Region 9 Education Service Center honored outstanding educators from across the region during its annual Educator Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Teacher of the Year nominees from Region 9 school districts were recognized for their dedication to students and excellence in education before the 2027 Region 9 Teachers of the Year were announced.

The 2027 Region 9 Teachers of the Year are:

• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Mary Cluley, Physical Education teacher at John G. Tower Elementary School, Burkburnett ISD
• Secondary Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Maria Waller, Spanish teacher at Graham High School, Graham ISD

Superintendents, principals, family members, and special guests joined in celebrating the teacher nominees and their outstanding contributions to students and their communities. The ceremony featured brief video presentations showcasing each nominee’s passion for education, the meaningful relationships they build with their students, and their commitment to inspiring, challenging, and guiding students as they pursue their dreams and prepare for a bright future. 

For a complete list of nominees, please see our previous news story.

The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) has facilitated the Texas Teacher of the Year program since 2011, to recognize and reward teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Teacher of the Year is the highest honor that the State of Texas can bestow upon a teacher. Both Region 9 winners have been submitted to TASA to be considered in the state selection process. Judges will meet in August to narrow the pool of 40 Regional Teachers of the Year to three elementary and three secondary finalists based on the information provided in the Texas Teacher of the Year application. Finalists will be interviewed in September/October by a panel of judges who select the Texas Elementary and Texas Secondary Teachers of the Year, which will be revealed at a ceremony on October 16, 2026.  One of the Texas Teachers of the Year will be designated by the judges to serve as Texas’ nominee for the National Teacher of the Year program.