On April 2, Fort Worth ISD named five elementary and five secondary teachers as finalists for the District Teacher of the Year Awards.

During the Campus Teacher of the Year celebration, the finalists received a monetary award sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club. 

Each campus nominates a teacher as its Campus Teacher of the Year, and the candidates complete a rigorous application and a committee decides who advances as a finalist. 

“You are changing lives in ways you could never imagine,” Superintendent Dr. Peter Licata said at the ceremony. “I want you to know that as your students go out in the world and achieve great things — they will remember and thank you. I want you to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you are impacting generations. It’s not just about the lives you change in your classroom, but the far-reaching impact those students will one day have on the world.”

The elementary finalists are:

• Jacqueline Bender is a kindergarten teacher at Woodway Elementary who serves outside of her classroom by volunteering her time with different literacy initiatives on campus and helps with transportation operations. She truly goes above and beyond to set students up for success!

• Alondra De Leon Trejo is a fourth grade dual language teacher at Alice Contreras who is an expert in her content and instruction. Alondra mentors new teachers, willingly collaborates with her colleagues, and fosters a true professional learning community on the campus. Everyone thrives when Ms. Trejo is involved!

• Rachel Flores is the special education inclusion and resource teacher at Westcliff Elementary. Her expertise is sought out as other campus principals ask for her to help train and mentor their special education teachers. Not only do students grow academically with Rachel, but they flourish socially. She is a star!

• Marina (MJ) Mindieta is a third grade bilingual teacher at West Handley Elementary. MJ’s students achieve high standards because of both her excellent teaching and her partnership with families. Her ability to connect the classroom and the home helps foster trust and meaningful connections!

• Luis Ortiz teaches second grade at South Hi Mount Elementary School, and his leadership sets him apart. He successfully organized a community night that had everyone involved and welcome, truly enhancing the community of his campus. His students look up to him and aim to succeed to make him proud!

The secondary finalists are:

• Dawn Bruns teaches economics and honors world history at Paschal High School, but her service extends far beyond her teaching duties. She also serves as content lead, swimming and diving assistant coach, NHS adviser, and sponsor for several clubs. She truly goes above and beyond for the campus community!

• Gina Palladino is the math department chair for TCC South/FWISD Collegiate High School. Her highly advanced instructional skills and knowledge improves the whole campus through her leadership among her peers. She expands student opportunities by working with industry partners.

• Francisco Rodriguez is the band director at Stripling Middle School, where he has worked tirelessly to increase both participation and performance quality. Together, he and his students are raising the bar for band at the middle school level. He leads with initiative and professionalism!

• Kathryn Smith is an ELA teacher at Monnig Middle School and her guidance helps novice teachers excel. She is hard-working and takes time to coach students to succeed — leading a spelling bee student to area champion! Her work with yearbook students is preserving the history of the great campus — she is a stellar leader!

• Katelynn York teaches ELAR and is the lead support teacher for social studies at the Leadership Academy at Leonard Middle School. Not only does she constantly push her students to grow academically, she holds herself to a high standard of growth as well. She is always looking for better ways to teach her students. She embodies the belief that when teachers grow, students grow too! 

The annual FWISD Awards will name the elementary and secondary District Teacher of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Partner of the Year.