KISD Elementary
KISD Secondary
Rosalyn Holmes
Fernando Hernandez
Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year Killeen High School Math Teacher Years of Experience: 6
Clifton Park Elementary CASD Years of Experience: 16
My favorite thing about teaching is knowing that I have a lasting impact in the lives of students, by instilling in them that their disability does not define them. I love knowing that on a daily basis I get the opportunity to inspire the next generation to achieve and become productive members of society.
My favorite thing about teaching is the relationships I develop with my students. In my experience, listening to their stories positively impacts their commitment to their own learning. They feel safe. They will ask questions. They have a voice in their learning, and when they are a part of their learning, they will do what it takes to succeed.
Nelly Santana
Michael Mattson
Marivel Hall
Years of experience: 16
Years of experience: 2
Years of Experience: 10
Audie Murphy Middle School 6th Grade Science Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is knowing that I am making a difference in children’s lives, academically and personally, regardless of their level of readiness or learning style.
Bellaire Elementary 5th Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is being able to look into the eyes of my students and see that I am important to them. To know that about 20 young minds depend on me pushes me to the extra mile. The past 2 years have been some of the most challenging, but the most rewarding years of my life. I absolutely love teaching!
Brookhaven Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the “light bulb” moments and the excitement student’s show when they want me to show them more. I like seeing students apply the knowledge they are learning in everyday activities and when they want to show their work off to the world, because they are so proud of it.
Lakeita Lyles
Shawn McKinnon
Linsey Cernero
Years of Experience: 14
Years of Experience: 11.5
Years of Experience: 7
C. E. Ellison High School 9th Grade Algebra Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the “ah-ha moments.” I love that after teaching certain skills to students, I get the opportunity to watch them smile when they make a breakthrough and truly understand the concepts being taught.
Cedar Valley Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is having a job that consists of a sense of belonging. I wake up each morning knowing that twenty-two students need me and rely on me in my classroom to be there. I have a sense of pride when I see my students at the end of the year become more confident learners, risk takers, and are not afraid to make mistakes.
Charles Patterson Middle School 8th Grade ELA
My favorite thing about teaching is the ability to learn with and from my students. It’s amazing to see them develop throughout the year and take charge of their learning. I love to see them recognize their own potential and create goals for themselves beyond what they could have previously imagined. When my students ask questions that leave me wanting to know more, I know that I’m growing because of what they bring to the table.
Brittain Bright
Jessica Brading
Hayley Dugger
Years of Experience: 4
Years of Experience: 7
Years of Experience: 9
Clarke Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is building relationships with my students. Through those relationships, I am able to find the spark in order to push them to their fullest potential. My heart fills with joy watching students who I love and care about move forward in their learning and feel successful!
Clear Creek Elementary Reading Interventionist
My favorite thing about teaching is over and over again being a part of that moment when a student who has been struggling with something for a while, finally gets it and his or her face begins to glow like a light bulb with excitement and pride. It is such a great reward to be able to make a difference and be part of the reason a student has learned to be proud of him or herself.
Dr. Joseph A. Fowler Elementary Music
My favorite thing about teaching is that I get to see the continuation of learning each year as their music knowledge continues to grow! I love how music can reach all kinds of learners. I also love how music impacts all learning in particular math and literature.
Samanta Steen
Monica Proctor
Cantresa Gillespie
Years of Experience: 8
Years of Experience: 16
Years of Experience: 10
Duncan Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is all of the pieces of the learning process; the thinking, the questions, the ah-ha’s, the smiles, and knowing that this is where I am meant to be. I just love teaching!
Tineque Reese
Gateway High School Science Teacher Years of Experience: 7 My favorite thing about teaching is intentionally pushing students past their own limits while creating an atmosphere where anything is possible.
East Ward Elementary 4th Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students empowered to take ownership of their learning; seeing students make mistakes and learn from them, and seeing students develop the confidence to persevere through a challenging task when they don’t understand something.
Carolyn Stewart Gateway Middle School 7th Grade Science & Math Teacher Years of Experience: 11
My favorite thing about teaching is is helping students to learn and witnessing them applying their knowledge. Every student has their own way of reacting when they have learned something new. But the way their face lights up is the same for all students. This light of understanding is my favorite part of being a teacher.
Eastern Hills Middle School 6th Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the positive difference I know I am making in the lives of my students. I love challenging my students so they see how capable they really are. When my students light up after overcoming a difficult concept, it makes my heart smile.
Christopher Hochstetler
Harker Heights High School Calculus & Algebra 2 Teacher Years of Experience: 1 My favorite thing about teaching is knowing that the relationships I build with my students promote selfefficiency and encourage them to become who they are meant to be, making tomorrow a better place one student at a time.
Mary Koss
Tyly Shab
Tia Stevens- Hicks
Years of Experience: 13
Years of Experience: 11
Years of Experience: 4
Harker Heights Elementary 4th/5th Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is when I help students who have given up realize that they can achieve things far beyond what they ever dreamed possible. It makes the “light bulb moment” even more special.
Melissa Jenkins Iduma Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Years of Experience: 9 My favorite thing about teaching is that it is never boring! Unforgettable moments and memories happen each day. The most unforgettable moments happen each time you see the “ah-ha” look on a student’s face! The best memories are the daily hugs, random drawings as gifts, and hilarious comments from my students. Every day is a new and rewarding adventure!
Hay Branch Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the look on a student’s face when he or she gets it - when something that was once a challenge becomes an accomplishment. The look of pride is priceless!
Carla Wade-Brown Ira Cross Elementary 2nd Teacher
Years of Experience: 15 My favorite thing about teaching is the light bulb moments when students finally understand and are so excited to the point where they want to learn more. I enjoy being able to reach students who struggle and feel no one cares. Each time I reach their heart, it gets easier to reach their mind.
Haynes Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is having my passion for education constantly fueled by students’ thirst for learning.
Elylisia ScarlettHuckabee KISD Career Center 11th/12th Grade Veterinarian Medicine Years of Experience: 16
My favorite thing about teaching is the personal satisfaction I feel when I see interest come alive in my students, interests that I sparked. I am so very passionate about the Agricultural Indus- try & Veterinary Medicine, and when I am able to relay those messages and see my students on fire and watch them grow into confident, motivated, and trained individuals, I can feel nothing but pride. This is the best feeling you could ever have from a place of employment.
Jennie LeiVan
Jesse Spruiell
Melissa Gonzales
Years of Experience: 7
Years of Experience: 10
Years of Experience: 6
Liberty Hill Middle School 8th Grade Math Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is seeing a student’s face light up after they’ve worked hard and achieved a goal, and knowing that I was part of that growth.
Ina Rivera
Maxdale Elementary 5th Grade Teacher Years of Experience: 16 My favorite thing about teaching is the first day of school. I feel just as much anticipation and excitement as the students. I look forward to building relationships and nurturing those relationships throughout the year. On the first day, we talk about the expectations and make the rules together. It sets the tone for the class.
Live Oak Ridge Middle School 7th Grade ELA Teacher & Coach
My favorite thing about teaching is getting to join in celebrating my students’ successes (no matter how small) – this includes academic successes and behavior/social skills. I enjoy seeing when they “get it right” on their own, especially if they don’t know I am watching.
Christina Robinson Meadows Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher Years of Experience: 16
My favorite thing about teaching is my students. Their willingness to learn inspires me to challenge and engage them on a daily basis. I love the way they think “outside the box,” and get excited when I have a challenge for them. The connections I build with my students bring me joy every day.
Manor Middle School 8th Grade CT E Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is making a difference in student lives. As an educator, I have established the core of my ethics to be integrity, love, respect, loyalty, and compassion. I have the honor to impact lives. It is my responsibility to develop well-rounded individuals so that they can become contributing members of our society.
Jessica Cisneros
Montague Village Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher Years of Experience: 4 My favorite thing about teaching is the relationships I build with students and parents. When students come back to say thank you, even after they have moved on from my classroom, I realize that what I do in the classroom impacts their lives in ways beyond measure. The relationships teachers build with students not only shape who they are, but also who they will become.
Toni Gullekson
Agneris Aycock
Kimberly Babb
Years of Experience: 29
Years of Experience: 16
Years of Experience: 15
Mountain View Elementary Kindergarten Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is watching the faces of my students when they realize they got it! Seeing their eyes become wide and filled with excitement is incredibly fun! The fun continues as they then stand a little taller and their expression turns to pure pride. Plus, the love they give is amazing!
Nolan Middle School 6th Grade Math Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the students. The moments when they apply what they learned to new concepts, the lessons that students loved and want to do again, and the notes given to me from current and future students saying “thank you for being my teacher” make it all worthwhile.
Nolanville Elementary 1st Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the “light bulb moment.” This is the moment a student makes a connection to a difficult concept, independently figures out how to solve a problem or dives into research that completely engages their mind and spirit.
Madeleine Crawford
Oveta Culp Hobby Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Years of Experience: 2 My favorite thing about teaching is watching a child grow and succeed. That is what makes me love my job. Seeing goals met and students getting to that next level in their education is priceless.
Veronica Bayne
Angela Otero
Years of Experience: 5
Years of Experience: 8
Palo Alto Middle School 8th Grade Math Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is is building relationships with all of my students. I can provide each one with the necessary tools to empower them in their learning process on the road to being an educated adult in our community. I love watching my students grow throughout the year and enjoying the ride with them along the way.
Peebles Elementary ELA Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the students. I know that this is an obvious one, but it truly is the reason that I chose to teach. Helping students learn is my passion, and seeing the progress that my students make is exciting. I love getting to know and connect with each of my students individually, which helps me when designing lessons to meet their individual needs.
Bertha Hernandez
Monica Bou-Miro
Roshawn White
Years of Experience: 14
Years of Experience: 17
Years of Experience: 6
Pershing Park Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is witnessing my students succeed. I enjoy watching them become problem solvers and self-driven leaders. I admire their willingness and ability to learn the English language while maintaining their native language. Most of all, I appreciate the love and respect I receive from my students, parents, and co-workers on a daily basis.
Lashundamarie Reeves
Richard E. Cavazos Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
Rancier Middle School 7th Grade Spanish Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is watching students grow and mature, become responsible, gain a passion for learning, and having students come back to visit telling us about their achievements. My favorite thing about teaching Spanish is listening to them speak a different language and seeing them have the confidence to engage in conversations with one another.
Reeces Creek Elementary 1st Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is watching students blossom each school year. I love being an encourager, motivator, and teacher for my students. Helping children grow is like fulfilling the promises each of their lives hold. They don’t even know what they are capable of and I get to be one person in their lives to show them. How great is that?
Melissa Davis
Alisha Hobson
Years of Experience: 4
Years of Experience: 10
Saegert Elementary 1st grade Teacher
Shoemaker High School 10th Grade English
Years of Experience: 10 My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students take on the enthusiasm and excitement for learning. I love to see them excited about solving problems and overcoming challenges. It is rewarding to watch their love for learning grow each day in spite of their abilities or disabilities. I get to know their minds and their hearts, and have an impact on the students’ lives.
My favorite thing about teaching is being able to build relationships with each of my students. They enrich my classroom as they each bring their own personal life experiences and special personalities into the classroom. I enjoy learning all about them by having the privilege of getting to know their hearts, hopes, and dreams. Together, we develop a mutual bond and respect for one another that transcends throughout the year.
My favorite thing about teaching is having the ability to potentially change the course of a person’s life. My students might live in a world that, unfortunately, tells them they are unable to succeed. But, I can show them a different light. Since I’m a teacher, I have the privilege of watching a student experience success through hard work.
Melanie Smith
Connie Low
Neonisha Terrell
Years of Experience: 16
Years of Experience: 26
Years of Experience: 3
Skipcha Elementary 5th Grade
My favorite thing about teaching is FUN! I get to have fun everyday sharing my passion for reading and history, as well as my passion for learning. I share my enthusiasm for learning through made up songs, dance breaks, acting out history, and call and response reviews. My students are learning because it is fun!
Smith Middle School 7th Grade Math Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is the relationships I have created over the year with co-workers, parents or students. I love when former colleagues, former parents or former students come back to see me because that lets me know they care as much about me as I care about them.
Sugar Loaf Elementary 1st Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is when a student has that light-bulb moment. The countless hours I spent preparing a lesson and standing in front of the class is all worthwhile when my students make a connection because of what I taught them.
T he Daily Herald would like to Congratulate all of the Nominees for Teacher of the Year!
Killeen ISD names top teachers of the year SPECIAL TO THE HERALD In a powerfully poignant presentation Thursday, the Killeen Independent School District honored its teachers of the year in celebration of educators who see beyond academic excellence to the heart of students. Following a dramatic buildup with a spotlight entrance, audience members learned the elementary teacher of the year is Clifton Park Elementary School special education teacher Rosalyn Holmes and the secondary teacher of the year is Killeen High School math teacher Fernando Hernandez. The school district’s 54 campuses selected representatives as candidates for the district honors. A committee reviewed applications, conducted class visits and held interviews to make their choices. At the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, all 54 campus honorees stepped into a spotlight for a grand introduction as teacher colleagues, campus and district administrators and family members cheered.
Jo-Lynette Crayton, executive director of elementary school leadership, revealed one by one six elementary finalists before calling up Holmes as elementary teacher of the year. Each finalist received their award and stood on stage to watch video of their principal praising their commitment to students and their profession. When the Clifton Park teacher heard her name, she responded with obvious surprise before taking the award and responding with thanks to family and other supporters. In a more extended video, Clifton Park principal Catherine Snyder spoke of Holmes’ dedication to students. In addition, parents testifi ed to the special education teacher’s kind compassion mixed with high expectations for her students, most who are autistic. One of the parents, speaking in Spanish through a translator called Holmes her child’s special angel. In her philosophy of education, Holmes wrote, “As a teacher, I provide a culture of respect, a nurturing environment and high expectations so that my students can excel.”
KaMesha Williams Timber Ridge Elementary 5th Grade ELA Reading & Social Studies Teacher Years of Experience: 15 My favorite thing about teaching is seeing the light bulb turn on for students who have grappled with a concept and finally, they have a breakthrough. In my opinion, the idea of children discovering their own learning and achieving goals is the most enjoyable element of being a teacher. There is no greater feeling than when I am able to share in the experience of my students learning and even surpassing my expectations.
Next, Crayton revealed one at a time the four finalists in the secondary category, which includes middle schools and high schools. Each of those teachers also stood on stage and watched video of their principals’ praise. Hernandez shed light on his unlikely path to the classroom. The youngest of nine children born to migrant field workers, he grew up in an abusive household. It was teachers, he said, who gave him encouragement and validation. “It’s very humbling and gratifying,” he said following the ceremony. “There are so many wonderful teachers. To be recognized like this is icing on the cake.” It was his third-grade teacher and later a high school math teacher who inspired him to teach. “Teachers kept me grounded,” he said. “They saw my academic talents.” Video testimony, including Killeen High School principal Susan Buckley,as well as several students,described Hernandez as an innovative teacher who addresses the needs of struggling students and also challenges the advanced students.
All the while, his supporters said, he builds personal relationships with students and extends his day to offer tutoring and prepare innovative lessons. Responding during the ceremony, Hernandez urged his peers to never lose focus of the power they have in the lives of students. “I’m in shock,” Holmes said following the ceremony. “In this room full of great educators anyone could be the district teacher of the year.” She was specifically touched by video testimony of parents. She said the parents who spoke highly of her are the ones who most ardently hold her accountable and work alongside her to challenge students, who frequently build their confi dence and verbal skills in her class. Hernandez and Holmes are now KISD’s entrants in the Region 12 Education Service Center teacher of the year process, which selects participants for the Texas Teacher of the Year.
Roxanna Rosas
Connie Cox
Years of Experience: 4
Years of Experience: 19
Trimmier Elementary Special Education Inclusion
My favorite thing about teaching is getting to know all of my students and finding ways to positively impact each child. Every day is a new opportunity for growth. I build relationships with students that allow us to work together towards mutual goals and success.
Union Grove Middle School 7th Grade Science Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is that each day brings the opportunity to impact over a hundred people in the world. I want to be the positive voice they hear or the hug they need. Teaching is not just about content. It is also about helping young people make good choices for their future. I receive a great reward when my students come back to tell me they are pursuing a career in a field of science.
Phylicia Miner
Jill Zavala
Lorrie Polson
Years of Experience: 6
Years of Experience: 3
Years of Experience: 2
Venable Village Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher
My favorite thing about teaching is seeing an “aha moment,” that glorious second when a light bulb switches on and a student grasps a new concept or the excitement they have when they find learning fun.
West Ward Elementary Math Coach
My favorite thing about teaching is getting to spend time with my students. The kids at West Ward are some of the best people I know. They are funny, kind, and want to work hard. They enjoy the challenges and curveballs I throw at them. When they succeed and accomplish a goal, they beam from ear to ear! I feel privileged to be in their lives and be a part of their journey.
Willow Springs Elementary Interventionist
My favorite thing about teaching is the daily rewards that make it all worthwhile. I love when students are excited about what they are learning and proud of themselves for their hard work. Each day with my students is a new adventure and watching them grow and become successful throughout the year brings me great joy.
CCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year— Archie Franks, S.C. Lee Junior High School M
Archie Franks - S.C. Lee Junior High School Secondary Teacher of the Year
r. Archie Franks is an exceptional teacher who imparts more than just a rigorous math curriculum to his students; he models for them the importance of honor, respect, dedication, and hard work. He inspires students and staff to do their best in everything they do, and is the person that teachers and students seek when they need advice, assurance or just a caring ear. In his 7th grade math class, Mr. Franks’ students are inspired not only by his masterful teaching, but by the high expectations he
places on himself both personally and as an educator. Students begin to see and emulate the high values of perseverance, respect for self and others, and teamwork; and the classroom truly becomes a community of learners. Students are engaged in meaningful learning and feel comfortable taking the necessary risks that further their understanding. Mr. Franks is a master at creating such an environment. In addition to being an inspiring teacher and role model for students, Mr. Franks’ impact on his fellow educators
and the campus as a whole are remarkable. He serves as a 7th Grade Team Leader, a mentor to teachers new to the profession, and is a leading force in a campus-wide initiative focused on building character and improving behavior in all students. He also serves on the Campus Site-Based Committee, acts as an advocate for struggling students, and volunteers for Saturday Tutorials. Mr. Franks retires this year with 15 years of service in the classroom.
CCISD Pre-K/Elementary Teacher of the Year—Nancy Zimmer-Clark, Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy M
Nancy Zimmer-Clark Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy Pre-K/Elementary Teacher of the Year
rs. Nancy Zimmer-Clark prepares and implements lessons for her classroom that are both engaging and fresh. She plans ahead of time to ensure that her students get the most out of their learning. An example of this is the Gingerbread Man. Her instruction starts with reading the story aloud to the class and ends with the students going around the school following the path of the Gingerbread Man where they eventually end up back in the classroom. Activities like these are what the students enjoy and part of the reason students always
want to be in her room. Mrs. Zimmer-Clark creates a classroom environment that promotes student success with a focus on student engagement, consistency and innovation. She uses music,hands-on activities and technology daily. Transitions are purposeful and effective. She does not miss a teachable moment. Mrs. Zimmer-Clark also serves on the campus literacy committee. Mrs. Zimmer-Clark is a teacher who loves her students and her profession. She is a wife and new mother who still finds time to be the best teacher she can be. Nancy
works tireless hours preparing fun and exciting activities for her classroom and our school as a whole. She involves other teachers in special events. For example, she planned and organized a school wide Easter egg hunt, for Cinco de Mayo, her classes learned about the Spanish heritage, made quesadillas, and sang songs. Her lessons are both innovative and enriching. The atmosphere in her classroom is one of comfort and caring. The students are excited to learn.
CCISD Rookie Teacher of the Year-Angela Murphy, Martin Walker Elementary School A
Angela Murphy Martin Walker Elementary School Rookie Teacher of the Year
s a first year teacher,Ms. Angela Murphy has created a learning environment that is nothing less than superior. Her tireless efforts to make sure that her students are consistently successful are exceptional for a first year teacher. She sets high expectations for herself as a teacher and for her students, so they will be as successful as she is. Ms. Murphy is known as a person who is collaborative, flexible, and always willing to share ideas. She is the ultimate team player and a valuable resource for our campus. She performs like a veteran
teacher and makes it look easy. Ms. Murphy consistently plans hands on activities for her students that ensures their success in the classroom. Further, she demands the best from her students academically and with their behavior. Her classroom is a model environment. She has a warm and friendly personality. She has taken on tutorials for the STAAR grade levels and stays after school every single day of the week to work with students. The smile never leaves her face. Her joy for teaching shines through.
Ms. Murphy has done an exceptional job at planning and implementing engaging and differentiated lessons to meet the needs of all of her students. It is very impressive to see how well Ms. Murphy has facilitated the use of anchor charts in classroom. Her students feel the success in every corner of her classroom. Her students know without a doubt that she believes in them and their ability to do their best in all content. Ms. Murphy has handled the pressure of a first year like a pro. She is an inspiration to all in the building.
CCISD Paraprofessional of the Year— David Dees, Williams/Ledger Elementary School
M David Dees Williams/Ledger Elementary School Paraprofessional of the Year
r. David Dees serves as the chairman of our Positive Behavior Intervention and Support team and is in charge of the student behavior reward system). Although he is the in-school suspension aide, Mr. Dees is
proactive and checks in daily with our students who have some behavioral challenges. Mr. Dees recently completed his teaching degree and is now pursuing his alternative certification. He models lifelong learning for students and inspires them to
make better choices each day. Mr. Dees also co-sponsors the school’s robotics club and Science Olympiad club. He seeks out ways to inspire students to pursueextracurricular learning opportunities.