SISD Honors 2024-25 Teachers, Staff and Volunteer of the Year
SISD Honors 2024-25 Teachers, Staff and Volunteer of the Year
Sherman ISD is proud to recognize outstanding employees as our 2024-25 Teachers and Staff of the Year!
All honorees received $500 from First Texoma National Bank, and the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year each received a car from Sherman Chevrolet to drive for a year! In addition, the district honored a parent volunteer who goes above and beyond to serve and support his school.
Congratulations to this year’s district winners!
Elementary Teacher of the Year - Elizabeth Penaloza, Fred Douglass Early Childhood Center
Elizabeth sets clear expectations and integrates technology smoothly into her classroom. She creates opportunities to challenge students and supports them through kinesthetic, visual and tactile learning. For one lesson, she created a dinosaur-themed center in which students saw dinosaur footprints and fossils. Elizabeth has also served as a mentor to two teachers this year, giving them valuable feedback and collaborating with her colleagues to find the best practices for all teachers. She took the lead this year with Family Game Night, Multicultural Parade, and Fall Festival. When Elizabeth is not at work, she spends many of her weekends volunteering at the Monarch Academy for Girls, a juvenile detention center.
Secondary Teacher of the Year - Erin Achimi, Sherman Middle School
Erin demonstrates excellence in teaching through her ability to deliver a balanced and integrated curriculum that not only meets the diverse needs of her students but also keeps them actively engaged in the learning process. Under her leadership as science department chair, SMS has increased lab opportunities not only in her own eighth grade classroom but across the sixth and seventh grades as well. Erin also acts as a guiding force in curriculum alignment and professional growth for her department. She took it upon herself to use her summer break to get a head start on understanding and implementing the new science TEKS, positioning her team for a smooth and informed transition.
Employee of the Year - Jeanette Brock, Fairview Elementary
As the principal secretary and registrar at Fairview, Jeanette builds positive relationships with families and bonds with students on a regular basis. Through the campus positive behavior interventions and supports program, she eats lunch with students and is a very popular choice for students to select as a reward. Jeanette also mentors a student at the campus. She takes it upon herself to ensure substitute positions are filled for upcoming weeks by working tirelessly to make phone calls to find coverage weeks in advance so that students don't miss a beat. Jeanette also regularly supports secretaries and registrars at other campuses and volunteers at campus events after work hours.
New Teacher of the Year - Katie Baxter, Wakefield Elementary
As a first-year teacher, Katie quickly established an engaging, student-centered classroom where learning is both meaningful and creative. Her lessons are thoughtfully balanced and integrated across subjects, and she consistently differentiates instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students. She actively seeks out coaching and professional development opportunities to refine her practice and ensure the best outcomes for her students. Katie also stepped up to the role of team lead when needed this year, and her leadership ensured that first-grade students continued to receive high-quality learning experiences.
Team of the Year - Third Grade Team at Crutchfield Elementary (team lead Amy Gardner, Tonia Burr, Lilly Huckestein, Rafael Mercado-Padilla and Veronikah Olvera)
The Crutchfield Third Grade Team exemplifies what it means to collaborate, support and grow together for the success of all students. The team consistently collaborates to analyze data, plan meaningful lessons and design both intervention and extension opportunities for students. The team faced a significant challenge mid-year when a team member unexpectedly left. They quickly came together to support the long-term replacement, ensuring she had the tools and guidance needed to maintain continuity in the classroom. When a new teacher was hired, the team provided thoughtful onboarding, shared materials and helped him navigate district curriculum and team routines.
Volunteer of the Year - Justin Jennings, Sory Elementary
Justin organized the Husky Patrol at Sory, a group of dads who actively participate in campus life by cheering on students during Husky Honors assemblies and creating a positive, encouraging atmosphere. Justin also plays a key role in special events, including helping build the Sory Christmas float for the annual Sherman Christmas Parade, showcasing school pride and community spirit. He has personally funded small projects across the campus, stepping in to provide extra resources that enhance the student experience. His efforts foster a welcoming environment for students and strengthen the partnership between school and families.