Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalists
Narocka Bolden, Lakeland Elementary (Fifth Grade)
Narocka Bolden is a passionate reading and writing teacher who believes that relationships are the foundation of all meaningful learning. In her classroom, students are not just learners—they are seen, heard, and valued. She intentionally builds a community where students feel safe to take risks, share their voices, and grow into confident readers, writers, and individuals. As a first-generation college graduate who grew up in the inner city, her journey fuels her purpose. Narocka understands what it means to overcome obstacles, and she carries that understanding into her classroom every day, ensuring her students know their stories matter. Her instruction is rooted in connection and authenticity. Through small group instruction, differentiated support, and meaningful writing opportunities, she meets students where they are. A cornerstone of her teaching is guiding students in developing personal narratives that reflect who they are. Throughout the year, students revisit and refine their stories, learning that their voices have power and deserve to be heard. This year, her strength was tested as her husband was in and out of the hospital. Still, she showed up each day with unwavering dedication, modeling resilience and grace for her students. As a team lead, she mentors new teachers and supports her team with care and intention, helping plan grade-level experiences that build both academic success and community. She lives by the belief: “When relationships come first, learning follows, and students thrive in every way.”
Anita McKeague, Elm Grove Elementary (Fourth Grade RELA)
For Anita McKeague, great teaching begins with love: love for students, their stories, and the unique gifts each child brings into the classroom. As a fourth-grade reading and writing teacher at Elm Grove Elementary, she is passionate about helping students feel valued, capable, and seen. Anita’s philosophy centers on building strong relationships and helping each student use their strengths to grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Known for designing engaging, real-world learning experiences, Anita creates opportunities for students to connect learning to their interests and the world around them. She has implemented innovative projects such as using Minecraft to build historical settings, while strengthening collaboration and problem-solving skills. Throughout her career, Anita has embraced challenges as opportunities to grow. When traditional approaches did not fully engage every learner, she began developing hands-on lessons that tap into creativity, curiosity, and student voice. By focusing on each student’s strengths, she helps learners build confidence and perseverance both academically and personally. Beyond the classroom, Anita serves as the campus PTA Liaison, strengthening the connection between families and the school. She has also led staff development sessions focused on designing engaging lessons that support student success. Anita believes that when students feel known and supported, they are empowered to discover their potential and pursue their goals with confidence. As Anita often reminds herself and others, “Love what you teach, but love WHO you teach more.”
Lindsey Munn, Shadow Forest Elementary (Second Grade Math and Science)
Lindsey Munn, a spunky and energetic Shadow Forest Elementary second-grade Math and Science teacher, begins each day with a big smile and a cheerful good morning, setting the tone for a classroom built on curiosity, connection, and joyful learning. She challenges her students daily to think beyond the surface and make connections that help solve real-world problems both inside and outside the classroom. Lindsey enjoys bringing adventure into the traditional classroom by diving into hands-on experiences—even if it means getting a little dirty—to engage her students more deeply. She encourages them to design, test, create, and revise models that demonstrate the concepts they have learned. Her students have created structurally sound buildings, ramps, erosion models, sound devices, and elaborate ecosystems, just to name a few. She also promotes responsibility by creating classroom jobs that allow students to take ownership and thrive. Every day, Lindsey’s students are encouraged to share, respect one another, and problem-solve through daily community circle time and beyond. She uses the Great 8 skills to help guide her students in becoming successful and responsible individuals. Lindsey is currently hosting a full-year Stephen F. Austin resident teacher. Through this mentoring program, she guides, inspires, and demonstrates to future educators how everyday classroom moments can build meaningful relationships and strong foundations that lead to so much more. “Action and adaptability create opportunity.” ―Garrison Wynn
Monica Suastes, Humble Elementary (Second Grade Dual-Language)
Monica Suastes, an alumna of Humble ISD and a former student at Humble Elementary, has returned as a second-grade dual language teacher. She enjoys making her lessons engaging and relevant to real-life situations. One of her favorite activities is "Market Day," which integrates social studies, math, and writing standards. During this lesson, students become producers by creating items like slime, jewelry, and fruit salad. They apply their understanding of coins and values to shop in other classrooms, acting as consumers in the market. The class had the privilege of collaborating with the Mosaic program to observe products being made for the Humble ISD spirit store. Working at a Title One school, Monica is committed to providing opportunities that her students might not otherwise have. She is dedicated to making lessons dynamic, connecting them to real-world contexts, and incorporating cultural elements into her classroom. Monica takes pride in reminding her students of their unique abilities—not only are they bilingual, but they are also biliterate and bicultural. “To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.”
Marina Tiscareno, Oak Forest Elementary (First Grade)
As a dedicated first-grade teacher, Marina is deeply passionate about her students and works hard to encourage her community to be both bilingual and bicultural. She understands the challenges of living in a new country, missing family and familiar places. One of her greatest challenges was leaving her career as a dentist in Mexico and moving to Houston 20 years ago. While adapting to a new culture and raising her two children, she volunteered at their elementary schools, where she discovered her passion for education. Marina has mentored several UHD student teachers, sharing her knowledge while also learning from them. She has built strong relationships with her students and colleagues. Her teaching philosophy centers on giving students confidence and respect, empowering them to take ownership of their learning. She reminds her students that to improve, they must set goals, work hard, stay curious, and show grit. Working in a Title I school, Marina believes it is essential for students to have access to extracurricular opportunities. She founded and leads the Falcons Runners Club, working with first and second-grade students. This experience has helped her see students in new ways as they build stamina and perseverance. Watching them proudly receive medals at the end of each run is incredibly rewarding. Marina also values building relationships with families from diverse backgrounds. Recently, she began a new role as an RTI Bilingual teacher at Oak Forest Elementary, where she is excited to support students needing specialized intervention while continuing to build meaningful connections.
Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists
Jillian Elolf, Kingwood Middle School (Eight Grade U.S. History)
Jillian Elolf, an 8th Grade U.S. History teacher at Kingwood Middle School, dedicates her career to helping every student grow to their full potential. She believes that her job is not simply to teach content, but to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to climb higher as thinkers, problem solvers, and active citizens. In her classroom, students are not passive listeners; they do history. Through her “Department of Historical Investigations” and other immersive simulations, students take on the role of historians, investigators, and even judges. Students analyze primary sources, debate ideas, and uncover the past. Her classroom is a place where every student – regardless of background, ability, or starting point – finds a voice and a role. Her impact reaches far beyond her own four walls. She builds opportunities for connection and support, from leading student clubs to contributing to district curriculum and mentoring colleagues. She is known for building relationships that ensure every student feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they ever imagined. Jillian’s work is grounded in the simple, but powerful belief: every student can achieve at high levels when given the right support and the right opportunities to climb. She lives this belief daily, offering her students not just knowledge, but a ladder – one she helps them climb rung by rung. “All kids can reach great heights; some just need us to provide the ladder.”
Evan Farmer, Kingwood Park High School Orchestra Director
Over the last four years that Evan has been the orchestra director at Kingwood Park, his students have received multiple awards for their performances and have continuously partnered with the other KPark fine arts programs to produce spectacular concerts. However, the most special aspect of the KPark Orchestra program is the culture that has been created by the students under his leadership. The first and most important project of each summer is deciding on the theme for the next school year. When Mr. Farmer first met with the KPark Orchestra officers in 2022, the conversations were focused on creating a place where students wanted to be. Whether it was during lunch, before and after school, or simply a class they chose, the orchestra program needed to become a place where students also felt connected. From those concepts, the ideas of “Home” and “Family” were born. Evan has worked tirelessly with his students to create an atmosphere of belonging for each individual. He believes that when a person feels safe, they can be creative. As students become stronger risk-takers, they become better performers without fear of being judged, and their confidence grows because they know they belong. Creating that space is what separates good teachers from great teachers. Good teachers can teach their content, but great teachers find a way to teach the kids who need a place to connect. They figure out a way to bring those students into their family so they can have a home.
Rebecca Shephard, Creekwood Middle School (Sixth Grade Science)
Rebecca Shepherd, a 6th grade science teacher at Creekwood Middle School, is driven by her belief in igniting curiosity in her students. In her classroom, students are not passive learners—they are scientists actively exploring, questioning, and discovering. She believes that when curiosity is ignited, learning extends far beyond the classroom, empowering students to build confidence, think critically, and see themselves as capable problem-solvers. Recognizing a decline in curiosity in today’s fast-paced, screen-driven world, she intentionally designs hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that ensure every student is engaged and contributing. Her classroom is a dynamic environment filled with movement, collaboration, and academic discourse, where students experience science rather than simply learn it. Mrs. Shepherd also played a key role in establishing a National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) chapter at Creekwood in 2025, mentoring former science students into future leaders who now serve their school and community through meaningful service projects. Beyond the classroom and her role as NJHS co-sponsor, Mrs. Shepherd serves as a mentor to first-year teachers at CMS, as well as a Girl Scout troop leader, church educator, and coordinator for a ministry supporting at-risk families, reflecting her deep commitment to service. Mrs. Shepherd ensures every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success, fostering both academic achievement and personal growth. Through collaboration and mentorship, she contributes to a culture of excellence within her school. As she believes, “Curiosity grows when students are given the space to explore, the freedom to question, and the confidence to try.”
Champale Thomas, Summer Creek High School (Ninth Grade English)
Champale Thomas is a 9th Grade English I teacher and the assistant volleyball and basketball at Summer Creek High School who is passionate about developing critical thinkers and productive members of society. She believes that every child has the potential to succeed, and her purpose as an educator has always been to help students reach their fullest potential both academically and personally. Thomas helped coach the Lady Bulldogs to back-back State Championships as well as winning District Champs in both volleyball and basketball in previous years. Thomas makes her lessons engaging and relevant by connecting literature and writing to everyday life. She creates an environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and ultimately achieve greatness. By setting high standards and equipping students with the tools and skills needed to meet them, she inspires students to strive for excellence. In addition to her classroom impact, Thomas has demonstrated leadership by serving as the co-lead for the English I team and as a member of the Campus Instructional Leadership Team. She also spearheaded an initiative to improve SPED documentation to better serve students with diverse learning needs. Beyond academics, she actively builds relationships with students by supporting and engaging with them in activities and events outside of the classroom. Balancing her roles as a mother, coach, and teacher has required perseverance and dedication, but it has strengthened her commitment to ensuring that her passion and purpose always align with doing what is best for students. Champale Thomas lives by the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” She believes it is her mission to equip students with the tools they need to become the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.
Ashley Williams, Humble Middle School (Sixth Grade Math)
Ashley Williams, a 6th grade math teacher and coach at Humble Middle School, is driven by a passion for empowering students to build confidence and persevere. She believes every student can grow when given support and encouragement, and she fosters a classroom where mistakes are celebrated as opportunities to learn. Williams makes math engaging through hands-on, real-world applications. She leads collaborative problem solving and student-driven discussions that ensure every learner has a voice and a chance to succeed. As a coach, she extends these lessons beyond the classroom, helping students develop teamwork, accountability, and resilience while applying critical thinking in authentic ways. Her journey as an educator has been shaped by profound challenges. Just weeks before state testing, she unexpectedly lost her mother. Even in the midst of grief, Williams remained present for her students, modeling strength and perseverance. This experience deepened her empathy and reinforced her commitment to supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Williams actively connects students to the broader school community through mentorship, collaboration with colleagues, and family engagement. She serves as a campus leader, sharing innovative strategies and inspiring fellow educators to create impactful learning experiences. Through her dedication, students grow not only in mathematical skills but also in confidence, character, and resilience. Williams lives by the belief: “Growth happens when you push past what you think you can do and realize what you’re truly capable of.”
