Mesquite ISD

Vanston Middle School 6th grade RLA teacher Elena Jimenez has spent all seven years of her teaching career in Mesquite ISD. Before joining the Vanston team, she also taught at Wilkinson Middle School. Although her mother was an educator, Jimenez did not always envision herself in the classroom. Over time, her college experiences revealed a passion for teaching and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She found that education offered the perfect opportunity to both support and inspire students in lasting ways.

In her classroom, Jimenez prioritizes the whole child. She understands that students can often feel overwhelmed by grades, assignments, and the pressures of school, and she intentionally creates an environment that reminds them of their worth and potential beyond those measures. The moments she values most are those when students begin to see their own capabilities and confidence grow. Her dedication earned her the honor of Campus Teacher of the Year in 2021.

“What truly sets Elena apart is her unwavering commitment to her students long after they leave her classroom,” said Vanston Middle School Principal Melissa Smith. “Though she teaches 6th grade, her support does not end in May. She shows up to games, concerts, and other special events, continuing to cheer her students on all the way through graduation. That kind of dedication reflects a deep belief in public education and a heartfelt investment in the lives of children.”

Learn More About Ms. Jimenez here

6th-8th grade RLA MTI teacher KeAngela Police-Stephenson has 17 years of teaching experience, all of which have been dedicated to serving students at Berry Middle School. Throughout her career, Police-Stephenson has focused on creating interactive and engaging learning experiences, especially for students who face challenges in reading. Understanding that skills like inferencing can be difficult, she designs lessons that make abstract concepts more accessible and meaningful.

One example is her implementation of a “Who Dunnit?” activity to teach inferencing. In this lesson, students analyze clues, character statements, and short passages to determine who committed a fictional “crime.” Working collaboratively, students discuss their thinking, eliminate suspects, and justify their conclusions using evidence. This approach makes learning both engaging and concrete, increasing student participation while strengthening their ability to use evidence-based reasoning. 

Her commitment to student success and excellence in the classroom earned her the distinction of Campus Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 school year.

“Mrs. KeAngela Police-Stephenson is one of the most impactful educators on our campus and exemplifies the dedication, leadership, and compassion that define the best of Mesquite ISD,” says Berry Middle School Principal Terry Riley. “She has developed into an expert special education teacher who consistently advocates for students and supports her colleagues.”

Learn More About Mrs. Police-Stephenson here

Jennifer Miller has dedicated her entire 27-year teaching career to Mesquite ISD. She currently serves as a 7th grade science and 8th grade AVID teacher at Kimbrough Middle School, where she also supports students and staff as an AVID campus leader. Miller has earned several recognitions throughout her career, including the ETIP Classroom Scholar distinction, and she also serves as the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) sponsor. Over the years, she has taught at several Mesquite ISD campuses including Tosch, Moss, Gentry, Kimball and Range Elementary Schools.

A Mesquite High School graduate, Miller says her passion for teaching began early in life. “I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember,” Miller said. As a child, she often played school in her bedroom, an experience that eventually grew into what she describes as a lifelong calling to help students grow into confident and capable learners.

Looking ahead, Miller hopes to continue growing as both an educator and a leader. She is passionate about mentoring fellow teachers and strengthening opportunities that help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

“Mrs. Miller is exceptionally deserving of this honor because she consistently exemplifies our campus vision of Be the Best through both her instructional practice and leadership beyond the classroom,” said Kimbrough Middle School Principal Lacy Starnes.

Learn more about Ms. Miller here. 

Joseline Pita has spent all four years of her teaching career in Mesquite ISD. She currently serves as a social studies teacher at Dr. Vroonland Vanguard High School, where she has earned several recognitions including the First Class Teacher Award in 2022, ETIP Classroom Scholar distinction, October 2025 Teacher of the Month, and being selected as a Mesquite ISD History Cadre member.

For Pita, the desire to teach began long before she entered the profession. Inspired by the educators who encouraged and believed in her, she knew she wanted to create the same impact for future generations. “The classroom holds infinite opportunities for growth and success,” Pita says. “Since middle school I have dreamed of supporting students and helping them reach their full potential. I was inspired by educators who poured their passion and encouragement into me, allowing me to see what’s possible and motivating me to do the same for others.”

Pita hopes the legacy she leaves behind is one that encourages curiosity and a love for learning. She strives to inspire students to stay curious, explore new ideas and challenge themselves long after they leave her classroom.

“Mrs. Pita is the quintessential ‘homegrown’ success story of Vanguard,” says Dr. Vroonland Vanguard High School Principal Clint Elsasser. “Her merit lies in the fact that she has been an architect of the school's culture since its inception, transitioning from one of the campus’s first teachers to a cornerstone of the faculty. She has seen the school through its entire evolution and is the definitive exemplar of the Vanguard spirit.”

Learn more about Ms. Pita here.

Horn High School graduate Destiney Diaz has spent her entire 5-year teaching career in Mesquite ISD. She currently serves as a 1st grade teacher at Gray Elementary School where she was most recently selected as their 2026 Campus Teacher of the Year. For Diaz, her desire to teach was birthed from a very personal experience. After witnessing the struggles of a family member who faced literacy challenges, she realized she wanted to help students who faced similar obstacles. “I want to help students build skills and confidence needed to succeed in and out of school,” Diaz adds. 
“Ms. Diaz cares for each student including what their strengths, areas of growth, and personal interests are,” says Gray Elementary School Principal Alyce Quesenberry. “She designs specific incentives and goals to ensure all students are successful.”

Learn more about Ms. Diaz here

McDonald Middle School 6th and 7th grade math teacher Emily Guest-Turner has spent her entire 12-year teaching career in Mesquite ISD. A proud graduate of North Mesquite High School, Guest-Turner was first introduced to the profession after graduating from Texas A&M University in 2009. While job hunting, she served as a substitute teacher, and quickly discovered this was her true calling. “I learned that I loved being in the classroom as an educator and seeing students discover new learning each day,” adds Guest-Turner. She currently has no plans to leave the classroom anytime soon, as she says her heart is in education. Some of her notable achievements include being named a 2013 First Class Teacher and 2022 Campus Teacher of the Year. 

“Mrs. Turner is deserving of this honor because she consistently elevates both student learning and staff culture at McDonald. As a 6th and 7th grade math teacher, PLC lead, and 6th grade team lead, she excels not only in her classroom, but in supporting the success of entire teams,” says McDonald Middle School Principal Dr. Tenesha Austin-Jackson.

Learn more about Ms. Guest-Turner here

MISD alum Kimberly Mormon has spent her entire 23-year teaching career in Mesquite ISD. A 1st grade teacher, she has shared her passion for learning with students at Galloway and Florence Elementary Schools before joining the Thompson Tiger family. “I have always enjoyed working with children,” she says. “Being a part of their future warms my heart.” Mormon says she enjoys seeing her students learn and grow over the years, and she hopes to be remembered as someone who gave her all to her students. 

“Mrs. Mormon is an integral member of PLCs (Professional Learning Communities) to support student learning. She leads by example and brings forward multiple strategies to encourage her teammates and students,” says Thompson Elementary School Principal Stacy Bennett. “She consistently embodies positivity and professionalism on our campus.”

Learn more about Mrs. Mormon here

Agnew Middle School Special Education Dyslexia teacher Kristi McCall has 11 years of teaching experience with 8 of those spent educating students in Mesquite ISD. Prior to joining the staff at Agnew, she also taught at Henrie Elementary School. Throughout her career, she has combined her passions for learning, creativity, and mentorship while contributing to the future in a meaningful way. McCall incorporates innovative strategies in her lessons to keep students engaged and meeting their goals, a practice that earned her the Trojan Shield Award on campus which recognizes staff who demonstrate grit, perseverance, and a positive example in and out of the classroom. 

“Evidence of Kristi’s teaching proficiency is seen in the consistent growth of her students’ reading levels and confidence. Many of her students make significant progress in decoding and comprehension, often meeting or exceeding their goals by year’s end,” says Agnew Middle School Principal Bret Peterson.

Learn more about Ms. McCall here

5th grade teacher Haley Thompson has dedicated 10 years of service to students and families at Price Elementary School. For Thompson, the heart of teaching lies in the relationships she builds with her students. She says the sense of community in her classroom is something she treasures, and the bonds they form are what make her work so meaningful. Some of Thompson’s most memorable moments are when former students return to visit or invite her to celebrate important milestones in their lives. Additionally, she was named Price Teacher of the Year in 2023 and participated in the Mesquite Leadership Academy in 2022. 

“Ms. Thompson exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her role and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success, maintaining a classroom where every child feels supported, challenged, and valued,” says Price Elementary School Principal Gabriel Luna.

Learn more about Ms. Thompson here

Mrs. Mayra Pratz is a Spanish teacher at Poteet High School with 12 years of teaching experience, all proudly dedicated to Poteet High School. Her journey in Mesquite ISD is a powerful testament to perseverance. She first joined the district in 2000 as a food service employee before deciding to return to school and earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Pratz says she has always aspired to make a meaningful impact in the community while representing her culture with pride. Her commitment to students and her campus has earned her numerous recognitions, including being named Poteet Teacher of the Year in 2025 and 2021, Teacher of the Month in 2018, and a Campus Scholar in MISD’s ETIP program.

“Mrs. Pratz routinely arrives early and stays late to tutor and mentor students. When she notices a student in need, she provides snacks, supplies, or quiet encouragement to remove barriers to learning,” says Poteet High School Principal Dr. Kelly Long.

Learn More About Mrs. Pratz

Shandra Holland is a 7th & 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Mesquite Academy with 22 years of teaching experience - 21 of those spent in MISD. Throughout her career, she has prided herself on leading with the philosophy that every student can learn. “I’m always trying to find the best pathway for students to learn. Whether researching new resources and strategies - my goal is to grow with my students,” she says. During her time in MISD, Holland has received various recognitions, including Teacher of the Month, and MISD Core Value Awards for Cultivating Culture and Continuous Learning. 

Mesquite Academy Principal Terrance Williams says Ms. Holland consistently exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her work. “Her commitment extends beyond academics,” he says. “She founded and leads a club on campus that promotes confidence, leadership, and service - often recognizing and uplifting campus staff who might otherwise go unnoticed.” 

Learn more about Ms. Holland here

Motley Elementary School Special Education teacher Wendi Swaner has spent the last 33 years educating students, with 25 of those years dedicated to serving students in MISD. Swaner leads with innovation by utilizing her students’ strengths and interests to motivate them to do tasks they might otherwise find challenging. “I set high expectations for both behavior and academics, and I consistently hold my students accountable because I know they can do anything,” says Swaner. 

“Mrs. Swaner arrives early every morning and is the first one to greet students and families,” says Motley Principal Dr. Shawna DeLamar. “I can always depend on her to support her students’ needs and to help wherever needed on campus.”

Learn more about Mrs. Swaner here

Anamaria Avila is a 5th grade bilingual teacher at Tisinger Elementary School with 10 years of experience, all in MISD. Avila has a deep connection to the MISD community and her students, as she is a graduate of North Mesquite High School. “Having grown up in Mesquite, I’m able to closely relate to the students in my classroom,” she says. “Everytime I create a lesson, I try to be intentional to reach all of my students and create a love for learning.” 

Tisinger Elementary Principal Angie Campanello admires Avila’s dedication to her students and the campus. “Ms. Avila embodies a relentless commitment to student success, professional growth and educational excellence. She actively seeks out learning opportunities to implement new strategies and shares her findings with colleagues,” says Campanello.

Learn more about Ms. Avila here. 

Hodges Elementary School kindergarten teacher Brooke Padachy began teaching in 2004, and has spent her entire career in MISD. Padachy’s story is a testament to the influence teachers have on their students. “I decided to become an educator due to the relationship I had with my first grade teacher. I was inspired by the way she made learning fun, helped me grow and the potential she saw in me,” she says. Padachy took those lessons and applied them to her students in MISD, earning the title of Teacher of the Year in 2017. 

“Brooke consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students’ success - exceeding expectations through her dedication and instructional excellence,” says Hodges Elementary Principal Selena Bastidas. “Her passion for education, adaptability and student-centered approach set her apart as an outstanding educator.”

Learn more about Ms. Padachy here. 

Jennifer Schumann is a 6th grade RLA teacher at Wilkinson Middle School with 14 years of teaching experience - 10 of those spent in MISD. Schumann says teaching has always been her calling, “As a child, I had many ideas about what I wanted to be when I grew up. Teaching was ever constant on my list, and I chose education to make a difference in the lives of young people.” Her dedication to that mission earned her the title of Teacher of the Year for WMS in 2020.

Wilkinson Middle School Principal DeMark’o Grant credits Schumann for her unwavering dedication to students and staff. “She not only works tirelessly in her classroom, but also advocates for students across the campus,” he says. “She is the most deserving educator for this honor.”

Learn more about Ms. Schumann here. 

MISD alum Brenda Travis is a 5th grade Bilingual Math and Science teacher at Rutherford Elementary School with 11 years of teaching experience, all in MISD. One thing Travis says she loves most about teaching is building relationships with students. “I feel passionate about letting students know that someone cares about them,” she says. Her passion has afforded her various recognitions, including earning the TEPSA Student Leadership Award and being named a STAR Teacher for displaying great leadership qualities on campus. 

“Mrs. Travis has been a leader since her arrival at this school 5 years ago. Not only is she a PLC Facilitator, but she’s also a leader in our school culture,” says Rutherford Elementary School Principal Casondra Wilburn.

Learn more about Mrs. Travis here.