San Angelo ISD Recognizes Difference Makers at 2025–2026 District Celebration

San Angelo ISD teachers, staff, and administrators gathered the morning of Friday, May 8 at the San Angelo Stadium for a district-wide celebration of the accomplishments of the 2025–2026 school year, and honored staff for their service and contributions to the district. During the event, the district honored retiring educators, recognized employees for milestone years of service and distributed special awards to exceptional staff members.

“The district proudly honored this year’s retirees for their years of dedicated service to San Angelo ISD and the field of public education,” said Dr. Amy Lemaster, Executive Director of Human Resources. “Our retirees have a combined 1,215 years of service to San Angelo ISD and 1,421 years of service to public education. Their impact on generations of students, families and colleagues will leave a lasting legacy across our schools and community. Congratulations to all of this year’s Employees of the Year and retirees, and thank you for the difference you make every day for San Angelo ISD students, staff and families.”

Following the recognition of retirees, San Angelo ISD honored its campus Teachers of the Year — educators who exemplify excellence in the classroom and make a lasting impact on student success. 

“Our campus and district Teachers of the Year exemplify the very best of our profession,” said Dr. Farrah Gomez, Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Academics and School Leadership. “Each of these educators consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire, challenge, and empower every learner they serve. They are not only masters of their craft, but also collaborative leaders who elevate those around them through shared expertise and a belief in what is possible. On their campuses, they are true difference makers, building strong relationships and cultivating environments where students feel valued, supported, and capable of achieving at high levels.”

San Angelo ISD is proud to recognize the 2025–2026 campus Teachers of the Year: 

Elementary Teachers of the Year 

• Belaire Elementary School: Kiara Lozano
• Bonham Elementary School: Kelly Clifton
• Bowie Elementary School: Chrissy Cortinaz
• Bradford Elementary School: Mariela Arredondo
• Crockett Elementary School: Rosa Gamez
• Fannin Elementary School: Carolyn Grimmett
• Fort Concho Elementary School: Jenny Wilde
• Glenmore Elementary School: Elizabeth Joy Coleman
• Goliad Elementary School: Kristina van Moort
• Holiman Elementary School: Lindsey Folmar
• Lamar Elementary School: Yessenia Vasquez
• McGill Elementary School: Yosh Packard
• Reagan Elementary School: Jennifer Reeves
• Santa Rita Elementary School: Annmarie Williams

Secondary Teachers of the Year

• DAEP: Rafael Rassi 
• Central High School: Lindsay Ward
• Glenn Middle School: Kristin Crawford
• Lake View High School: Christopher Walker
• Lincoln Middle School: Randall Johnson
• Lone Star Middle School: Katie Lenderman
• PAYS: Alfonso Lara
• Sam Houston/Special Programs: Samantha Tucker

From this group of outstanding educators, two were selected to represent San Angelo ISD at the district level. 

San Angelo ISD also proudly recognizes its 2025–2026 district Teachers of the Year 

• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Kristina Van Moort of Goliad Elementary School 
• Secondary Teacher of the Year: Christopher Walker of Lake View High School. 

“At the district level, our Teacher of the Year represents the collective strength and excellence of all our educators, modeling instructional precision and a deep understanding of what drives student growth,” said Dr. Gomez. “Their impact extends far beyond the classroom, influencing colleagues, shaping best practices, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. What sets these educators apart is their relentless focus on students. They lead with both heart and purpose, consistently demonstrating that great teaching changes lives. We are incredibly proud of these educators, whose work reminds us daily that the most powerful investment we can make is in our people. They embody the spirit of our district and serve as a testament to what is possible when passion, expertise, and commitment come together.”

Following the Teachers of the Year recognition, the district honored its Employees of the Year — outstanding staff members whose dedication and service make a lasting difference across San Angelo ISD. 

San Angelo ISD is proud to recognize the 2025–2026 Employees of the Year: 

• Secondary Teacher of the Year: Christopher Walker, Lake View High School
• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Kristina Van Moort, Goliad Elementary School
• Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Charlsi Rivero
• Non-Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Nelda Torres
• Child Nutrition Employee of the Year: Deanna Garcia
• Custodial Employee of the Year: Caroline Arredondo
• Maintenance and Grounds Employee of the Year: Scott Goodwin
• Transportation Employee of the Year: Maria Sanchez
• New to the Profession Employee of the Year: Magdalena Licerio
• Champion of Literacy: Ann Marie Williams
• High School Substitute Teacher of the Year: Shirlene Filburn
• Middle School Substitute Teacher of the Year: Patrick Escalona
• Elementary School Substitute Teacher of the Year: Ashley Savage
• School Resource Officer of the Year: Bruce Stewart

“These Difference Makers represent the very best of SAISD and were nominated by their peers for the commitment they consistently demonstrate in their roles,” said Dr. Lemaster. “From supporting students in classrooms and cafeterias to maintaining safe campuses, transporting students, supporting literacy and serving behind the scenes, each of these employees plays an important role in our district’s success. Their willingness to go above and beyond reflects the heart of public education and the strong culture of service that exists across San Angelo ISD. We are especially proud to recognize employees from all job families, as every role contributes to creating positive learning environments for our students.” 

The celebration concluded with recognition of employees for milestone years of service. Service pins were awarded for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 45 years of continuous service to San Angelo ISD. One highlight of the ceremony was a series of videos shown prior to each recognition. Narrated in a “Casey Kasem”-style countdown format, the videos featured memorable moments, trends and pop culture from the years employees began their careers, adding a fun and nostalgic touch to the celebration. 

Other highlights of the ceremony included a presentation of colors by ROTC students and pledges and the National Anthem led by SAISD staff members. 

San Angelo ISD extends a special thank you to Concho Educators Federal Credit Union President Jerry Merrill and Vice President/CFO Kathy Gonzales for their generous support of the Teachers of the Year program, including the engraved awards.

To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.