Teacher of the year

(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — March 9, 2026) — They are the mentors who spark curiosity in the classroom, the support staff who ensure our campuses run like clockwork, and the innovators who go above and beyond to see every student succeed.

Today, El Paso ISD is proud to pull back the curtain and announce the 2025-26 Finalists for Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Educational Support Personnel (ESP) of the Year. Being named a finalist is one of the highest honors in the district. Each individual was selected through a rigorous campus-level process, recognized by their peers for their leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the El Paso ISD mission.

"These twenty individuals represent the very best of our district," said Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk. "They are more than just staff members; they are the architects of our students' futures. From the classrooms of Crockett to the custodial teams at Hart, these finalists prove that excellence has no boundaries in El Paso ISD."

The anticipation will continue to build as we head toward the district’s premier event of the year. The winners in both categories will be revealed during a high-energy, districtwide celebration on Thursday, May 14, 2026. This event serves as a "thank you" to the educators and support staff who serve as the backbone of our community.

2025-26 Teacher of the Year Finalists

These educators have been recognized for their transformative impact on student learning and their ability to inspire the next generation.

Finalists

Campus

Cynthia Guerra

Bliss Elementary School

Sergio Blanco

Crockett Elementary School

Cynthia Mora-Diaz

Guerrero Elementary School

Ramon Rosales

Lundy Elementary School

Liliana Gaytan-Pinedo

Sunrise Mountain Elementary School

Ruby Bullington

Charles Middle School

Yvette Ramos

Navarrete Middle School

Shannon Clark

Hartley PK-8

Alonzo Vega

El Paso High School

John Matthews

Jefferson Silva High School

2025-26 Educational Support Personnel (ESP) Finalists

From the front office to our custodial teams, these individuals are essential to the daily success of our schools.

Finalist

Campus/Department

Sergio Lopez

Hart Elementary School

Maria Chico

Tom Lea Elementary School

Lisa Guzman

Western Hills Elementary School

Indira Lopez

Zach White Elementary School

Meghan Burford

Murphree PK-8

Charity Smith

Andress High School

Erika Almaguer

Burges High School

Guadalupe Sanchez

CCTA

Veronica Renteria

Custodial Services

Luis Morales

School Resources

Congratulations to all our finalists! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students every single day.