Teachers walked the red carpet Thursday night while paparazzi scrambled to capture their photos as Princeton ISD hosted its teacher of the year banquet.

“It’s an honor to be able to get together and honor the best of the best,” Superintendent Donald McIntyre said. “These teachers work hard and dedicate their lives to Princeton ISD, so I am happy we can make this night special to show our appreciation.”

The evening’s entertainment featured the sounds of the PHS jazz band and soloists from the high school choir. Following dinner for the honored teachers and their guests, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jackie Hendricks kicked off the Pride Corps induction.

Highlighting the night’s festivities was the announcement of this year‘s Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year. 

Head girls cross country coach and high school science teacher Tanya Summers was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Coach Summers, who is the chair of the PHS science department, has been with Princeton ISD since 2018 and an educator for nine years. She currently teaches astronomy and AP biology.

“Tanya Summers is a teacher that connects with students, engaging them and getting the best out of them,” Principal Richard Boring said. “She builds positive relationships with students and creates an environment that they want to be a part of. She works hard to support the science teachers on campus and provides direction and guidance for the department. She is an exemplary teacher, and we are proud that she represents Princeton High School.”

Coach Summers considers teaching to be a calling.

“The interweaving of passion, authenticity and relentless pursuit to foster growth unfolds daily. Each morning, I wake up with the opportunity to sculpt the young minds of the future and witness the ‘a-ha’ moments both in the classroom and on the field. Teaching, for me, is a selfless dedication to the well-being and growth of others.”

Smith Elementary 3^rd-grade teacher Madison Wilson is the Elementary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Wilson has been with Princeton ISD since 2016. She teaches reading at Smith while serving as the team lead and has been an educator for eight years.

“Madison gains respect by treating her students fairly and loving each of them,” Smith Principal Cindy Gee said. “She sets high expectations not only for herself but her students. She is supportive and offers advice to her colleagues on a moment's notice. We feel very lucky to have Madison Wilson represent our Smith family as the Teacher of the Year.”

Mrs. Wilson considers education to go beyond the content.

“Teachers are more than just educators of the curriculum. We are meant to encourage our students and help develop a child who is resourceful, independent, confident and kind. I feel it is my ultimate purpose to lead my students in achieving these qualities, while learning through the process.”

In addition to naming the two district teachers of the year, the rest of the 2023-2024 Pride Corps was honored. Trustees from the PISD school board presented the awards following video segments for each campus teacher of the year to expound on being an educator. They are:

Andres Aguilar, 2^nd- and 3^rd-grade bilingual teacher at Lowe Elementary, who has been teaching in PISD since 2019 and has spent 18 years in education.

“Since my beginnings as a teacher in Dallas and now here in our beloved Princeton, I love seeing those faces of students, who come to school happy to learn and feel proud of their achievements. That is why every year I set high expectations for myself to help my students move forward, so that their fluency and language improve, but even more so, that they are happy and confident to continue.”

Amanda Hawkins, a special education teacher at Mayfield Elementary, who has been teaching for 19 years and with PISD since 2016.

“I treat all these students like my own child, because to me, they are all worth it. I want each child to know that they are loved, and I will always be there to fight for them. It doesn’t matter what the final grades or test scores say, because that will never reflect who they truly are. What matters to me is that they know what really counts and that they matter.”

Stephanie Crawford, kindergarten lead teacher at Harper Elementary since 2009 and teaching in Princeton for 25 years.

“I was born to teach and could not think of a more honorable profession to dedicate my life to while on this earth. I would not be where I am today without the help, support and love of many people.”

Valerie Love, Pre-K teacher at Canup Early Childhood Center, who has been teaching for 10 years and with PISD since 2021.

“As a special education teacher, I strive to teach students of all abilities. I pride myself on learning each student and developing the best source to accomplish their individual learning goals, while being an ambassador for them.”

Riley Hooks, 4^th-grade reading teacher at Godwin Elementary, who has been teaching for three years.

“Each child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, increase confidence and feel safe in their learning environment. When we as educators take the time to reach every student, we are building lifelong learners. When a student leaves my classroom, I truly hope they remember how they felt while they were learning.”

Jatalia Smith, life skills teacher at Lacy Elementary, who has been teaching for nine years and with PISD since 2021.

“For me, giving my students the chance to conquer the expectations I put on them as an educator is a reward in itself. To see them clap when they comprehend an assignment, or give me a hug and smile at me, or develop more independence over the school year – those things are an accomplishment in my book, and I have been successful as an educator.”

Brittany Neal, science teacher at Southard Middle School, who has been teaching for 10 years, coming to PISD in 2021.

“…I knew my calling was to love, see, hear, mold and encourage all students. God has given me the responsibility to love, encourage and mold the next generation. I am here to inspire all to be kind, walk the straight path, be a light and strive for greatness.”

David Welch, 9^th-grade world geography teacher at Lovelady High School, who has been teaching in PISD since 2021, with seven years in education.

“Teaching allows us to make a positive impact on students in so many ways. I feel I am best at showing consistency, challenging students to think and creating a safe environment for expression and learning.”

Michelle Swensen, biology teacher at Clark Middle School, who has been teaching for three years.

“Being a teacher means leading by example. It means supporting others even when it’s hard. It means following that still small voice inside when it is telling you to check in on that one student. It means shining your light into the dark for others to follow, but also leaning on other like-minded teachers who can lead the way when your light needs new batteries.”

Kelly Brown, girls athletic coordinator at Mattei Middle School, who has been teaching for 29 years, coming to PISD in 2019.

“Despite the ever-changing nature of my career in education, which has spanned across different districts and involved various roles, one unwavering element stands out. That element is that the role of Coach Brown on campus consistently brings me more joy than the title of Ms. Brown. The title of ‘coach’ provides a unique avenue to teach life lessons through a shared passion for sports.”