Finalists for districtwide awards are named
Each year, School Leadership and Human Capital Management partner to recognize and reward outstanding teachers and campus leaders districtwide through the Teacher and Principal of the Year awards.
Finalists for these awards are recognized during the district’s Winners Circle event, which also highlights teachers of promise.
Once teachers are chosen by their campus as teacher of the year, they can apply for the districtwide recognition. This year, 85 of the campus Teacher of the Year winners applied for the district honor, writing of their passion and innovation in teaching, leading, and serving the community and 10 teachers representing Elementary, Secondary, and Choice/Magnet campuses were selected as finalists for the Teacher of the Year.
Elementary Finalists:
- Christine Bickers from Jack Lowe, Sr. Elementary School
- Miguel Fijo Mezquita from Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School
- Elizabeth Oyola from Hall Personalized Learning Academy at Oak Cliff
- Janice Vazquez from Umphrey Lee Elementary School
Secondary Finalists:
- Michael Dixon-Peabody from Thomas Jefferson High School
- Megan Vance from Harold W. Lang Sr. Middle School
- Johnitta Williams from Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School
Choice/Magnet Finalists:
- Asia Charles from Solar Preparatory School for Girls
- Rafael Ibarra from Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker
- Trenton Starks from New Tech High School at B.F. Darrell
School Leadership Regional Directors selected principals to represent their respective regions as Region Principal of the Year. Selection characteristics included the ability to coach and support teachers, lead a student-centered and results-driven culture, and support connections among all facets of the school community. Application packets submitted by the Region Principals of the Year were reviewed and eight were named Principal of the Year finalists.
Elementary Finalists:
- Sonja Barnes, Principal of Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School
- Jacinto Cabrera, Principal of Julius Dorsey Leadership Academy
- Marissa Limon, Principal of Dan D. Rogers Elementary School
Secondary Finalists:
- Willie Johnson, Principal of South Oak Cliff High School
- Abram Joseph, Principal of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation
- Philip Meaker, Principal of Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy
Choice/Magnet Finalists:
- Amber Garrett, Principal of George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Academy
- Adrian Hernandez, Principal of North Lake Early College High School
