Each year, one educator from each of the Graham ISD schools is recognized with the title of “Teacher of the Year.” Teachers are nominated by fellow staff members and then the staff votes. At the high school, students are able to nominate their teachers, as well as vote.

Graham ISD is proud to share the names for the 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year! 

Pioneer Elementary School: Lisa Lester, bilingual kindergarten teacher

Principal Donna Gatlin said, “As a passionate bilingual educator, Mrs. Lester pours her heart and soul into her students daily and is continually focused on their language acquisition and vocabulary development. Mrs. Lester works tirelessly to create a welcoming, structured classroom focused on meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of each of her students.”

Crestview Elementary: Kalin Westerman, 2nd Grade teacher

Staff nomination: “She is always positive, welcoming, and goes above and beyond for all her students. She meets all her different learner’s needs at all times. She makes sure all students feel special, loved, and gently pushes them to do their best. She sees the potential in all of them and gives them the confidence they need to be successful.”

Woodland Elementary School: Kandice Craig, Special Education teacher

Staff nomination: "Kandice works every day to ensure that her students make progress on their personal goals. Each one of her students has unique needs. She knows her students so well that she meets those needs seamlessly. She is incredibly patient with students and staff and works hard to celebrate every student's success! Her passion for all students is inspiring!"

Graham Junior High School: Jennifer Patrick, 7th Grade Math Teacher

Staff nomination: “Mrs. Patrick demonstrates outstanding instructional methods that engage students and help them learn creatively and effectively. She uses innovative techniques, technology, or approaches to make learning more interesting and impactful. Lastly, she contributes to a positive school culture, fostering respect, kindness, and collaboration among students and staff.”

Graham High School: Paige Reese, English teacher

Student nomination: “Mrs. Reese always makes everyone feel welcomed in her classroom. She does a great job at teaching us. I learn something everyday. She is always working to make GHS better. She is always inspiring Steer Pride.”

Staff nomination: “Mrs. Reese shows compassion and dedication as a teacher. She is understanding with her students but with an expectation that they should do better if it is needed. I have witnessed many students who are not in her class go to her for multiple things between classes: whether it is advice, a hug, or just encouragement. Within this student-teacher relationship there is a clear respect on both sides. She assists her co-workers and peers with this same care and affection.”

 

“All of these educators have shown their commitment to our students, our staff and our community,” Superintendent Dr. Mary Johnston said. “The GISD Campus Teacher of the Year recognition is a prestigious achievement and testament to their dedication to the teaching profession.”

The Teachers of the Year were recognized by their campus principals and celebrated with their fellow staff members prior to the spring break. We will also recognize all of our campus winners at our end of year District Awards Breakfast on Friday, May 23 at Graham High School. 

We will recognize our campus winners at a luncheon this spring where the district teacher elementary and secondary teacher of the year will be announced. The winner will then represent Graham ISD in the Regional Teacher of the Year competition later this year.