(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Jan. 23, 2026) — Dr. Elisa Aranda, an accomplished principal in El Paso ISD, has been named the 2026 Region 19 TEPSAN of the Year by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA).
Each year, TEPSA members from the state’s 20 regions honor a colleague whose leadership and dedication advance the principalship and support Texas PK–8 students and educators.
“Dr. Aranda embodies the values that drive student success across our district,” said El Paso ISD Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk. “Her unwavering dedication to students, commitment to instructional excellence, and exemplary campus leadership reflect the very best of our district. This recognition honors her leadership and serves as a source of pride for the entire El Paso ISD community.”
Dr. Elisa Aranda has dedicated decades to public education, beginning her career in 2007 as a bilingual teacher. Throughout her journey, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to instructional excellence and student success. As an active learning leader at Moye Elementary, Dr. Aranda supported the development and implementation of data-driven, standards-based, differentiated instruction. She later served as an assistant principal at both Whitaker Elementary and Tom Lea Elementary, before emerging as a transformative campus leader as a principal.
“Educators do not do this work for accolades, we do it out of passion, purpose, and a commitment to service,” said Dr. Aranda. “Serving with TEPSA, and now as President of Region 19, I am truly honored by this recognition. TEPSA has allowed me to grow, collaborate with leaders across the state, and continue learning in ways that benefit public education and our students. This honor has deepened my passion and strengthened my commitment to serving students with intention and heart.”
Dr. Aranda will be formally honored at the Legacy Leaders Celebration on Monday, June 8, at the Round Rock Kalahari.
“We are proud to recognize Elisa’s outstanding contributions to our Association,” said TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart. “Members like Elisa are the backbone of our organization, playing a pivotal role in shaping its direction and ensuring its success. Their active participation and innovative ideas help us build a robust network, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful change within our community.”
TEPSA, whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA has more than 5,900 members who direct the activities of more than 3 million PK-8 school children.