(FORT BLISS – May 3, 2024) — El Paso ISD announced its 2023-24 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year along with the top two Educational Support Personnel of the Year during a festive event celebrating the district’s 140-year legacy Friday, May 3 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center at Fort Bliss.
Dora Esquivel, a special education instructor at Coach Archie Duran Elementary School, was crowned the 2023-24 Elementary School teacher of the year and Florangela Calderon, a librarian at H.E. Charles Middle School, was chosen as the Secondary Teacher of the Year.
The winners of the Educational Support Personnel of the Year category include Jesus Rodriguez, the kitchen foreman for Food and Nutrition Services, and Michael Tovar, the campus patrol at Don Haskins PK-8 School.
The celebration honored all 2023-24 campus teachers of the year, campus support personnel of the year and department support personnel of the year – all of whom exemplify El Paso ISD’s legacy of excellence.
Esquivel embodies resilience and dedication. Her teaching philosophy, inspired by her mentors and personal experiences, focuses on fostering progress, compassion, and collaboration in her classroom.
For Calderón, she was inspired to become an educator after immigrating from Nicaragua as a political refugee. Despite battling Stage 4 terminal cancer, Calderón remains dedicated to her students, fostering inclusivity, adaptability, and a love for learning in her library.
Rodriguez has served El Paso ISD for more than 30 years. He has also served as a role model to his employees and will step into any role to help his team.
Tovar has made a big impact at his campus during his three years with El Paso ISD. He has gone above and beyond his duties to always make sure the campus is looking its best. From mopping floors, counseling children, tying students’ shoelaces, and recovering lost items, Tovar has shown that he is not afraid to step into any role.
The other finalists honored at the gala were:
Teacher of the Year Finalists
• Isela Lopez, Cielo Vista Elementary School
• Lisa K. Gailey, Mesita Elementary School
• Beatriz Palomino, Hart Elementary School
• Jayne Chapman, Irvin High School
• Frank Hernandez, Franklin High School
• Rashad Pritchett, Andress High School
• Abraham Monteros, Bowie High School
Educational Support Personnel Finalists
• Eduardo Parra, Charles Middle School
• Diana Calhoun, Coronado High School
• Fritz Aguon, Lamar Elementary School
• Irma Marquez, Logan Elementary School
• Stephanie Cortez, Magoffin Middle School
• Mario Contreras, Maintenance
• Frank Perez Jr., Maintenance
• Alma Guzman, Richardson Middle School
