May 17, 2024, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster,TX--Lancaster ISD proudly announces its 2024 staff members and department of the year. The winners were revealed with a surprise party patrol featuring Board President Marion Hamilton, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Katrise Perera, members of the district’s executive leadership team, and instructional leaders. Each staff of the year awardee was joined by family members during the announcement and received a gift bag of treats and an award plaque. Thanks to the Staff of the Year event sponsors, each awardee also received a sponsorship check for their achievement.
Lancaster ISD employees with diverse teaching styles and skills have been selected for the 2024 Paraprofessional, New Teacher, Principal, Secondary and Elementary Teacher, Employee, Instructional Employee, and Department of the Year. Listed below are the outstanding educators who were honored:
Paraprofessional of the Year
Tarsha Thomas
Pleasant Run Elementary
Kindergarten RTI Aide
Ms. Thomas has been an integral part of Lancaster ISD and Pleasant Run Elementary since August 2021. Despite facing personal challenges, she has exhibited the utmost professionalism and dedication to our staff, students, and parents. With an impressive 99% attendance rate, Ms. Thomas often sacrifices her personal time to support our school's needs. She willingly takes on any task requested by campus administration or her colleagues. Her positive presence brightens up the day, making her a valued member of the PRE team. Undoubtedly, Ms. Thomas has significantly contributed to improving the school culture at PRE.
New Teacher of the Year
Judith Garcia-Najera
Houston Elementary
4th ELAR Bilingual Teacher
Judith Garcia-Najera, a 4th grade ELAR Bilingual teacher, exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding new educator. Her classroom is a model of organization, positivity, and effective planning, where she constantly facilitates learning and praises students appropriately. She has an exceptional ability to quickly identify her students' strengths and challenges, allowing her to make necessary adjustments to ensure their success.
Known for her reflective practice, Ms. Garcia frequently seeks feedback and implements changes to enhance student outcomes. With the support of her campus mentors, she continuously adjusts her teaching strategies to maximize student success.
This year, Ms. Garcia's confidence soared as she became fully certified. Additionally, she effectively assimilates new students, understands their learning styles, and boosts their self-esteem, leading to academic success. Beyond her classroom, Ms. Garcia is a true team player, supporting students across the campus. Congratulations, Ms. Garcia!
Instructional Employee of the Year
Lynne Glynn
Early Childhood Coordinator
A veteran member of the Lancaster ISD team, Lynne Glynn serves as the Early Childhood Coordinator, ensuring our youngest learners have everything they need to be successful. She is the district's expert in early childhood education, often called upon for guidance.
Ms. Glynn is dependable, constantly positive, and a professional in every sense. Her expertise and dedication are key reasons Lancaster ISD is a leader in early childhood programs within the Best Southwest area. Known as the guru of early childhood education, Ms. Glynn reviews and updates the curriculum to meet required standards and the individual needs of early childhood students. She conducts classroom observations, provides specific feedback to teachers, models effective teaching strategies, and participates in the development of interagency agreements for our district’s continued success. Her exceptional work has rightfully earned her the Instructional Employee of the Year. Congratulations, Ms. Glynn!
Employee of the Year
Meca Anderson
District SEL Counselor
Meca Anderson has been instrumental in providing social and emotional support to our students throughout the district. Her unmatched counseling skills and ability to connect with students have made a significant impact on our community.
Ms. Anderson is the driving force behind Lancaster ISD's bold approach to addressing students' social and emotional needs through innovative wraparound services. Her efforts include the introduction of a therapy dog program and the recent partnership with Metrocare, the largest mental health provider in Dallas County. These initiatives are transforming student support, with Metrocare workers stationed on campuses offering direct mental health services during and after school hours. Additionally, her leadership has led to a collaboration with Dallas Behavioral Health to enhance mental health support across all district campuses.
Join us in celebrating Meca Anderson and these impactful programs that are shaping student well-being. Congratulations, Mrs. Anderson!
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Kaitlin Washington
Rolling Hills Elementary
4th Grade Reading Teacher
In just three years, Kaitlin Washington has earned a reputation for her dynamic and innovative teaching methods. She has created a classroom environment that fosters academic success, social adeptness, cultural competence, and creative expression.
Starting in second grade and now teaching fourth-grade reading, Kaitlin blends standards-aligned instruction with hands-on learning. Her classroom emphasizes self-belief, inspiration, and encouragement. Kaitlin's accolades include multiple “Teacher of the Month” awards, “Teacher of the Semester,” and “RHE Teacher of the Year.”
Congratulations to Kaitlin Washington on this well-deserved honor. Her dedication and creativity set a high standard in Lancaster ISD.
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Brittany Johnson
Barack & Michelle Obama 9th Grade Campus
Biology Teacher
With over a decade of experience, Brittany Johnson is known for her innovative teaching and commitment to personal growth and lifelong learning.
After a brief venture into real estate, Brittany returned to education, inspired to nurture today’s students and foster a strong community. Her extensive experience informs her teaching, focusing on developing well-rounded individuals ready for success.
Brittany's dedication to inspiring students to be positive, active, and compassionate community members highlights her belief in the transformative power of learning. She remains committed to shaping the future leaders of Lancaster with passion and integrity. Congratulations, Mrs. Johnson!
Principal of the Year
Ta-Tanisha Stevenson
Belt Line Elementary
Ta-Tanisha Stevenson is celebrated for her exceptional leadership, fostering a classroom culture of creativity and innovation. Under her guidance, Belt Line Elementary consistently achieves impressive student growth and high scores across all assessments. She remains highly visible in classrooms, actively participates in PLCs, and ensures data-driven progress for all students.
Ms. Stevenson excels in communication, keeping the school community well-informed through regular updates and an open-door policy. She is known for her innovative approaches, including the RCA House System and a yearly calendar filled with initiatives to engage students, parents, and staff. Her dedication to building relationships and maintaining high morale makes her an outstanding leader, inspiring her entire campus community.
Congratulations, Principal Stevenson, on this well-deserved recognition!
Department of the Year
Lancaster ISD Communications
Kimberly Simpson, Chief of Communications
Rodrigo Martinez, Branding & Design Coordinator
Andrew Tanielian, Visual Media Coordinator
Brenda Gray, Administrative Assistant
Lancaster ISD proudly announces that its communications department has been named Department of the Year. Under the leadership of Chief of Communications, Kimberly Simpson, the department is known for being a vital source of information for both the district and the Lancaster community. The team, consisting of Branding and Design Coordinator Rodrigo Martinez, Visual Media Coordinator Andrew Tanielian, and administrative assistant Brenda Gray, has achieved numerous milestones that reflect their professionalism in communications.
This school year, the department produced a memorable convocation event, organized a record-breaking Back-to-School Bash, and revitalized the annual State of the District event with the Inland Port Chamber of Commerce. The team has managed national media coverage with CNN and presented nationally on the district's safety and security preparedness. The district’s successful voter approved tax ratification election campaign, which resulted in raises for all district employees, can be attributed to this team’s hard work developing deliverables and hosting community meetings to educate the community on the facts of the VATRE.
In addition to these achievements, the team received significant recognition from the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) during the annual Star Awards celebration on February 28, 2024. The Lancaster ISD Communications Department was honored with 30 Star Awards. These included the prestigious Crystal Commendation award for excellence in Parent Involvement/Volunteer Program, two Crystal Certificates of Merit, and three Best of Category honors. This year marked a historic milestone for the department as it received its first-ever Crystal Commendation award. Congratulations to the Lancaster ISD Communications Department!
2024 Staff of the Year Sponsors
CI Solutions
Climatec
Amber Electric
TremCo Roofing and Building Maintenance
LBK Roofing
VCR Now
Chic-fil-A of red Oak
La Calle Dolce in Lancaster Town Square
Gelü Italian Ice in Lancaster Town Square
Hug BBQ
Lancaster ISD serves over 7,000 students across twelve campuses and is committed to providing all students with a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment. The district is proud of its staff and dedication to helping students achieve their full potential.