EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The stars aligned at the Starlight Event Center on Thursday as the El Paso Independent School District honored its top educators and support staff, naming its 2025-26 Teachers of the Year and Educational Support Personnel of the Year.
The district’s annual celebration carried the theme “Classrooms are the Center of Our Universe,” highlighting El Paso ISD’s focus on serving students as its core mission.
These individuals represent the very best of El Paso ISD,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Lusk said. “They inspire students, support families, uplift their colleagues, and remind us that education is ultimately about people and relationships. This night, we come together to celebrate the heart of our district.
El Paso ISD named Ramon Rosales of Lundy Elementary School as its 2025-26 Elementary Teacher of the Year. Rosales, a physical education teacher with more than two decades in education, was recognized for building students’ confidence, perseverance and teamwork.
John Matthews of Jefferson Silva High School was named the 2025-26 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Matthews, who has led the school’s band program for 17 years, was honored for helping students develop confidence, discipline and leadership through music.
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Two employees were recognized as 2025-26 Educational Support Personnel of the Year. Meghan Burford of Murphree PK-8 was honored for her work as campus patrol, including building relationships with students and supporting a welcoming campus environment. Veronica Renteria of Custodial Services was recognized for her work as head custodian at Mesita Early Childhood Development Center.
El Paso ISD also recognized finalists from campuses and departments across the district.
Teacher of the Year finalists were Cynthia Guerra of Bliss Elementary School; Sergio Blanco of Crockett Elementary School; Cynthia Mora-Diaz of Guerrero Elementary School; Liliana Gaytan-Pinedo of Sunrise Mountain Elementary School; Ruby Bullington of Charles Middle School; Yvette Ramos of Navarrete Middle School; Shannon Clark of Hartley PK-8; and Alonzo Vega of El Paso High School.
Educational Support Personnel finalists were Sergio Lopez of Hart Elementary School; Maria Chico of Tom Lea Elementary School; Lisa Guzman of Western Hills Elementary School; Indira Lopez of Zach White Elementary School; Charity Smith of Andress High School; Erica Almaguer of Burges High School; Guadalupe Sanchez of CCTA; and Luis Morales of School Resources.
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