Finalists for districtwide awards are named

Each year, School Leadership and Human Capital Management partner to recognize 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, Jack Lowe, Sr. Elementary School
• Miguel Fijo Mezquita, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School
• Elizabeth Oyola, Hall Personalized Learning Academy at Oak Cliff
• Janice Vazquez, Umphrey Lee Elementary School

Secondary finalists:

• Michael Dixon-Peabody, Thomas Jefferson High School
• Megan Vance, Harold W. Lang Sr. Middle School
• Johnitta Williams, Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School

Choice/Magnet finalists:

• Asia Charles, Solar Preparatory School for Girls
• Rafael Ibarra, Prestonwood Montessori at E.D. Walker
• Trenton Starks, 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 and eight were named Principal of the Year finalists.

Elementary finalists:

• Sonja Barnes, Jimmie Tyler Brashear Elementary School
• Jacinto Cabrera, Julius Dorsey Leadership Academy
• Marissa Limon, Dan D. Rogers Elementary School

Secondary finalists:

• Willie Johnson, South Oak Cliff High School
• Abram Joseph, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation
• Philip Meaker, Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy

Choice/Magnet finalists:

• Amber Garrett, George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Academy
• Adrian Hernandez, North Lake Early College High School