TASA Names 6 Finalists for 2027 Texas Teacher of the Year

TASA has announced that six outstanding educators from across Texas have been chosen as finalists in the 2027 Texas Teacher of the Year program.

Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalists

Denise Caldera, Rafael Galvan Elementary School, Corpus Christi ISD
Denise Caldera is a kindergarten bilingual teacher at Galvan Elementary in Corpus Christi ISD, where she creates a nurturing, inclusive classroom that supports students' academic, social, cultural and linguistic development. She is committed to bilingualism and biliteracy and believes meaningful learning begins when students feel safe, valued and connected. Caldera holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, as well as associate degrees in teaching and Spanish from Del Mar College. Named the 2026 Corpus Christi ISD Teacher of the Year, Caldera has also earned Master and Exemplary designations from the Texas Education Agency and recognition from Texas State Rep. Adam Hinojosa. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through service as a grade-level chair, new teacher mentor, LPAC representative, curriculum writer, and tutor for migrant, homeless and shelter-based students.

Mary Cluley, John G. Tower Elementary School, Burkburnett ISD
Mary Cluley teaches physical education to students in grades K-5 at John Tower Elementary in Burkburnett ISD, where she emphasizes character, acceptance and meaningful participation for every student. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in a simple principle passed down by her father: "We must accept people as they are." Cluley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the College of Charleston and completed additional coursework in education and kinesiology at Midwestern State University. In 2012, she received a Certificate of Merit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the national popular-vote winner of the MyPlate Video Challenge. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through a longstanding partnership with Midwestern State University. For the past four years, she has served as a guest lecturer in the College of Education and has created opportunities for MSU student-athletes to engage with her elementary students. Cluley has also contributed to national physical education publications, sharing ideas on family engagement and the role physical education can play in building character and community.

Emily Greer, Jackson Elementary School, Chapel Hill ISD
Emily Greer is a fine arts teacher serving students from 3-year-old Head Start/Pre-K through third grade at Jackson Elementary in Chapel Hill ISD. Through music, art and theater, she encourages students to try new things, explore the world beyond their own experiences, and discover abilities they may not have known they possessed. Greer holds a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Education from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Texas. Her excellence in teaching has been recognized throughout her career. She has been named Jackson Elementary Teacher of the Year three times - in 2011, 2019 and 2026 - and has received multiple Teacher of the Month honors. In 2016, Humanities Texas recognized her as an Outstanding Teacher of the Humanities. Greer finds greatest joy in helping students build confidence, creativity and a sense of possibility through the fine arts.

Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists

Caleb Gamblin, Bangs High School, Bangs ISD
Caleb Gamblin teaches agricultural sciences at Bangs High School in Bangs ISD, where he emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking and giving students opportunities to grow through both failure and success. Gamblin holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Tarleton State University. Throughout his career, he has coached numerous successful student teams, including four state champion agricultural mechanics teams. One placed fourth in the nation in 2019, and another placed sixth nationally in 2021. He also coached the 2023 state champion Tractor Technician team. In the classroom and shop, Gamblin challenges students to solve problems, learn from experience, and build confidence through practical application. His teaching philosophy centers on the belief that meaningful success develops through persistence, growth and hands-on learning.

Mary McMinimy, Flower Mound High School, Lewisville ISD
Mary McMinimy is a special education teacher in the Life Skills program at Flower Mound High School, where she has served students for nine years in both Academic and Functional Life Skills settings. Since 2022, she has also served as Life Skills Department Chair, working closely with teachers and paraprofessionals to support student growth and independence. McMinimy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Woman's University and completed the Texas Teachers Alternative Certification Program in 2016. She is certified in Special Education, Core Subjects, and English as a Second Language. Beyond the classroom, McMinimy co-sponsors the Circle of Friends Club and has served on its board for more than a decade. Her work is grounded in strong relationships, inclusive practices, intentional instruction, and collaboration that helps students reach their full potential.

Heather Ray, Herman Furlough Jr. Middle School, Terrell ISD
Heather Ray is an eighth-grade science teacher at Herman Furlough Jr. Middle School in Terrell ISD, where she uses energy, humor, and creativity to make learning memorable. From costumes to unconventional lesson introductions, she creates an engaging classroom while maintaining the structure and purpose students need to succeed. Ray holds an Associate of Science from Dallas County Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through service on the superintendent advisory committee and with the National Junior Honor Society. Ray is especially committed to reaching students who may feel discouraged or disconnected from school, creating opportunities for them to take risks, re-engage, and rebuild confidence. Her teaching philosophy centers on learning that lasts-and helping students believe in what they are capable of achieving.

"Texas teachers perform miracles every day as they inspire children even in the most challenging of times," said Kevin Brown, executive director of TASA, which has coordinated the Texas Teacher of the Year program since 2011. "Public school teachers are critical to the success of individual children and our society as a whole. Those who choose to teach are national heroes, and these six finalists are the best among them. They have distinguished themselves among thousands of outstanding, dedicated teachers across our nation have who have answered the call to serve."

On August 18, a panel of judges composed of representatives of Texas teacher associations and last year's Texas Teacher of the Year finalists selected the finalists from the 40 Texas Regional Teachers of the Year - one elementary and one secondary teacher from each of the 20 Texas Education Service Center regions.

2027 Texas Regional Teachers of the Year

The six finalists will be interviewed October 15 by a panel of judges composed of representatives of educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education, and prior Texas Teachers of the Year.

The panel will select two state-level winners - Elementary Teacher of the Year and Secondary Teacher of the Year - and designate one to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony October 16 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas, where the 40 Regional Teachers of the Year will also be recognized.

The Texas Teacher of the Year program has honored excellence in classroom education since 1969. The program, facilitated by TASA since 2011, annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. In 2015, Texas Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples of Amarillo ISD became the second Texas teacher to be named the National Teacher of the Year.

The Texas Teacher of the Year program operates with financial support and in-kind contributions from the following:

• Premier Sponsors: H-E-B, Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)
• Gold Sponsors: LPA, Inc., Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP), Texas AFT
• Silver Sponsors: Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE), Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA), Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA), Texas PTA