We are happy to announce SBISD’s 2026 Teacher of the Year finalists!
Our campus Teachers of the Year have now advanced in their journey, and we are #SBISDProud to announce that three elementary and three secondary finalists have been selected for SBISD’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.
These outstanding educators have completed the application process and interviews, demonstrating excellence in the classroom and a deep commitment to our students and community.
The next step: two exceptional educators will be named SBISD’s 2026 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.
Elementary finalists
Meadow Wood Elementary - Amber Mlcak
Spring Branch Academic Institute - Teresa Dolan
Spring Branch Elementary - Dunia Camperos Diaz
Secondary finalists
Northbrook High - Pablo Victor
Spring Forest Middle - Ami Rapp
Spring Woods Middle - Zachary Zeringue
Once named, they will:
Advance to regional competition, with the opportunity to compete at the state and national levels
Receive a Golden Apple trophy
Earn a cash prize funded by First Community Credit Union & Sterling McCall Group
Be recognized through additional district honors and celebrations
Since 2018, SBISD has proudly celebrated four regional Teacher of the Year finalists and a Region IV Teacher of the Year—a reflection of the excellence across our classrooms.
Good luck to our finalists.
2026 Campus Teachers of the Year
This year, campus staff, students, parents, and community members poured their appreciation into nominations—submitting 3,217 heartfelt nominations. In total, 1,110 individual SBISD educators were nominated for this prestigious recognition, showcasing the impact our teachers have across the district and our community.
Academy of Choice | Demetris Edwards |
Bear Blvd | Vicente Hernandez |
Bendwood | Violeta Ortega |
Buffalo Creek | Narda Terrones |
Bunker Hill | Lauren Nye |
Cedar Brook | Maricela Olivarez |
Cornerstone | Jamaal Bolden |
DAEP | Tammy Claeson |
Edgewood | Rosio De La Rosa |
Frostwood | Brittany Herrington |
Guthrie | Fuad Loutfi |
Hollibrook | Danielle Gebara |
Housman | Sophia De Luna |
Hunters Creek | Kaleigh Stallings |
Landrum | Nicole Hernandez |
Lion Lane | Jacqueline Eovaldi |
Meadow Wood | Amber Mlcak |
Memorial Drive | Elise Cooper |
Memorial High | Brian Reppart |
Memorial Middle | Kristina King |
Northbrook High | Pablo Victor |
Northbrook Middle | Jorge Dominguez |
Nottingham | Claire Aitken |
Pine Shadows | Nancy Tenorio |
Ridgecrest | Cindy Davalos |
Rummel Creek | Abigail Lynch |
Shadow Oaks | Joshue Ventura Rocha |
Sherwood | Linda Savcic |
Spring Branch Academic Inst. | Teresa Dolan |
Spring Branch Elm. | Dunia Camperos Diaz |
Spring Branch Middle | Lashunda Chase |
Spring Forest | Ami Rapp |
Spring Oaks | Beatrice Chase |
Spring Woods High | Azalea Giles |
Spring Woods Middle | Zachary Zeringue |
Stratford | Courtney Carter |
Terrace | Michael Cannon |
Thornwood | Ashley Acosta |
Tiger Trail | Lauren Briones |
Valley Oaks | Brittany Specht |
Westchester | Jennifer Wismer |
Westwood | Jennifer Carney |
Wilchester | Ami Adwaney |
Wildcat Way | Olivia Figueroa |
Woodview | Jaishelle White |
Special Education | Gloria Elias |
So, what makes a Teacher of the Year? These extraordinary educators:
❤️ Model SBISD’s Core Values
đź“š Are dedicated, knowledgeable, effective, and skilled
🌟 Earn the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues
🏆 Demonstrate outstanding leadership and excellence
🎓 Support T-2-4 and show a commitment to SBISD’s beliefs
✨ Inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn
🏫 Play an active role in their school and the larger community