District Information / Teacher of the Year Awards (2024)

Elementary Principal of the Year

Dr. Felicia Bolden, Brazos Bend Elementary School

Brazos Bend Elementary School Principal Dr. Felicia Bolden was named Fort Bend ISD’s 2024 Elementary Principal of the Year today.

Chosen by their peers, Principals of the Year are leaders who exemplify strong school leadership and dedication to their students and staff.

A veteran educator, Bolden was surrounded by her family, students and members of the Brazos Bend PTA as she was honored by district leaders.

FBISD Chief of Schools Dr. Kwabena Mensah remarked that it was a particular pleasure to honor Bolden because of the adversity she has overcome in life.

Bolden has inspired many by sharing her story of being a teen mom who had to endure poverty. She worked her way through high school by holding down multiple jobs. Through a deep sense of determination and hard work, she wound up winning five scholarships that made college attendance possible.

For more than two decades, Bolden has served area schools as a teacher, specialist and administrator, and is noted for her attention to curriculum and coaching.

“We know how difficult this job is and so we appreciate your passion for your teachers, your passion for your students, your commitment to excellence and doing things in a way that uplifts everybody,” Dr. Smith said in recognizing Bolden.

Secondary Principal of the Year

Elizabeth Williams, Baines Middle School

Baines Middle School Principal Elizabeth Williams was named Fort Bend ISD’s 2024 Secondary Principal of the Year today.

Chosen by their peers, Principals of the Year are leaders who exemplify strong school leadership and dedication to their students and staff.

Williams became tearful as she learned of her selection as the district’s 2024 Secondary Principal of the Year.

Williams has more than 20 years of experience and believes in creating a positive environment for her students and staff. She was chosen as the 2023 Principal of the Year in the first FAB Awards, hosted by the district’s Athletics Department.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith noted Williams’ success as a well-established school leader with a record of making a difference.

“During my first stint in Fort Bend ISD, we were connected and so it is not a surprise to me in my second stint that you are here and I’m standing here with you as you receive this honor,” Smith said.

Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Emma Griffin - Jordan Elementary School

Quote of Note:I set high expectations for my students in order to establish a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. At the beginning of the year, we consistently model, practice and reinforce these expectations and standards for learning. This keeps my students challenged and motivated to strive for excellence.

Congratulations to FBISD's Rookie Teachers of the Year! There are three winners who teach in elementary schools and three who teach at secondary schools.Campuses sent in their nominations and the FBISD Teacher of the Year Judging Committee selected the six winners.

Elementary Rookie Teachers of the Year

Caroline Hill - Madden Elementary School

Quote of Note: Growing up, I had a tough time staying focused in school. Because of this, one of my goals as a teacher is to keep engagement high and provide buy-in for my students. If I teach with energy and passion, the response from my students is heightened. They are more motivated, more attentive and enjoy lessons more.

Congratulations to FBISD's Rookie Teachers of the Year! There are three winners who teach in elementary schools and three who teach at secondary schools.Campuses sent in their nominations and the FBISD Teacher of the Year Judging Committee selected the six winners.

Elementary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Hana Ahmed - Neill Elementary School

Quote of Note: I like to inform parents about positives, as well as any negatives. It is not an ideal experience for a parent to solely hear complaints from their child’s teacher. It is imperative to let them know that the teacher also wants what is best for their child. This can be done by showing them that we see the good in their child and all the progress the student has made.

Congratulations to FBISD's Rookie Teachers of the Year! There are three winners who teach in elementary schools and three who teach at secondary schools.Campuses sent in their nominations and the FBISD Teacher of the Year Judging Committee selected the six winners.

Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Cody Sabol - Elkins High School

Quote of Note: I work primarily with juniors and seniors. They are at the point where it is essential for them to begin developing strategies to become independent so they can be successful beyond high school. I stress to them the importance of being able to ask questions and solve problems individually so they can develop independence and become successful young adults.

Congratulations to FBISD's Rookie Teachers of the Year! There are three winners who teach in elementary schools and three who teach at secondary schools.Campuses sent in their nominations and the FBISD Teacher of the Year Judging Committee selected the six winners.

Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year

Ruben Hanco*ck - Kempner High School

Quote of Note: I do not believe that we can cut out technology in the classroom because it creates connections and provides a more vibrant environment for students to learn. Using technology at a young age will help students with their future careers, which tend to revolve around high tech.

Congratulations to FBISD's Rookie Teachers of the Year! There are three winners who teach in elementary schools and three who teach at secondary schools.Campuses sent in their nominations and the FBISD Teacher of the Year Judging Committee selected the six winners.

Secondary Rookie Teacher of the Year

John Niiler - Travis High School

Quote of Note: Administrators should be cheerleaders and coaches for teachers, who are the ones who directly influence students. Campus leaders’ actions toward teachers trickle down to the students. Providing meaningful professional development and treating students and staff with equal respect and understanding will foster a more holistic, healthy learning environment.

Congratulations to FBISD's Rookie Teachers of the Year! There are three winners who teach in elementary schools and three who teach at secondary schools.Campuses sent in their nominations and the FBISD Teacher of the Year Judging Committee selected the six winners.

Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Jason Strutton – Pre-K - 5th Grade Physical Education Teacher, Ferguson Elementary School

Mr. Strutton has been a teacher, coach, administrator, and now he is a teacher again. He said he returned to the classroom because he missed the daily one-on-one interaction with students. He said he always works to be “that teacher,” the one ready to give a high five or fist bump. He likes being the teacher who inspires students to be future world champions.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Audrey St. Germain – Pre-K Teacher, Meadows Elementary School

Ms. St. Germain began the pre-K program at Meadows in 2021. She said she needs her students to know that they can do anything working together and that she loves them. She said she wants to ensure their parents to trust her. She uses data driven instruction to nail down the “what, the when and the where.” She said she loves to give her students memorable learning experiences, like the time they read all the Gingerbread folk tales and the Gingerbread Man visited the campus to play with the students and bring them cookies.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Edith Faltine – K - 5th Grade Dyslexia Instructor, Oakland Elementary School

In Ms. Faltine’s class, students sit in a semi-circle working with flashcards and notepads during a highly interactive learning session where they are highly engaged and focused on her. She said her primary goal is not to teach children, but to foster a love and desire to learn and think critically – all while helping to develop their character. She said as a teacher, she must create an educational environment that revolves around the needs, interests, and abilities of her students, all while emphasizing her role in guiding and directing the learning process. She said both components must coexist for the students -and the teacher- to achieve success.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Shaquille Dixon – 3rd Grade Math/Science Teacher, Sugar Mill Elementary School

When he first became an educator, Mr. Dixon said he wanted to give students what he never had as a child – a fun learning experience. He said he was always seen as a problem child and never really had a teacher who understood him or even put in the effort to get to know him. Mr. Dixon said he wants to make sure that in his classroom, students know they can express what is going on in their lives, talk about what is on their minds and feel loved.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Naomi Olguin – 1st - 5th Grade Special Education Teacher, Walker Station Elementary School

Ms. Olguin said she really loves getting to work with smaller groups of students at various grade levels. She said the only challenging part of her job is putting in the time required by paperwork. She is fully dedicated to helping children with special needs and said she loves every second spent helping her students expand their knowledge and increase their ability to learn.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Jake Woodson - 6th - 8th Grade Choir Instructor, Baines Middle School

Mr. Woodson is the kind of teacher who shows up to lead his choir dressed as Santa Claus wearing a business suit. His students said he is that way all the time – fun and engaging. They said they appreciate that on days when they are less than enthusiastic. “He’s super energetic when you’re almost, like, half dead,” one student joked. Other students added that Mr. Woodson is “very patient and kind, encouraging, and never gives up on you.” They said his energy helps every student feel connected and welcome in the classroom.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Emily Wendt – 9th - 12thGrade Dance Instructor, Crawford High School

When you walk into Ms. Wendt’s classroom, the rules of engagement are on the board: set goals and prepare to reach them, collaborate, be committed. Her students speak of celebrating one another. They remark on how she encourages them to “dream big and grow as artists and athletes.” One student said she loves Ms. Wendt’s class because they are able to be innovative and take risks with the assurance they are in a safe space.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Kara Pendergraft – 10th Grade World History Teacher, Reese Career and Technical Center

Ms. Pendergraft said being selected as a Teacher of the Year Finalist is a true honor. She said being able to teach students every day is exciting to her, something she considers a privilege. She holds roundtable discussions to help her students think about history and its relevance and impact on today’s world. She said the roundtable sessions are a great way to help her students improve their ability to interact face-to-face with others in real time.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Melissa Noel – 9th - 12th Grade Online Learning, Ridge Point High School

Ms. Noel has been teaching for 26 years but said, “it is still so fresh that I feel like it’s my first day.” She likes to start each class session with something positive. She said she loves connecting with a wide range of students. One of them said the thing she appreciates most about Ms. Noel’s class is that it allows her to gain the credits she needs while working at her own pace. Ms. Noel said the ultimate highlight for her “is when I see them cross the stage at graduation. I am thrilled and amazed by their success because they made it.”

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.

Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalist

Sierra Joseph – 7th - 8th Grade AVID (Middle School College Prep) Instructor, Thornton Middle School

Ms. Joseph’s students said, “she is always so caring, has a big smile and always brings energy to the room.” They spoke of how she gives students second chances and the benefit of the doubt, and always communicates with them. Ms. Joseph’s peer educators at Thornton Middle School said she spreads kindness everywhere she goes and positively impacts them as much as she impacts her students. Ms. Joseph said one of her key strengths is reliability. She said if her campus leaders need something, “I show up. If my students need something, I show up.” She believes that when you show up for others, they show up for themselves, and when you “walk in excellence,” it causes everyone around to do the same.

Congratulations to FBISD's finalists for Teacher of the Year! There are 10 finalists for Teacher of the Year, five from the elementary level and five from the secondary level. The finalists were selected from the campus Teacher of the Year winners from all FBISD schools.