Aldine ISD Educators Honored at 2026 HAABSE Teacher Awards & Recognition Ceremony

Aldine ISD educators earned recognition for exceptional dedication and classroom excellence at the 2026 Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators (HAABSE) Teacher Awards & Recognition Ceremony in February.

Forty-seven Aldine ISD teachers were honored at the annual ceremony, which recognizes educators across Greater Houston for exceptional commitment to students, schools, and communities.

HAABSE is a regional group linked to the Texas and National Alliance of Black School Educators. Its mission is to uplift educators, enhance opportunities for all students, and celebrate outstanding service.

Each Aldine ISD honoree was nominated by their principal for commitment, instructional leadership, innovation, and impact on campus culture.

“Great schools are built by great educators,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “These 47 teachers represent the heart of Aldine ISD — professionals who believe deeply in their students and work every day to help them discover their potential. We are proud to see their dedication recognized by HAABSE and grateful for the difference they make in the lives of our students.”

HAABSE’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Among the honorees, Arquala Davis, a science teacher at Eisenhower High School, was named the 2026 HAABSE Secondary Teacher of the Year.

For Davis, the recognition reinforces her purpose in the classroom.

“Being named the 2026 HAABSE Secondary Teacher of the Year brings clarity to my ‘why,’” Davis said. “It reminds me of my purpose and my commitment to serving my students every single day.”

Davis said her greatest impact as a teacher is helping students discover their own curiosity about science, encouraging them to ask questions and build confidence in their ability to understand and apply scientific concepts.

“Seeing my students grow and become passionate about science inspires me daily,” she said. “I look forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge with them.”

In her classroom, Davis focuses on creating hands-on, student-driven learning experiences that foster exploration and discussion.

“I spark curiosity by allowing students to lead their own learning and connect science to their everyday experiences,” she said. “Through labs, activities, and meaningful discussions about scientific phenomena, students begin to see how science is already part of their lives.”

Davis likewise encourages students who may not yet see themselves as scientists to approach the subject with interest and confidence.

“Even the greatest scientists started by asking questions,” she said. “Students do science every day without even realizing it. The exciting part is helping them understand what they’ve already discovered.”

One moment in particular reminded Davis why she chose the teaching profession.

“A year ago, a student wrote to me saying they wished they had been a better student and hadn’t given me such a hard time, but that I was one of the best teachers they ever had,” she said. “It brought me to tears. Moments like that remind you that every student wants to learn. It’s our job to give them a chance and believe in them, even when it’s difficult.”

Davis said she is proud to represent Eisenhower High School and Aldine ISD through the recognition.

“I’m honored to highlight what’s happening at Eisenhower and throughout Aldine ISD,” she said.

The recognition illustrates the daily impact Aldine ISD educators have as they inspire students and nurture curiosity.

Aldine ISD 2026 HAABSE Honorees

Aldine High School — Rianca Cauley
Aldine Middle School — Christopher Barrett
Anderson Academy — Natischeia Golden-Graves
Avalos P-TECH School — Mervin Pellertin
Blanson CTE High School — Shelia Crawford Burley
Bussey Elementary School — Shawntel Davis
Calvert Elementary School — Cynthia Sánchez
Caraway Elementary School — Michelle Harrell
Carmichael Elementary School — Shena Sailor-Hodges
Carter Academy — Keisha D. Bussey
Cypresswood Elementary School — Marrix Seymore II
Davis High School — Deonna London
Drew Academy — Kearstin Walker
Dunn Elementary School — Quineicia Jones
Eisenhower High School – Arquala Davis
Eisenhower Ninth Grade School — Tiara Hall
Ermel Elementary School — LeMorris Hunt
Escamilla Elementary School — Sayra Medina
Francis Elementary — Oretha Riggins
García-Leza EC/PreK/K School — Tyuneka Washington Brown
García Middle School — LaDena S. King
Goodman Elementary — Ashton Brown
Griggs EC/PreK/K School — Kandis Perro
Hill Elementary School — Chris Perkins
Hinojosa EC/PreK/K School — Miriam Benítez
Hoffman Middle School — Francesca Lee
Houston Academy — Schannon Phoenix
Keeble EC/PreK/K School — Janice Brock
Kujawa EC/PreK/K School — Ridgette Holman
Anaya Matthews — Kujawa Elementary School
Lewis Middle School — Zandra Faust
MacArthur High School — Maebreanna Proshee
Marcella Elementary School — Bernadette Toh
Mead Middle School — Eric Alford
Nimitz Ninth Grade School — Icora Maye
Ogden Elementary School — Daizya Adams
Orange Grove Elementary School — Dexter Burton
Reece Academy — Georeba Hardy-Odom
Reed Academy for Engineering — Shenna Burton
Shotwell Middle School — Naticka Seymour
Stehlik Elementary School — Mia Davis
Teague Middle School — Yolanda Burnett
Thompson Elementary School — Patricia López
Vardeman EC/PreK/K School — Ramona Roberts
Victory Early College High School — Kabara Gibson
Worsham Elementary School — Lana Dubberke
Young Women’s Leadership Academy — Chantee Jackson

*Names provided by HAABSE.