2026 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching
celebrating 2026 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching
in collaboration with Whataburger & Trinity University’s Department of Education and Center for Educational Leadership
May 8, 2026
Laurie Auditorium
Trinity University
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of educators who inspire excellence and innovation in our schools and communities.
It is our honor to recognize this year’s 16 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching honorees—each representing the very best in education across our partner districts.
We deeply appreciate the generous support of Whataburger. Your partnership continues to uplift and champion the important work of educators across our region.
We are grateful for your presence today and for your continued commitment to supporting outstanding teaching and learning.
Special thanks to the Trinity University Mariachi for their performance during the reception.
Distinguished Educators
2026 Honorees
Alamo Heights ISD ................
East Central ISD ....................
Edgewood ISD ......................
Fort Sam Houston ISD............
Harlandale ISD .....................
Judson ISD ............................
Lackland ISD .........................
North East ISD ......................
Northside ISD .......................
Randolph Field ISD ................
San Antonio ISD ....................
Somerset ISD ........................
South San Antonio ISD ..........
Southside ISD .......................
Southwest ISD ......................
Winston School San Antonio...
Brandon Boylan
Amanda Torres
Jennifer Ramirez
Lisa Garcia
Cynthia Lopez
Alisha Cornejo
Rebecca Owens
Amy Calvet
Celena Sweeney
Jeannette Olivera
Laura Sisson
Jamie Danielle Hernandez
Elda Flores
Tina Castillo
Estefanía Holmquist
Kristal Kelley
Program
Opening and Introductions
Angela Breidenstein, Ed.D.
Chair & Professor
Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Program
Feeding Student Success: Whataburger
Taylor Clark P'28
Group Director, Corporate Communications
Words of Affirmation and Congratulations
Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D.
President, Trinity University
Introducing the National Teacher of the Year
Enrique Alemán, Jr., Ph.D.
Lillian Radford Endowed Professor of Education
Director, Center for Educational Leadership
Director, Trinity Tomorrow’s Leaders Program
Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching Lecture
Ms. Ashlie Crosson
2025 National Teacher of the Year
Presenting the Distinguished Educators
Vangie Aguilera, Ed.D.
Lecturer & Asst. Director
Center for Educational Leadership
Recognizing Our Future Educators and Leaders
Angela Breidenstein, Ed.D.
