Teachers of the Year 2027
San Benito Schools is proud to announce the 2026-2027 TASA Elementary and Secondary Campus Teachers of the Year. The campus teachers are selected by their peers and will reign during the 2026-2027 school year.
The Teacher of the Year awards are recognized through a selection process conducted in accordance with the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) criteria, which commences at the campus level. Subsequently, the honorees are chosen at the district level, then at the Region One ESC level, the TASA state level, and ultimately at the national teacher of the year competition.
The selection criteria at all levels are based on innovative teaching skills, content knowledge, motivational skills, and creativity in delivering instruction.
In the coming months, the San Benito Communications Department will launch its acclaimed Teacher of the Year campaign, featuring photo sessions, a biographical video, and a digital magazine showcasing each campus teacher across social media platforms.
In May 2026, during National Teacher Appreciation Week, a recognition ceremony and dinner will be held to honor each educator, with all media promotions being publicly shared.
Finally, as tradition, the San Benito Schools Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year will be announced during the End of Year Employee Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 22nd.
Congratulations to all our Campus Teachers of the Year!
You represent the Gold Standard in Teaching at San Benito Schools.
Elementary Campus Teachers of the Year
Angela G. Leal Elementary – Cynthia Gonzalez
Dr. C. M. Cash Elementary – Alyssa C. Gonzales
Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. STEAM Academy – Arlet Valdez
Ed Downs Fine Arts Academy – Alexa Martinez
Frank Roberts Elementary – Veronica Rodriguez
Fred Booth Global Leadership Academy Elementary – Laurie Guajardo
Judge Oscar de la Fuente Elementary – Concepcion Herrera-Paz
La Encantada Elementary – Jose Tafolla
La Paloma Elementary – Elena Sosa
Rangerville Elementary – Karla Montes
Sullivan Environmental Science Academy – Belinda Salinas
Secondary Teachers of the Year
Berta Cabaza Middle School – Ben Valle
Collegiate Academy – Jennifer Olvera
Miller Jordan Middle School – Ana Lorelly Gonzalez
Riverside Middle School – Roxann Hurtado
Darrell Hester Center – Tiburcio Canas
Veterans Memorial Academy – Wynona L. Garza
San Benito High School – Debra Garcia