SISD Celebrates 2025-26 Teachers, Staff and Volunteer of the Year
SISD Celebrates 2025-26 Teachers, Staff and Volunteer of the Year
Sherman ISD is happy to announce our end-of-year recognitions for the 2025-26 school year!
All winners 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!
Congratulations to our district honorees!
Elementary Teacher of the Year - Daisy Martinez, Washington Elementary
Daisy serves as a 3rd grade bilingual math and science teacher and bilingual team lead at Washington. In her 10 years of teaching, she has exemplified excellence in teaching through her intentional planning, innovative instruction, and unwavering commitment to both student achievement and campus leadership. Her lessons are thoughtfully designed to engage students through hands-on, interactive experiences that build both understanding and vocabulary, such as a “secret agent” review lesson. As a leader, Daisy facilitates training at the campus and district level and mentors new teachers, and she organizes community events such as Washington’s Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Secondary Teacher of the Year - Gena Graham, Jefferson Learning Center
Gena is the lead teacher at Jefferson, where she teaches social studies and leads the campus’s new Leadership program. Under her guidance, students in the program plan and facilitate monthly recognition events, organize activities that build community, and develop essential skills in leadership, communication, and professionalism. As an educator, Gena creates an environment where students are both accountable and encouraged, where expectations are clear, and where every student understands that their success matters. She is a collaborative, solution-oriented professional who consistently contributes to campus improvement efforts and supports both students and staff.
Employee of the Year - Katie Flippin, Crutchfield Elementary
Katie serves as an assistant principal at Crutchfield, which transitioned to a brand new building this school year. Throughout it, Katie has been a steady and essential leader, ensuring that both students and staff are supported every step of the way. Katie consistently approaches her work with a solution-focused mindset, ensuring that decisions are grounded in what is best for students and has played a vital role in building proactive structures that support both academic and behavioral growth. From large-scale systems to small but important moments, Katie consistently demonstrates organization, clarity, and a focus on creating positive experiences for students and staff.
New Teacher of the Year - Katie Denton, Sory Elementary
Katie serves as the 5th grade ELAR teacher at Sory and exemplifies strong teaching and leadership through her dedication to students, her commitment to growth, and her impact on campus culture. In her classroom, she creates a structured, engaging learning environment where students are held to high expectations while feeling supported and valued. Katie has served on multiple campus committees and co-leads the Culture Team, helping plan and execute staff events and celebrations that strengthen campus morale and connection. Additionally, she has contributed at the district level by participating in curriculum writing, demonstrating her commitment to improving instruction beyond her own classroom.
Team of the Year - Elementary School Counseling Team (Valeta Tollison, Shanae Williams, Andrew Pomarantz, Kallie Wilson, Tracy Lucas, Ariel Garcia, Theresa Littlefield and Amber Kirk)
The Elementary School Counseling Team has collaborated on everything from the implementation of the new Peer Helpers program to discussing best practices for helping children with complex mental health issues. The team has also worked together to create different programming targeting attendance, career exploration, test anxiety and more. Each counselor is an asset to their campus, where they work to align the counseling program with academic goals, and they build meaningful connections with students and ensure that students have what they need to succeed.
Volunteer of the Year - Brooke Bond, Neblett Elementary
Brooke’s dedication to volunteering spans every level of the district. At Neblett, she has served in leadership roles in their PTA and is the creative force behind flyer promotions and social media communications. At Sherman Middle School, Brooke serves as PTA president and supports athletic programs, and she helps coordinate major events. As Vice President of the SHS Athletic Booster Club, Brooke works concessions, manages merchandise sales, and coordinates volunteer incentives that turn service hours into scholarship opportunities.