Today, Taniece Thompson-Smith, a fifth-grade science teacher at Abilene ISD’s Stafford Elementary, was named the 2024 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. Thompson-Smith was chosen to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition, so she will have the title of 2024 Texas Teacher of the Year. Naveen Cunha, an eighth-grade robotics teacher at Stephen F. Austin Middle School in Bryan ISD, was named the 2024 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Also honored at the Texas Teacher of the Year awards luncheon:

• Region 12 Elementary Teacher of the Year April Eide, Robinson Primary School, Robinson ISD
• Region 12 Secondary Teacher of the Year Katelin Kelly, Lake Belton High School, Belton ISD

Photos from today’s awards ceremony will be available later at this link: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAYCYx

Photo credit: Marco De La Cueva, Texas Association of School Administrators