Region 9 Education Service Center honored outstanding educators at the annual Educator Recognition Ceremony held today. This event celebrated the achievements of exceptional teachers from across the region, recognizing their commitment to excellence in education.

The ceremony highlighted twenty-nine Teacher of the Year nominees from fifteen districts, each representing the best in their profession. Among these esteemed educators, two were awarded the highest honors: Andrea Hollis from Midway ISD was named Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Robyn Little from Burkburnett ISD was named Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Both Hollis and Little will now advance as Region 9’s nominees for the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year program, an honor facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The Texas Teacher of the Year program is the state’s highest recognition for teachers, celebrating those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to their students and communities.

In addition to the Teacher of the Year awards, Dr. Brad Owen, Superintendent of Burkburnett ISD, was recognized as Region 9’s 2024 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Owen is one of eighteen nominees across the state who will advance to the next phase of the competition in August, with the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) selecting five state finalists. The winner will be announced at the TASA/TASB Convention in September. Additionally, Burkburnett ISD’s School Board was recognized as the 

Region 9 ESC extends its gratitude to the sponsors of this event: Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP; Red River Superintendents Association; School Specialty; and Wichita Falls Teachers Federal Credit Union.

For more information about the Texas Teacher of the Year program, visit TASA's website.

Region 9's 2025 Teacher of the Year Nominees:

Elementary Teacher of the Year Nominees

• Bowie ISD – Jill Hughes
• Burkburnett ISD – Brittney Boyd
• City View ISD – Janna Johnson
• Electra ISD – Dea Buchanan
• Graham ISD – Sandra Garcia
• Jacksboro ISD – Rene Williams
• Midway ISD – Andrea Hollis
• Montague ISD – Shannon Ward
• Nocona ISD – Amy Q Fulumana
• Perrin-Whitt CISD – Sharon Francis
• Seymour ISD – Molly Stroebel
• Vernon ISD – TiSierra White
• Wichita Falls ISD – Angela Christian
• Woodson ISD – Kristi Bellah

Secondary Teacher of the Year Nominees

• Bowie ISD – Judy Kirk
• Burkburnett ISD – Robyn Little
• City View ISD – Lori Roberts
• Electra ISD – Ann Callis
• Graham ISD – Sheena Parrilla
• Harrold ISD – Mary Ann Pena
• Jacksboro ISD – Caroline Vaughn
• Midway ISD – Laura Bowers
• Montague ISD – Staley Keck
• Nocona ISD – Tiffany Swofford
• Perrin-Whitt CISD – Sharon Farmer
• Seymour ISD – Kelley Finley
• Vernon ISD – Amy Frank
• Wichita Falls ISD – Jennifer Briscoe
• Woodson ISD – Roni Mills