MISSION, TEXAS (MAY 8, 2024) It’s that time of year again when Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) recognizes an estimated 22 educators in the district for the Teacher of the Year awards.
According to peers, leadership, and a panel of judges these educators are making significant contributions to the academic and personal growth of students, while positively influencing their school community.
Among them, two individuals have been recognized not only as campus teachers of the year but also as district teachers of the year, a title based on exemplary leadership and impact.
As they move forward, these educators will have the honor of representing Mission CISD in the upcoming Regional Teacher of the Year Contest. Their participation highlights the district's ongoing commitment to fostering excellence in education and supporting the professional development of its staff.
The 2023-2024 Mission CISD Campus Teachers of the Year:
Alton Elementary School
Melissa Garcia
Bryan Elementary School
Ilsa Sotelo
Cantu Elementary School
Emmanuel Garza
Capt. J. Castro Elementary School
Navid Ochoa de Hinojosa
Cavazos Elementary School Health Science Academy
Monica Salinas-Rivas
Escobar/Rios Elementary Project Based Learning Academy
Michelle Garcia
Leal Elementary School of Technology and Engineering
Maria Vasquez
Marcell Elementary Global Leadership Academy
Andrea Benavides
Midkiff Elementary School
Joanna Peralez
Mims Elementary School
Laura Hurtado
O’Grady Elementary School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Tomika Gonzalez
Pearson Elementary Sports/Health Academy
Jorge Menchaca
Salinas Elementary Fine Arts Academy
Michelle Luera
Waitz Elementary Media and Communications Academy
Margarita R. Guerra
Alton Memorial Jr. High School
Veronica Rivera-Cox
Nicole Y. Gutierrez
Mission Jr. High School
Eric Klippel
Cynthia Sanchez
Mission High School
Sahira Ramos
Veterans Memorial High School
Ina Valeria Trejo
Mission Collegiate High School
Karisma Peña-Garcia
Roosevelt Alternative School
Luis Zamora
The 2023 – 2024 Mission CISD District Teachers of the Year:
District Elementary Teacher of the Year
Salinas Elementary
Michelle Luera
District Secondary Teacher of the Year
Mission Collegiate High School
Karisma Peña-Garcia
Mission CISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, Michelle Luera says this means so much to not only her, but her work.
“Everything that I do, I give it 110%,” Luera said. “I give so much to my class, so much to this school, I am so grateful and honored to have been selected.”
Superintendent of Schools for Mission CISD, Dr. Carol G. Perez said it’s always a pleasure recognizing Mission CISD educators this time of year.
“We are extremely proud of our hard-working teachers, while we celebrate them year-round, we know Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time to acknowledge their dedication,” Perez said. “On behalf of the Mission CISD Board of Trustees, Education Leadership Team, the Education Foundation of Mission CISD, faculty, students, and staff we thank each and every one of our educators at the district.”
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