ESC Region 12 honors teachers of the year
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Education Service Center Region 12 hosted a reception on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 to honor the dedication and achievements of district teacher of the year winners and Region 12 award nominees.
The event also recognized the Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year, Dara Altamirano of Waco ISD, and the Region 12 Secondary Teacher of the Year, Taylor Adame of Waco ISD, a Texas Teacher of the Year finalist.
“We are thankful for this opportunity to recognize the extraordinary educators nominated for Region 12 Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Kenny Berry, Executive Director of ESC Region 12 “These individuals have demonstrated exceptional teaching skills and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment. Their contributions to their schools and communities are invaluable, and we are so grateful to have them in Region 12.”
Out of 77 school districts across the 12-county education service area of Region 12 the Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the year went to Waco ISD teachers.
Dara Altamirano was honored as the 2026 Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year and regional nominee for Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. Altamirano was selected as Waco ISD’s Elementary Teacher of the Year in May and moved forward to the regional level, where she was selected to represent Region 12 by a committee of area educators.
“It is a huge honor, I’m really humbled,” said Dara Altamirano, West Avenue Elementary School teacher. “Really thankful to receive this award tonight and here to represent my community, my school and all of my children.”
Taylor Adame was honored as the 2026 Region 12 Secondary Teacher of the Year and regional nominee for Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Adame was named Waco ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in May and moved forward to the regional level, where she was selected to represent Region 12 by a committee of area educators.
“It’s a humble honor for our school district and Waco High School,” said Taylor Adame. “Anything we can do to bring a positive light to what we are doing makes me my happiest.”
Texas Association of School Administrators(TASA) Teacher of the Year program judges will interview the six finalists on October 16 and will name the 2026 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and 2026 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year on October 17. One of the state-level winners will be designated as the 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year and will move on to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program.
Regional Teacher of the Year Nominees
Elementary:
- Dara Altamirano, Waco ISD - Regional Winner
- Sarah Andrews, Troy ISD
- Amber Bartek, Rogers ISD
- Melissa Beseda, West ISD
- Pamela Blair, Midway ISD
- Caitlin Dunnells, Killeen ISD
- Carla Goddard, Temple ISD
- Deborah Grigsby, Corsicana ISD
- Marie Angelica Guzman, Belton ISD
- Lindsey Hale, Blooming Grove ISD
- Kristin Hardaway, La Vega ISD
- Alexis Meza, Connally ISD
- Kathy Owen, Riesel ISD
- Amanda Royston, Salado ISD
- Natalie Salazar, Robinson ISD
- Magan Vann, Lampasas ISD
Secondary:
- Taylor Adame, Waco ISD - Regional Winner and State Finalist
- Megan Brown, Midway ISD
- Steven Bull, Rogers ISD
- Dejah Bushong, Lampasas ISD
- Veronica Goode, Academy ISD
- Cynthia Guin, Troy ISD
- Amber Harris, Academy ISD
- DeShaun Johnson, Connally ISD
- Jenna Jones, Groesbeck ISD
- Brittany Lessman, Riesel ISD
- Leslie Nolan, Groesbeck ISD
- J’Nata Pass-Walker, Belton ISD
- Veronica Perez, Corsicana ISD
- Karen Pierce, Killeen ISD
- Jennifer Rodriguez, Hillsboro ISD
- Madison Seifert, Copperas Cove ISD
- Aaron Snow, Robinson ISD
- Michael Swift, La Vega ISD
- Blake Sykes, Mildred ISD
- Tabetha Tucker, Hillsboro ISD
- Kim Woodard, West ISD
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