Pasadena Independent School District highlighted excellence in education at its annual Teacher of the Year Luncheon, recognizing the district’s top educators for their commitment to student success and classroom leadership.

Held at Phillips Gym, the event brought together educators and district staff from across Pasadena ISD under this year’s theme, Mission Possible: Excellence, Opportunity, and Experience. The luncheon served as an opportunity to highlight the impact teachers have across elementary, intermediate, middle, and high school campuses.

Hosted by Superintendent Dr. Toni Lopez, along with the Board of Trustees and associate superintendents for campus development, the celebration honored individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and service in education.

The Teacher of the Year selection process recognizes educators who go above and beyond in fostering student achievement and maintaining a strong commitment to the profession. Each campus nominates an honoree that represents a continued dedication to excellence inside and outside the classroom.

The 2026 Pasadena ISD Teachers of the Year are:

• Elementary New Teacher of the Year: Maria Castaneda, Teague Elementary School
• Middle School New Teacher of the Year: Courtney Whiteman, Roberts Middle School
• Intermediate New Teacher of the Year: Candy Campos, V.W. Miller Intermediate
• High School New Teacher of the Year: Kaitlin Crews, Career & Technical High School
• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Janet Rodriguez, Golden Acres Elementary School
• Secondary Teacher of the Year: Bob Daugherty, Dobie High School

Other Professionals of the Year include: 

• Evaluator of the Year: Karla Kloesel
• Speech-Language Pathologist of the Year: Blanco Escobar 
• Related Service Provider of the Year: Elizabeth Roberts
• Bilingual Teacher of the Year: Yvonne Galvan
• Elementary ESL Teacher of the Year: Isaiah Lopez 
• Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year: Virginia DeLeon 
• Healthcare Provider of the Year: Maria Prado
• Elementary Librarian of the Year: Stephanie Peterson 
• Secondary Librarian of the Year: Yvonne Russell

Each honoree received recognition during the ceremony, along with awards and prizes provided by district sponsors in appreciation of their contributions.

Pasadena ISD also recognized the community partners who helped make the annual celebration possible, including Auto Bayway Houston, Bayway Lincoln, the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation, the Serrano Insurance Agency and Sintia Solis Law Firm.