District Announces 2026 Rookie Teachers of the Year

Honorees to be celebrated at the district’s Educators of the Year Breakfast in late March.

The Aldine ISD Teachers of the Year Committee named Rezie Hernandez of Reed Academy and Kaitlyn Fraser of Plummer Middle School as the district’s 2025–2026 Rookie Teachers of the Year.

They will be honored at the Aldine ISD Educators of the Year Breakfast on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Community Center. This year’s Kentucky Derby-themed event celebrates top educators as they “race toward excellence.”

Rookie Teachers of the Year are chosen for exceptional promise early in their careers, commitment to student growth, teamwork, and campus contributions.

“These impressive educators represent the future of teaching in Aldine ISD,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “Even in their first years in the classroom, they are showing the heart, perseverance, and innovation that help our students succeed. We are proud to celebrate them as rising leaders who are already making a powerful difference for our students and our community.”

2026 Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Rezie Hernandez — Inclusion Teacher, Reed Academy

For Hernandez, teaching is more than a profession — it is a lifelong calling defined by perseverance, compassion, and a deep belief in every student’s potential.

Originally from the Philippines, Hernandez taught special education and grade 1 before joining the Texas education system. As a rookie teacher in Aldine ISD, she supports grades 3-5 using targeted small-group instruction, helping students build reading and math confidence and overcome challenges.

Her greatest challenge was learning a new U.S. education system while meeting her students’ diverse needs. By collaborating with colleagues and continuously learning, she supports academic and emotional growth.

“My advice to future rookie teachers is to remain open to learning and seek guidance free of hesitation,” Hernandez said. “Growth takes time. Building trusting relationships with students creates a firm foundation for learning and long-term success.”

After her breast cancer diagnosis five years ago, Hernandez stayed dedicated to her dream of teaching and serving students with special needs.

Principal Delilah St. Julian said Hernandez’s compassion and drive have already made a powerful impact on the Reed Academy community.

“Rezie’s heart drives her to improve students’ academic and social-emotional growth,” St. Julian said. “She relentlessly advocates for her students and collaborates for progress.”

2026 Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Kaitlyn Fraser — Social Studies Teacher, Plummer Middle School

Like Hernandez, Fraser’s early career stands out for her commitment to students.

Fraser quickly built a reputation for creating engaging, student-centered lessons that help students connect history to their lives.

As an eighth-grade U.S. History teacher, Fraser challenges her students to think critically about the Constitution and civic life. One of her most effective lessons connected the seven principles of the U.S. Constitution to current events through creative presentations, discussions, and analysis.

The project sparked deeper engagement, including among typically hesitant students. Fraser also made the lesson accessible for emergent bilingual and newcomer students with visuals, sentence frames, and differentiated instruction.

“Students don’t need perfect teachers,” Fraser said. “They need adults who are willing to reflect, grow, and show up every day dedicated to doing better than the day before.”

Beyond the classroom, Fraser strengthens campus culture and student engagement. This year, she organized Plummer’s first Hamilton Night, where students watched the musical after school as part of their Constitution unit.

Fraser uses restorative practices to build trust with accountability in her classroom.

“I strive to make certain every student feels acknowledged, challenged, and supported,” she said. “Teaching is difficult work, but the support of my colleagues has helped me grow and allowed me to be the kind of teacher who refuses to let students fall through the cracks.”

As Aldine ISD prepares for the Educators of the Year Breakfast, Hernandez and Fraser will be recognized among the district’s outstanding educators.

Much like the excitement of a Kentucky Derby race, the celebration will spotlight educators who continue to set the pace for excellence in Aldine classrooms — and these rookie teachers are already off to a strong start.