Fort Worth ISD News

Fort Worth ISD continued its tradition of celebrating excellence in the classroom by honoring a Campus Teacher of the Year for each school in the district.

Teachers from every campus in the district gathered for the annual Campus Teacher of the Year celebration on March 13 at Pinstripes. During the ceremony, the district announced the ten finalists for the District Teacher of the Year honors, which will be presented at the second annual FWISD Awards in May.

At FWISD Awards, Fort Worth ISD will name a District Elementary Teacher of the Year, District Secondary Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, and Principal of the Year.

 

Meet the Elementary Finalists

Chloe Marshall, Clifford Davis Elementary

Just like her students, Chloe Marshall is always learning. Principal Ebony Key said Ms. Marshall’s commitment to professional development and desire to grow her craft sets her apart. 

Her ESL students are high-achievers and everyone on campus benefits from her willingness to share knowledge. 

“Ms. Marshall has established a culture rich and inclusive learning environment,” Principal Key said. “Her ability to connect with students on a personal level and tailor instruction to meet diverse learning needs is unmatched.”

 

Denice Carpenter, Leadership Academy at Mitchell Boulevard

For Denice Carpenter, the day doesn’t end when the final bell rings. After a full day of teaching pre-K, she clocks in for the after school program or preparing for a community event she is hosting.

When the community comes together for the success of students, everyone grows, which is a philosophy Ms. Carpenter practices. Her principal, Danny Fracassi, said Ms. Carpenter embodies the leadership, dedication, and passion a teacher needs.

“Ms. Carpenter is an outstanding pre-K teacher whose infectious attitude and boundless energy create a positive and engaging environment for her students and her school community,” Principal Fracassi said. Her ability to connect with children is remarkable, and she consistently creates an atmosphere where each child feels valued and excited to learn.”

 

Lorena Escalante, Oakhurst Elementary

There isn’t a single student in Lorena Escalante’s fourth grade classroom who doesn’t feel loved. Principal Claudia Jacobo Martinez said Ms. Escalante creates a true community in her classroom, where everyone feels valued and seen.

As a colleague, Ms. Escalante is reliable, punctual, and has a strong work ethic. But how she makes her students feel is what sets her apart, Principal Martinez said.

“Year after year, she demonstrates measurable growth in student achievement, a testament to her innovative teaching strategies, deep content knowledge, and ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of her learners,” Principal Martinez said. “One of Ms. Escalante’s greatest strengths is her ability to build strong relationships with both students and parents. She fosters a sense of community in her classroom, ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and supported.”

 

Mishayla Williams, D. McRae Elementary

For three years, Mishayla Williams has been with the same group of students. Her unique spark and approach to teaching led Principal Scott Runyan to suggest she stick with the same class from kindergarten to, now, second grade. 

Each year, her students have shown remarkable growth, and there is a truly unique sense of community in her class. Principal Runyan said she embraces creativity with gusto, transforming her classroom into outer space, a jungle, an operating room, the site of the Boston Tea Party, a commercial airline, and much more.

“Ms. Williams consistently challenges her students, and they consistently rise to meet those challenges,” Principal Runyan said. “Ms. Williams is a true leader on our campus.”

 

Sara Herrera, Greenbriar Elementary

Sara Herrera’s selflessness and generosity led her to this honor. Ms. Herrera started the school year in her typical comfort zone, her fourth grade dual language students. But when the fifth grade teacher had to leave for an extended period of time, she made the switch to help fifth graders. 

“Even the students with the toughest facades seem to melt away their defenses in her classroom,” Principal Linday Staros Guajardo said. “The classroom environment she has created encourages all students to participate and feel a sense of belonging and self-worth.”

Ms. Herrera continued to teach fifth grade reading — and 88% of her students grew from their STAAR performance from the previous year. 

 

Meet the Secondary Finalists

Angelica Navarro, Western Hills High School 

If anyone can make a complex subject like Algebra engaging and accessible, is Ms. Angelica Navarro. Principal Keri Flores said the campus growth in the subject can be attributed to Ms. Navarro.

She is admired and respected by her students and colleagues. Ms. Navarro is a leader on the campus and is always willing to help other teachers with professional development.

“Since joining our team, Ms. Navarro has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her students’ academic success and personal growth,” Principal Flores said. “Her innovative teaching methods have not only made Algebra engaging and accessible, but have also led to significant improvements in our students’ performance data.”

 

Carol Shores, Morningside Middle School

The passion Carol Shores shows for her students and school is evident in the time she pours into it. 

Principal Dr. Rhonda McGuire said Ms. Shores regularly attends campus sporting events, is the science lead teacher, and leads UIL competitions. If there is a campus or community event, students can find Ms. Shores there.

“She works alongside her colleagues to help promote the school vision and mission,” Dr. McGuire said. “It is evident that Ms. Shores has a passion for her work, students, and the school.”

 

Emily Allen, Young Women’s Leadership Academy

For Emily Allen, YWLA is in her blood. She’s been part of the campus since its inception, serving as the founding principal’s secretary. Now, she’s the English Team lead, teaching both high school and college classes.

“She is not just a teacher — she is a mentor, a role model, and a true advocate for her students,” Principal Rediesha Allen said. “She understands the unique challenges and opportunities that young women face and empowers them to become confident, articulate, and successful individuals.”

Principal Allen said she is confident Ms. Emily Allen will continue to make extraordinary contributions to the field of education for many years to come.

 

KaCee Dobbins, Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School

Before KaCee Dobbins started teaching dance at Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School, students saw it as a fun extracurricular activity. Now, they see it as a path to higher education and professional success. 

Principal Manuel De La Cruz said under leadership, dance department enrollment has tripled, there is a mini dance company in the school’s pyramid, serves as a liaison between middle and high school dance, and helped the class of 2024 valedictorian earn three full-ride scholarships.

“KaCee is a resilient, innovative, and understanding educator who meets each student where they are and elevates them to greatness,” Principal De La Cruz said. “Her passion, innovation, and commitment to excellence embody the very best of what our educators strive to achieve.”

 

Raven Minter, Applied Learning Academy

Raven Minter’s choir room is for more than singing — it’s a safe space for students to become the best versions of themselves on and off the stage.

Principal Janis Harris said Mr. Minter’s students describe him as the best teacher they’ve ever had. His students feel safe to try a new skill and gain the confidence to be on a stage and perform.

“He is a light on the campus and even students who are not in the choirs feel connected to him,” Principal Harris said. “He is known to be a vital part of the school community.”