Barton Creek Elementary Special Education Teacher Michelle Graham was named Eanes ISD Educator of the Year at tonight's Employee Recognition and Retiree Celebration. Employees with 25 years’ experience and those retiring were also recognized, as well as a new award for Teachers of Promise. These individuals have less than three years total teaching experience in Eanes ISD or another district, and were selected because they are student-centered, enthusiastic and an active participant in improving the campus environment.
Michelle Graham has 23 years of teaching experience making a lasting impact through her strong relationships with students, staff and families. Her intentional, student-centered instruction; her collaborative spirit and unwavering support; and her infectious sense of humor are what make her an exceptional teacher. Ms. Graham is the person who sees opportunities where others see challenges. She shows compassion and empathy but is not afraid to be direct and honest. She holds herself and others to high expectations but doesn't take herself too seriously.
Michelle’s contributions to Barton Creek and Eanes ISD are immeasurable, and her impact on the lives of her students is truly profound. Congratulations once again to the Eanes ISD District Educator of the Year, Michelle Graham.
The nine campus winners participated in an interview process to select the 2025 District Educator of the Year. The Austin-Westlake Rotary Club sponsors the award, and Rotary members serve on the District selection committee.
2025-26 CAMPUS EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR
Barton Creek: Michelle Graham, Special Education Teacher
Bridge Point: Mitch Schieffer, Fifth-Grade Teacher
Cedar Creek: Kate Campo, Kindergarten Teacher
Eanes: Michelle Corbett, School Counselor
Forest Trail: Frieda Martinez, Behavior Support Teacher
Valley View: Amy Lugo, First-Grade Teacher
Hill Country: Holly Leicht, Instructional Technology Coach
West Ridge: Shannon Zock, Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher
Westlake: Michelle Derr, Health Science Teacher
RETIREES
Raul Aguilar, M&O*
Thelma Bucklin, WHS
Sharon Burns, HCMS
Rosa Cabezas, WRMS
Lee Carnes, WHS
Cathy Cluck, WHS
Steven Cook, M&O
Iliri Dauti-Shita, ATS
Meagan Didlake, FTE
Candra Gray, HCMS
David Kee, HCMS*
Deana Locklear, EE
Eric Lugo, TR*
Cheryl Miller, WRMS
Brenda Mosher, HCMS
Amanda O'Daniel, BPE*
Tricia Pate, BPE
Sylvia Reyes, FTE
Renuka Richards, TR
Donna Salem, BCE
Bryan Shippey, WHS
Andrea Snouffer, WRMS*
Edward Snouffer, WHS*
Cassie Winter, HCMS
* retired after last year’s dinner
25 YEARS OF SERVICE
Cathy Cluck, WHS
Maria Gutierrez, HCMS
Laura Lee, BPE
Cheryl Miller, WRMS
Brenda Mosher, HCMS
Pat O’Harra, WHS
Rita Rico, WHS
Bonnie Rosson, FTE
TEACHERS OF PROMISE
Claire Bernacki, FTE
Haley Hogan, BCE
Katharine Kostelnik, HCMS
Christen Longo, CCE
Morgan Mosiello, ATS
Chloe Ordoñez, VVE
Prassidi Paudel, WHS
Mary Taaffe, EE
Megan Taff, BPE
Lily Wing, WRMS
Key: ATS-Adult Transition Servies, BCE-Barton Creek ES, BPE-Bridge Point ES, CA-Central Administration, CCE-Cedar Creek ES, CN-Child Nutrition, EE-Eanes ES, FTE-Forest Trail ES,
M&O-Maintenance & Operations, VVE-Valley View ES, HCMS-Hill Country MS, SPED-Special Education, TR-Transportation, WHS-Westlake HS, WRMS-West Ridge MS
CAMPUS EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR
Michelle Graham, Special Education Teacher, Barton Creek Elementary
Michelle is a remarkable special education teacher who truly exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and relationship-building within and beyond the classroom. Her commitment to fostering positive relationships with students and colleagues creates a supportive environment that enhances the learning experience for everyone involved. Michelle actively engages with her colleagues throughout the campus demonstrating her dedication to shared goals and continuous improvement. Her intellectual curiosity and creativity inspire her to explore innovative strategies that engage her students and reflect on their performance to drive improvement. Michelle is dedicated to learning with, from, about, and for her students and peers, creating an inclusive environment where everyone thrives.
Mitch Schieffer, Fifth-Grade Teacher, Bridge Point Elementary
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.
Kate Campo, Kindergarten Teacher, Cedar Creek Elementary
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.
Michelle Corbett, School Counselor, Eanes Elementary
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.
Frieda Martinez, Behavior Support Teacher, Forest Trail Elementary
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.
Amy Lugo, First-Grade Teacher, Valley View Elementary
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!
Holly Leicht, Instructional Technology Coach, Hill Country Middle School
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.
Shannon Zock, Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher, West Ridge Middle School
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.
Michelle Derr, Health Science Teacher, Westlake High School
Michelle has been teaching since 2007. She arrived at WHS in 2015 erving 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!