Educator of the Year

Bridge Point Elementary – Mitch Schieffer, Fifth-Grade Teacher
Mitch exemplifies what it means to be student-centered, collaborative, and committed to continuous growth. He creates a learning environment where every student feels seen, heard and inspired to reach their full potential. With a calm, steady presence and a heart for both students and staff, Mitch brings empathy, innovation and deep content expertise to his work each day. His colleagues describe him as a true team player who lifts others up, refines instruction through thoughtful collaboration, and models best practices with humility and purpose. His students simply say it best: “He helps us learn, work, and be our best.” Mitch Schieffer is not just a teacher—he is a mentor, a role model, and a daily reminder of the power of education done right.

Cedar Creek Elementary School – Kate Campo, Kindergarten Teacher
Kate has been a leader on the campus, serving on the campus leadership team, as a team leader, and has worked to support kindergarten curriculum and grading at the district level. She is known as the teacher who goes above and beyond to ensure her students not only have a positive first experience in school but also succeed academically. Kate is someone who is constantly learning and actively seeking new information to stay informed on best teaching practices. She shares what she learns with her colleagues in a way that impacts students beyond her own classroom. Kate also creates a warm, welcoming environment in her kindergarten classroom where every student is welcome. She gets to know her students' individual needs and then does everything she can to meet those needs. Whether she is listening to the latest education podcast or researching weighted stuffed animals for her classroom, Kate is constantly working to improve outcomes for her students.

Eanes Elementary – Michelle Corbett, School Counselor
Michelle Corbett has served in public education for 29 years, with 16 of those in Eanes ISD. Currently, she serves as School Counselor, serving students, staff members, and families with love, care and thoughtfulness. She has held numerous leadership roles at the campus and district level, showing her selfless nature and professionalism. Known for her deep compassion, calm presence and unwavering dedication to student well-being, she provides support and is trusted by students, staff members and families. Michelle is fabulous in creating a safe and welcoming environment where every child feels seen, heard and valued. Her ability to connect with students on a personal level and advocate for their emotional and academic success has made a lasting impact on our school community.

Forest Trail Elementary – Frieda Martinez, Behavior Support Teacher
Frieda is a behavior support special education teacher in her third year at Forest Trail, but her impact far exceeds her time in the field. She forms strong, trusting relationships with even the most reluctant students, advocates fiercely for their needs and creates safe spaces where every child can thrive. Frieda is known for earning the trust of families, supporting colleagues with compassion and maintaining a calm, patient approach, even in challenging situations. Her dedication to building relationships and supporting students during high-need moments makes her a true pillar of our community. Frieda exemplifies the Forest Trail mission and values of kindness, inclusion, respect and empowering students to succeed.

Valley View Elementary – Amy Lugo, First-Grade Teacher
Amy has made an incredible impact on students and the entire school. She has 23 years of teaching experience, joining Eanes ISD in 2013. She has held numerous leadership roles in the curriculum department, has served as team lead and designed the bookroom layout for small group reading materials. Her impressive track record as a first-grade reading teacher is evident through her impeccable data, showcasing her commitment to fostering literacy skills in her students. Beyond her academic achievements, she creates a structured and organized classroom environment that feels safe and calm, allowing her students to thrive emotionally and socially. Her genuine love for her students shines through in every interaction, making her not just a teacher but a mentor and a friend. We are truly fortunate to have such a fantastic educator as part of our Valley View family!

Hill Country Middle School – Holly Leicht, Instructional Technology Coach
Holly is an outstanding Instructional Technology Coach who has made exceptional contributions to teaching, learning and campus innovation. Holly’s expertise goes far beyond troubleshooting and tech integration—she is a true instructional partner who helps educators use technology to enrich, not replace, meaningful learning. Through her calm demeanor, creative problem-solving and thoughtful coaching, she ensures that both teachers and students are set up for success in today’s fast-paced educational environment. Holly plays a key role in our professional learning, supports campus improvement initiatives, and is a driving force behind innovation at HCMS. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership, partnership, and unwavering commitment to helping our school thrive.

West Ridge Middle School – Shannon Zock, Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher
Shannon is a dynamic and compassionate educator whose unwavering commitment to inclusion and student growth make her an exceptional Educator of the Year. With certifications and experience in special education, Family and Consumer Sciences, and elementary education, Shannon brings a wealth of expertise to her classroom, blending creativity, rigor, and real-world application to engage all learners. In recent years, Shannon has revitalized the FCS program, transforming it into one of the most popular electives on campus and prompting the addition of a thriving second level FCS course. She also developed a modified FCS elective to provide expanded opportunities for diverse learners. Whether developing new classes to meet the needs of all learners, designing engaging projects like the Egg Baby or newspaper fashion eras assignment, or fostering inclusive environments through Unified Softball and Best Buddies, Shannon consistently creates meaningful learning experiences for all students. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom through her service on campus committees, thoughtful input on district initiatives, and a positive, collaborative spirit of service that uplifts the entire school community.

Westlake High School - Michelle Derr, Health Science Teacher
Michelle has been teaching since 2007. She arrived at WHS in 2015 serving as a health teacher and athletic trainer before becoming a health science teacher in the fall of 2017.

Michelle is one our most respected and loved teachers at WHS. Michelle is caring, loving, challenging, understanding, and grueling according to our students. Every moment and interaction with Ms. Derr is a chance for growth academically and personally. Ms. Derr is always positive and smiling and may be the most approachable teacher on campus for many of our students. Ms. Derr has grown our health science department and made it one of the most popular on campus for a diverse group of learners. Ms. Derr’s energy and sincere nature are two attributes mentioned often by her teaching peers. Michelle is a teacher in everything she does, and she is simply an incredible force of teaching!