2027 Texas Teachers of the Year Named

TASA, which facilitates the official State of Texas Teacher of the Year program, has named Texas' top teachers for 2027.

Denise Caldera, a kindergarten bilingual teacher at Galvan Elementary in Corpus Christi ISD, was named the 2027 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. Caleb Gamblin, who teaches agricultural sciences at Bangs High School in Bangs ISD, was named the 2027 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Caldera was chosen to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition, making her official title 2027 Texas Teacher of the Year.

The announcements were made during an awards ceremony in Round Rock, Texas, October 16. Both state-level winners will receive a cash award and a commemorative trophy. Each of the two statewide teachers of the year will also receive a free airline voucher for travel within the United States from EF Education First, a program sponsor.

Also honored during the luncheon were the 40 Regional Teachers of the Year and the six finalists for Texas Teacher of the Year: Mary Cluley, Burkburnett ISD; Emily Greer, Chapel Hill ISD; Mary McMinimy, Lewisville ISD; and Heather Ray, Terrell ISD. See a video showcase featuring all six finalists' videos.

"I congratulate Denise and Caleb on this achievement. Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor the State of Texas bestows upon its teachers," said Kevin Brown, executive director of TASA, which has facilitated the program since 2011. "They have distinguished themselves among thousands of outstanding, dedicated teachers across our state and nation have who have answered the call to serve others."

2027 Texas Teacher of the Year

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.

See Caldera's finalist video.

Watch her reaction to the announcement and acceptance speech.

2027 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year

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.

See Gamblin's finalist video.

Watch his reaction to the announcement and acceptance speech.

Texas Teacher of the Year Program

To achieve recognition as Texas Elementary or Secondary Teacher of the Year, a teacher must first be chosen as a campus and district teacher of the year, then a regional honoree. From the group of 40 regional teachers of the year, six finalists are chosen and interviewed by an independent panel of judges composed of representatives of education 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 state's top elementary and secondary teachers are selected from these six finalists, and the Texas nominee for National Teacher of the Year is chosen from the top two winners. In 2015, Texas Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples of Amarillo ISD was the second Texas teacher to be named the National Teacher of the Year.

The Texas Teacher of the Year program has honored excellence in classroom education since 1969 and continues to annually recognize and reward teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.

The program operates with financial support and in-kind contributions from the following:

Premier Sponsors

H-E-B; Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA)

Platinum Sponsor

EF Education First

Gold Sponsors

Abilene Christian University; E3 Entegral Solutions, Inc.; LPA, Inc.; Pfluger Architects; Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP); Texas AFT; Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA); Upward Communities

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; Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA)