Aldine ISD Finalists Announced for 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year

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As excitement builds for one of the district’s biggest celebrations, the Aldine ISD Teachers of the Year Committee proudly announces six outstanding educators as finalists for the 2025–2026 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year awards.

The top two honorees will be triumphantly announced at the festive Aldine ISD Educators of the Year Breakfast on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Community Center. The district will proudly name one Elementary Teacher of the Year and one Secondary Teacher of the Year. This year’s theme, inspired by the Kentucky Derby, will celebrate educational excellence with the spirit of “Run for the Roses.” Finalists are eagerly preparing to cross the finish line in honor.

The committee selected the six finalists from this year’s Campus Teachers of the Year, bringing together educators and district leaders with diverse perspectives. The 2026 Teachers of the Year Committee included Dr. Keena Bradley, AISD HR executive director of employee relations and classified staffing; Adriana Patino (a 2025 Teacher of the Finalist), Spence Elementary; Tony Payne, 5th grade teacher at Jones Elementary; Cynthia McKibbin, science teacher at Houston Academy; Arlynn Castillo-Garza, English as a second language (ESL) math teacher at Stovall Middle; Janice Blades Miller (a 2025 Teacher of the Finalist), physical therapy assistant teacher at Blanson CTE High School; and Dr. Charlotte Davis, Immediate Past President & VP of Development of the Aldine Education Foundation.

Now, let’s meet the finalists for Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.

2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalists

Michael Jackson, Anderson Academy
4th Grade Reading and Social Studies

With nine years of experience, Jackson’s path to education is deeply personal. He was once a special education student on a behavior plan. He credits a fourth-grade teacher with changing his life. Today, he strives to be that transformative presence for his own students.

Jackson holds degrees from Tyler Junior College and Prairie View A&M University. He builds his classroom on high expectations, literacy engagement, and leadership development. His novel “Accelerate 2.0: Operation Room at Intervention Hospital” made reading intervention hands-on and student-led. This resulted in significant growth on Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and STAAR. Beyond the classroom, he mentors students through Anderson Academy’s Students Needing a Pat and a Push (SNAPP) program. He has also led professional development focused on equity, trauma-informed approaches, and culturally responsive teaching.

Alicia Kellem, Ogden Elementary
5th Grade Math and Science

Kellem is an Aldine ISD graduate and Nimitz High School alumna. She returned to the district to give back to the community that shaped her. With eight years of experience, she is known for creating inclusive, engaging classrooms where math connects to real life.

Kellem uses hands-on learning and technology in her instruction. She helps students grasp the relevance of fractions and decimals through activities such as recipe conversions and budgeting scenarios. As a “Distinguished” T-TESS educator, she has led district and campus professional development on emergent bilingual strategies, math intervention tools, and multiple intelligences. She also serves on the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Committee and mentors fellow educators.

Kirsten Kurtz, Worsham Elementary
Grades 1–5 Music

For Kurtz, music is more than a subject — it is a pathway to confidence and belonging. A former shy student who found her voice through music, she now ensures every child at Worsham Elementary has the opportunity to shine.

With 10 years of experience, Kurtz designs campuswide musical productions that demonstrate authentic student learning. She helped start the Worsham Orff Ensemble and Choir. Kurtz also leads the Wildcat Nation Celebration Committee, which fosters staff morale and unity. Her performances, with original scripts and set designs, give every student a moment in the spotlight. She believes that access to fine arts is essential to whole-child development.

2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists

Sheree Stubblefield, Avalos P-TECH School
9th Grade English I

Stubblefield began teaching in 2021 after a career in retail management and nonprofit leadership. She earned Rookie Teacher of the Year (2021) honors. Since then, her students have achieved consistent STAAR growth ratings of Mastery and Exemplary.

Her student-driven Socratic Seminars put critical thinking at the center of instruction. The seminars encourage ninth graders to analyze texts, defend claims, and discover their voices. She is the founding sponsor of the Avalos yearbook and the African American Cultural Heritage Alliance (AACHA), which have strengthened campus culture and community partnerships. Stubblefield also leads professional development in instructional technology and literacy interventions, supporting colleagues in data-driven practice.

Shawn Bingham, Blanson CTE High School
Distribution and Logistics Grades 9-12

Bingham is a former U.S. Army logistics professional who brings real-world experience to the classroom. In his six years at Blanson, he created Blamazon, a student-run warehouse. This warehouse enables students to manage inventory and fulfill campus supply orders, gaining real-world experience in the process.

Bingham also started an on-campus Leadership Conference, giving students free access to career-readiness experiences. He formed partnerships with Port Houston and the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education (PHPME). His students attend maritime expos, receive mentorship, and take part in an annual program graduation. He uses a hands-on approach to help students graduate not only with certifications but also with the communication and leadership skills employers want.

Stephen Posada, Hambrick Middle School
8th Grade Algebra I

Posada, an eight-year veteran of Aldine ISD, combines rigorous instruction with an emphasis on inclusion and representation. He has maintained a 100% passing rate in Algebra I for three years. Posada emphasizes conceptual understanding and student-centered learning. He often transforms hallways into interactive coordinate planes, bringing math to life.

Apart from academics, Posada founded HEART (Hawks Embracing Acts of Random Thoughtfulness) of the Brick. This service organization centers on kindness, environmental stewardship, and community outreach. Posada leads beautification projects and fundraising efforts and partners with local groups. Through these activities, students develop leadership and empathy, as well as academic skills. Posada also leads professional development in data tracking and instructional strategies to support colleagues districtwide.

Together, these six finalists represent the wealth of talent across Aldine ISD campuses. Their inspiring stories highlight a spectrum of excellence — from literacy labs and math innovation, to fine arts performances, CTE warehouses, Socratic seminars, and service-driven leadership. Each one exemplifies the district’s unwavering celebration of instructional excellence and student achievement.

As the thrilling March 27 breakfast approaches, the finalists stand poised at the starting gate. When the roses are awarded and the winners triumphantly announced, Aldine ISD will joyfully honor not only two top educators but also the collective strength and dedication of teachers across the district and principals who ensure every student’s success.

While the race may culminate at the breakfast, the inspiring influence of these educators continues far beyond the finish line — shaping countless student journeys and futures with pride.