Distinguished Educators of the Year
2022 Honorees
Mel Basham
Past President & Art Educator, Texas Art Education Association
Ms. Mel Basham has gone above and beyond in her dedication to art education. Ms. Basham earned her B.F.A. in Studio Art and teaching certification from SHSU. Her teaching philosophy helped her be successful in the classroom and in the creation and development of programs. The College of Education is honored to name Ms. Mel Basham as Distinguished Educator of the Year.
2022 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Dominique Odom
Teacher, Huntsville ISD
Mrs. Dominique Odom teaches third grade math and science at Stewart Elementary in Huntsville ISD. She graduated from SHSU with her bachelor’s in Education. Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Odom has made an impact for her students, colleagues, and her district. It is with great honor that the College of Education awards Distinguished Educator of the Year to Mrs. Dominique Odom.
2022 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Rhonda Mason
Executive Director of Elementary Schools, Fort Bend ISD
Mrs. Rhonda Mason’s love for educational leadership and community service goes back to her father and grandmother. Mrs. Mason graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State and is now pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. It is with great honor that the College of Education awards Mrs. Rhonda Mason as Distinguished Educator of the Year.
2022 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Kelsey Amaya
ELA Instructional Specialist, Klein ISD
Mrs. Kelsey Amaya started her teaching career in Klein ISD as a fifth grade ELA teacher after her graduation from the College of Education. Since that point, she has made a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and Klein ISD. Her energy, kindness, and innovation enable her to make a difference in the lives of her students. The College of Education is honored to give Mrs. Kelsey Amaya the Distinguished Educator of the Year award.
2022 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
Alton Smith
Professor, Lone Star College
Not every teaching career starts right out of college. In Dr. Alton Smith’s case, it started when he left his job Human Resources at Shell Oil Company to become a Special Education teacher in Goose Creek ISD. He served as a teacher, principal, and adjunct professor and truly made an impact in each role. The College of Education is honored to give the Distinguished Educator of the Year award to Dr. Alton Smith.
2022 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
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Honorees 2005 -> Present
2024
Educator of the Year: Ms. Amanda Chacon
Educator of the Year: Dr. Deirdre Holloway
Educator of the Year: Ms. Sherree Johnson
Educator of the Year: Dr. Randal O'Brien
Educator of the Year: Mr. August Wunderlich2023
Educator of the Year: Dr. Bill Chapman
Educator of the Year: Dr. Christopher Eckford
Educator of the Year: Dr. Ann Lê
Educator of the Year: Heidi Sebren
Educator of the Year: Dr. Janice Taylor2022
Educator of the Year: Mel Basham
Educator of the Year: Dominique Odom
Educator of the Year: Rhonda Mason
Educator of the Year: Kelsey Amaya
Educator of the Year: Alton Smith2021
Educator of the Year: Clare Resilla
Educator of the Year: Leslie Gerberman
Educator of the Year: Kendra Wuest
Educator of the Year: Amy Schindewolf
Educator of the Year: Patricia Nash2020
Educator of the Year: Dr. Hafedh Azaiez
Educator of the Year: Dr. Jenny McGown
Educator of the Year: Dr. Veronica Vijil
Educator of the Year: Michelle Spencer
Educator of the Year: Tommy Hooker2019
Educator of the Year: Mr. Rod McLerran
Educator of the Year: Dr. R. Scott Allen
Educator of the Year: Ms. Jana Cervantes
Educator of the Year: Dr. Glenn Barnes, Jr.
Educator of the Year: Dr. Jose Espinoza2019 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2018
Educator of the Year: Dr. Don Stockton
Educator of the Year: Ms. Linda Harris
Educator of the Year: Dr. Jeremy Glenn
Educator of the Year: Dr. Jimmy Adams
Educator of the Year: Mr. Kevin Weldon2018 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2017
Educator of the Year: Mr. Ronny Snow
Educator of the Year: Ms. Lillian Chastain
Educator of the Year: Ms. Kellie Hall
Friend of Education: Ms. Barbara Cargill2017 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2016
Educator of the Year: Ms. Mary Hanks
Educator of the Year: Dr. Wanda Bamberg
Educator of the Year: Mr. Rick Kershner
Educator of the Year: Dr. Rebecca Riley
Friend of Education: Mr. Flip Flippen2016 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2015
Administrator: Dr. Pamela Wells
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Meghan Zigmond
Secondary Teacher: Ms. Cara Moreland
Support Professional: Ms. Tiffany Woods-Simon
Friend of Education: Dr. Steve Johnson
Legacy Award Winner: Dr. Jack Staggs2015 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2014
Administrator: Dr. Darol Hail
Secondary Teacher: Gary Graham
Support Professional: Stephanie Hendrix
Friend of Education: Eleanor Garrett2014 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2013
Administrator: Dr. LaTonya Goffney
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Romaira Rodriquez
Secondary Teacher: Ms. DeAnna Murrell
Support Professional: Ms. Pamela Voyles
Friend of Education: ESC6 - Educational expanded for All2013 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2012
Administrator: Dr. Susan Borg
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Cheryl Conley
Secondary Teacher: Mr. James Watson
Support Professional: Ms. Darla Fagan
Friend of Education: Dr. Bertie Simmons2012 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2011
Administrator: Ms. Sheryl Burlison
Elementary Teacher: Mr. Fernando Martinez
Secondary Teacher: Mr. Thomas Mayo
Support Professional: Ms. Rachel Bullen
Friend of Education: Ms. Maggie Selman2011 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2010
Administrator: Ms. Rebecca Page
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Norma Sentesi
Secondary Teacher: Ms. Sharon Brown
Support Professional: Ms. Kimberly Falkenbury
Friend of Education: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo2010 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2009
Administrator: Ms. Cherie Meroney
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Dana Wagner
Secondary Teacher: Ms. Christie McWilliams
Support Professional: Ms. Sherri Treadway
Friend of Education: H-E-B2009 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2008
Administrator: Dr. Jamie Bryson
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Shannon Kirby
Secondary Teacher: Ms. Diana McGee
Support Professional: Ms. Dixie Allen
Friend of Education: Dr. Claudine Simpson
2008 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2007
Administrator: Dr. John Sawyer
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Jane Ann Brown
Secondary Teacher: Ms. Pepper Smith
Support Professional: Ms. Sonia Villarreal
Friend of Education: Representative Lois W. Kolkhorst2007 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2006
Administrator: Dr. Shirley J. Neeley
Elementary Teacher: Mr. Agustin Lara
Secondary Teacher: Ms. Sue Blackmon
Support Professional: Mr. Jack Strawn
Friend of Education: Julia Kahla2006 - Distinguished Educator of the Year
2005
Administrator: D. Herman Smith
Elementary Teacher: Ms. Debbie Hubenak
Secondary Teacher: Ms. Joyce Eveld
Support Professional: Ms. Bessie Mae Kee
Friend of Education: Ms. Susan Estrada2005 - Distinguished Educator of the Year