DeSoto Independent School District is proud to announce the 2024–2025 District Teachers of the Year: Ms. Timmie Ray, an English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies teacher at Frank D. Moates Elementary, has been named the DeSoto ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, while Ms. Tonisha Hedge, a Mathematics and Computer Science teacher at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy, has been named the Secondary Teacher of the Year.
The announcement was made during the district’s annual Cadence of Celebration End-of-Year Staff Recognition event, held each May to honor staff achievements and close out the academic year. These outstanding educators were selected from a distinguished group of campus-level Teachers of the Year through a rigorous application and review process led by a diverse selection committee.
Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Superintendent of DeSoto ISD, commended both honorees for their dedication to student success and their lasting influence in the classroom.
“The recognition of Timmie Ray and Tonisha Hedge as our District Teachers of the Year is a testament to the high caliber of educators we have in DeSoto ISD. These outstanding teachers reflect the heart of our mission—to inspire, empower, and prepare every student to thrive,” said Dr. Rodgers. “We are especially proud of Ms. Hedge’s additional recognition as the recipient of the Texas Instruments Foundation STEM Innovation Award, which further affirms the excellence present within our district. We look forward with great pride as they go on to represent DeSoto ISD in the Regional Teacher of the Year competition.”
DeSoto ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year: Timmie Ray – Frank D. Moates Elementary
With 13 years of dedicated service to DeSoto ISD, Ms. Timmie Ray has devoted her career to shaping the lives of young learners. A passionate teacher of English Language Arts and Reading and Social Studies, Ray is known for her student-centered approach and her unwavering belief in the power of meaningful relationships. Her calm leadership, consistent excellence, and nurturing classroom environment have made her a respected role model among peers and a beloved figure among students.
Learn more about Ms. Ray’s story
DeSoto ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year: Tonisha Hedge – Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
A veteran educator with 21 years of experience, Ms. Tonisha Hedge has spent the last two years transforming instruction in Mathematics and Computer Science at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy. Known for her innovative use of data to drive instruction and her engaging, inclusive teaching style, Hedge creates a classroom culture where all students feel empowered to tackle complex STEM concepts. Her work is not only preparing students for academic success but also equipping them to thrive in a technology-driven future.
Read more about Ms. Hedge’s journey
DeSoto ISD congratulates Ms. Timmie Ray and Ms. Tonisha Hedge for their exceptional contributions to student learning and for exemplifying the district’s standards of excellence. Their passion, dedication, and impact continue to inspire both students and colleagues across the district.
🔗 Discover more about all of our 2024–2025 Teachers of the Year here.