Aldine ISD Honors Top Educators at Annual Educators of the Year Breakfast

Disponible en: Español

Aldine ISD celebrated its top educators during the annual Educators of the Year “Breakfast of Champions” on Friday, March 27. The event recognized outstanding teachers and principals from across the district for their dedication to student success.

This year’s Kentucky Derby-inspired event brought together district leaders, educators, community partners and sponsors to highlight excellence in education. Guests sported festive hats, bow ties, and florals as the district honored those making a lasting impact in classrooms and schools.

“Thank you for choosing Aldine ISD and your unwavering dedication to our students each and every day,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney. You are pace setters, navigators and believers who refuse to let circumstances define a child’s future. Because of your heart and commitment, our students can cross their finish line with confidence, choices and opportunities. We truly appreciate the incredible impact you make across our district.”

The annual event recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in instruction, leadership and student engagement, reinforcing the district’s mission to prepare every student for college, career and life.

District Teachers of the Year

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney, left, with Michael Jackson and Sheree Stubblefield.

This year’s Teachers of the Year represent the very best of Aldine ISD, educators whose passion and impact are shaping the future of our students. In their classrooms, they create spaces where students are challenged to think critically and find their voice, embodying what it means to put Students First.

Michael Jackson of Anderson Academy was named the district’s 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Sheree Stubblefield of Avalos P-TECH School was named the 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Jackson, once a student who needed support and encouragement, now creates life-changing opportunities for his own students, just as his fourth-grade teacher once did for him.

“One thing I always say is I never want my name to be bigger than the work that I put in. I pray that the work that I have done has truly spoken for me,” he said.

Stubblefield came to education later in her career but has quickly made a lasting impact on her ninth-grade students. She was previously named the district’s 2021 Rookie Teacher of the Year.

“I’ve seen my first class, from ninth through 12th grade, cross the stage last year, and to know I was a part of that story means more to me than I can say,” she said.

Teacher of the Year Finalists

Alicia Kellem of Ogden Elementary, Kirsten Kurtz of Worsham Elementary, Shawn Bingham of Blanson CTE, and Stephen Posada of Hambrick Middle School were finalists, each demonstrating instructional excellence and inspiring student achievement.

Rookie Teachers of the Year

Rezie Hernandez, center, with Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney and board members.

The district also honored two first-year educators who have made an immediate impact in their classrooms. Rezie Hernandez of Reed Academy was named Rookie Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Kaitlyn Fraser of Plummer Middle School was named Rookie Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Hernandez’s passion for special education brought her here to Texas from the Philippines, where she now helps struggling students build confidence and celebrate their growth.

“Thank you. This is a huge gift from God. I never expected that I would be a teacher in the United States,” she said.

Kaitlyn Fraser, center, with Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney and board members.

Frasier is cultivating a classroom environment where students feel seen and heard and believe anything is possible.

“Thank you so much. I am so privileged to teach in Aldine ISD. I’m thankful for my students, and happy to play a small part in shaping their futures,” she said.

Principals of the Year

Two campus leaders were named Principal of the Year following a rigorous selection process evaluating leadership, campus culture and student outcomes.

Denise Meister of Hinojosa EC/PreK/K was named Elementary Principal of the Year, and Walter Stewart of Nimitz High School was named Secondary Principal of the Year.

Denise Meister, center, with Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney and board members.

Meister, who has 32 years in education, reflected on her journey in Aldine ISD.

“In Aldine, we talk about choices and opportunities. I chose Aldine because my heart is here. Our kids and families deserve people whose decisions are always based on what’s best for kids. Aldine has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had anywhere else,” she said.

With deep gratitude, Stewart shared what the moment meant to him, saying:

Walter Stewart, center, with Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney and board members.

“I sincerely thank you for this incredible recognition as Secondary Principal of the Year. This award is truly humbling. It stands as a testament to the collective success and dedicated effort of everyone who has guided me with their wisdom and knowledge.”

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the critical role educators play in shaping student success, including Kyra Brown, a student at Victory Early College High School and a Superintendent Student Ambassador, who served as emcee alongside Chief Communications Officer Sheila Adams.

“I’m here because of my teachers’ influence and dedication. Because of educators like you, I’m pursuing a future in biochemistry. Thank you for making a difference and creating classrooms that impact students like me,” Brown said.

The Aldine Education Foundation highlighted its continued partnership in supporting students and staff through scholarships, innovative teaching grants and expanding learning opportunities. This year’s event was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, including Platinum sponsors United Airlines, Whataburger, Jostens and East Aldine Management District; Gold sponsors PBK and Stantec; Silver sponsors Imagine Learning and Amplify; and campus sponsors AFT and Turner & Townsend Heery.

With their support, each of the top six honorees received special recognition, including free Whataburger for a year; a custom-designed commemorative ring sponsored by Jostens; and two round-trip airline tickets provided by United Airlines. Teacher of the Year recipients also received a curated gift package from the Aldine Education Foundation, including a T-shirt symbolizing their role as ambassadors for the organization and its mission to support students and educators across the district.

Board members and district leadership also praised educators for their unwavering commitment to students.

“You invest in students, you open doors, you create opportunities, and in Aldine ISD, that work matters because we believe every student deserves a strong start and a strong finish,” said Board Secretary Paul Shanklin.

As the celebration ended, district leaders encouraged educators to continue building on the strong foundation they have created. The Educators of the Year Breakfast remains a longstanding tradition honoring the excellence, dedication and heart of those who serve Aldine ISD students and families.