On July 30, 2025, Region 9 Education Service Center proudly hosted its annual Educator Recognition Ceremony to celebrate excellence in teaching and educational leadership. The event, held at the Region 9 ESC campus, brought together educators, administrators, and community members to recognize 31 exceptional teachers from 16 school districts across the region.

Each Teacher of the Year nominee was honored for their dedication, innovation, and impact in the classroom. During the ceremony, Region 9 announced the winners of the 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year:

• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Cherron Johnson, I.C. Evans Elementary, Burkburnett ISD
• Secondary Teacher of the Year: Josh Tiller, Midway ISD

These distinguished educators will go on to represent Region 9 in the 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year program, facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). The state-level winners will be announced on October 17, 2025. For more information on the program, visit TASA’s website.

In addition to the teacher recognitions, Region 9 also honored Mr. Colin Howeth, Superintendent of Knox City-O’Brien CISD, as the 2025 Region 9 Superintendent of the Year. Mr. Howeth will advance to the statewide selection process hosted by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) this August.

Region 9 ESC extends sincere appreciation to the sponsors who made this celebration possible: Coryell Roofing, Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, Red River Superintendents Association, School Specialty, and Wichita Falls Teachers Federal Credit Union.

Congratulations to all the nominees and honorees for their unwavering commitment to education in Region 9.