve whatever they want if they are motivated to work hard enough for it. The height and depth of their flight directly correlates to how much effort they are willing to put into pumping their wings."

Olympia Elementary School

Julia Bruner

Teacher
JISD employee since 2007

"My favorite part about being in the classroom is the relationships that I get to make with my students. I am so thankful to work with my students all day and learn about them. I love getting to do read alouds on the carpet and watching the student's reactions to different parts of the book. I love when I get to work with a student on a concept and then they understand it."

Park Village Elementary School

Breana Kormanik

Kindergarten Teacher
JISD employee since 2016

"Creating a bond with my students is the most rewarding thing about being in the classroom. The bond continues with my students even after they have moved on because of the trust that was built. Seeing them grow and build their self-esteem throughout the year in my room is astonishing!"

Paschall Elementary School

Brian Schuler

Apple K-5th Teacher
JISD employee since 2013

"I would tell a 1st year teacher to be flexible and plan extra activities or topics in case the day doesnt go as planned."

Rolling Meadows Elementary School

Melissa Lozano

Teacher
JISD employee since 1999

"My teaching style is The Hybrid Facilitator or blended activity model. I promote self-learning and help students develop critical thinking skills and retain knowledge that leads to self-actualization."

Salinas Elementary School

Bobbie Padilla

K-5 STEAM Teacher
JISD employee since 2013

"I want my students to discover the joy of learning through making mistakes. I feel as though too often, mistakes are frowned upon, but I believe a wise person learns from his or her mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others."

Spring Meadows Elementary School

Yolanda Sanchez

1st grade Dual Teacher
JISD employee since 2015

"The one thing I would like my students to take from my class, is to always wander, to always inquire, but with respect, to never forget their roots, their heritage, and their culture."

Woodlake Elementary School

Amanda Long

RTI Teacher
JISD employee since 2018

"My style of teaching is dynamic, focused on the whole-child, and engaging."

Wortham Oaks Elementary School

Courtney Bonn

3rd grade Teacher
JISD employee since 2008

"I want my students to leave my class knowing that when they work hard and always put their best effort on a task, they are capable of great achievement! Hard work pays off."

Middle Schools

JSTEM Academy

Angelena Watkins

Gateway to Technology (GTT) Teacher
JISD employee since 2017

Judson Middle School

Lauren Martinez

6th and 7th grade Math Teacher
JISD employee since 2018

"I would like for my students to take away from my class to always keep trying! Even when it is hard, keep trying and never give up! "

Kirby Middle School

Shirley Daniel

7th grade Science Teacher
JISD employee since 2016

Kitty Hawk Middle School

Pedro Matamoros

Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Spanish Teacher
JISD employee since 2014

"My advice for a first year teacher is to put students first. Don't be afraid to ask for help and when things are going tough seek advice from people around you."

Metzger Middle School

Gerardo Bruno

6th and 7th grade Science Teacher
JISD employee since 2017

"My favorite part of being in the classroom is teaching the leaders of tomorrow. I am a firm beleiver that our students won't learn an effective education without teachers building relationships with our students."

Woodlake Hills Middle School

Tabora Winston

Technology Applications and Principles of Business (CTE) Teacher
JISD employee since 2009

"My style of teaching really focuses on creating culture. work hard to create a space where my students aren't afraid. They see me make mistakes- They see things not work the first time and they see me try again."

JCARE Academy

John Campos

Special Education Teacher Teacher
JISD employee since 2007

"I want my students to know that they can 'be great' and that greatness comes from making lots of small, but good decisions. When good decisions become habit, greatness follows."

High Schools

Judson Early College Academy (JECA)

Jorge Aguilar

College Prep Teacher
JISD employee since 2011

"My style of teaching is divergent, creative and novel. In order to keep students learning, teaching needs to be novel and engaging. The moment teaching becomes a script is the moment that learning loses its light."

Judson Learning Academy (JLA)

William Reeve

Social Studies Teacher
JISD employee since 2018

"My teaching style is open and fluid. I try to bring history to the present and show that the past indeed does correlate to the present."

Judson High School

Mariya Ortiz

Librarian
JISD employee since 2018

"I would tell 1st year teachers not to be afraid of failure. Failure is part of the learning cycle. The trick is to learn to fail forward."

Veterans Memorial High School

Robert Irvin

9th & 10th grade Integrated Physics & Chemisty Teacher
JISD employee since 2016

"First year teachers wanting to make an immediate impact should develop relationships with their students. This will positively impact student learning."

Wagner High School

Anne Ream

10th grade Advanced Placement (AP) World History Teacher
JISD employee since 2004

"My style of teaching is more hands on and interactive techniques. I love bringing history alive by engaging all my students with different types of learning styles whether it is using visuals and/or sensory strategies, having them create infographics that help them begin to develop student center DBQ’s, reenacting time era’s and/or events and the students own investigations through Scavenger Hunts that leads them to the desire to learn history."