DeSoto ISD Celebrates Educator Excellence and Announces 2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year
DeSoto Independent School District (ISD) is proud to express its sincere appreciation for the dedication, hard work, and passion of teachers across the district. Teachers are the heart of the educational experience and continue to inspire and shape the minds of our students every day. In recognition of their extraordinary contributions, DeSoto ISD is excited to further announce and introduce the outstanding individuals selected as the 2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year.
These exceptional educators represent the diverse talents and passions that are cultivated within our schools, and they embody the commitment to excellence that defines DeSoto ISD.
The district extends its heartfelt congratulations to the following educators:
Early Childhood
Stephanie Hamilton – Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center
Early Childhood Educator – All Content Areas
With 14 years of instructional experience, including 11 within DeSoto ISD, Stephanie Hamilton has become a beloved and impactful early childhood educator at Amber Terrace Learning Center, where she has served for eight years. Known for her creativity, dedication, and deep compassion for her students, Hamilton is committed to laying strong educational foundations for the district’s youngest learners.
Stephanie Hamilton is a reminder that greatness in education often begins with the quiet, consistent work of those who build the strongest foundations.
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Elementary
Charlotte Williams – Cockrell Hill Elementary
Early Elementary Teacher
Charlotte Williams, a 25-year veteran educator, is a dedicated teacher at Cockrell Hill Elementary in DeSoto ISD, where she has been making a lasting impact for the past 4 years. Throughout her career, Williams has remained passionate about guiding her students to overcome challenges and achieve success. What Williams loves most about teaching is witnessing the growth and progress of her students.
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Aaron Jackson – The Meadows Elementary
5th Grade Math Teacher
Aaron Jackson has spent the past six years of his 17-year teaching career teaching fifth-grade math at The Meadows in DeSoto ISD. Throughout his career, Jackson has dedicated himself to making a difference in his students' academic lives, constantly working to inspire them to overcome challenges and embrace learning.
What Jackson loves most about teaching is witnessing the “epiphany” moments when his students grasp concepts they once thought were difficult. For him, those moments of growth are the true reward of teaching. Aaron Jackson’s unwavering commitment to his students makes him a standout educator at The Meadows.
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Timmie Ray – Frank D. Moates Elementary
English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies Educator
With 13 years of dedicated service in DeSoto ISD—all of them spent enriching the minds of young learners—Timmie Ray is a passionate and purpose-driven educator currently teaching ELAR and Social Studies at Frank D. Moates Elementary. Known for her deep commitment to relationship-building and student empowerment, Ray approaches education as both a calling and a privilege. Timmie Ray’s legacy is one of quiet strength, consistent excellence, and heartfelt impact—proving daily that the relationships built in the classroom can shape futures far beyond it.
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Eric Alvarez – Woodridge Fine Arts and Gifted Academy
Kindergarten Teacher
Eric Alvarez’s dozen years of experience in educating young learner shines in his work as a dedicated Kindergarten teacher at Woodridge Elementary in DeSoto ISD, where he has served for the past four years. Known for his calm presence, intentional instruction, and strong student connections, Alvarez brings passion and purpose to the classroom each day.
What he loves most about teaching is the daily opportunity to connect with his students and witness their growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. Alvarez is inspired by his students’ energy and trust, which pushes him to give his best every day. This recognition fuels Alvarez’s daily drive to show up with excellence. He is committed to living up to the honor by continuing to deliver high-quality instruction, nurturing a love of learning, and serving as a positive force in his classroom and school community.
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K-8 Specialized School
Jeffrey Jacobs – Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
English Language Arts and Reading Teacher
Across Jeff Jacobs’ seven years as an educator, his passion for developing scholars through his love and interest in writing and literature, have propelled his students’ success through his work as an English Language Arts and Reading teacher at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (KJTMA) Having been a part of the DeSoto ISD family for four years, Jacobs’ time at KJTMA has been marked by a commitment to inspiring students to become confident and independent readers.
What Jacobs loves most about teaching is witnessing the transformation in his students’ attitudes toward reading. Jeff Jacobs is a dedicated educator who continues to inspire his students to reach their full potential through innovation, dedication, and a genuine passion for teaching.
📖 Read more: https://secure.smore.com/n/wb1ng
Tonisha Hedge – Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
Mathematics/Computer Science Teacher
With 21 years of instructional experience, Tonisha Hedge is a dedicated educator specializing in Mathematics and Computer Science. She has been part of the DeSoto ISD family for the past two years, teaching at Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy where she continues to inspire and guide her students to reach their full potential. By effectively using data to assess her students' needs and delivering engaging lessons, she fosters an environment where every student can understand complex topics and strive for excellence.
Tonisha Hedge is a dedicated educator who is making a lasting impact on the students of DeSoto ISD, one lesson at a time.
📖 Read more: https://secure.smore.com/n/824uz
Latoya Williams – Ruby Young Talented and Gifted Academy
Algebra 1, 8th Grade Math, Choir Teacher
LaToya Williams, a 20-year classroom leader, has spent the past four years making a significant impact at Ruby Young Talented & Gifted Academy in DeSoto ISD. Williams teaches Algebra 1, 8th-grade Math, and Choir, using her expertise to help students not only succeed academically but also develop into compassionate and capable individuals. What Williams loves most about teaching is the opportunity to ignite curiosity and build confidence in her students, no matter their starting point. Williams is committed to leading with heart, pouring her energy into her students and campus community, and continuing to inspire the next generation of leaders.
📖 Read more: https://secure.smore.com/n/4v8ub
Middle School
Sandy Williams-Wyche Jr.– Curtistene S. McCowan Middle School
6th-grade math and 7th-grade honors Math Teacher
With 17 years of experience in education, Sandy Wyche Jr. is an experienced and dedicated teacher at Curtistene McCowan Middle School in DeSoto ISD, where he has been a valuable part of the team for the past 5 years. Wyche teaches 6th-grade math and 7th-grade honors math subjects, using his deep understanding of his students' needs to foster their academic growth and confidence.
What Wyche loves most about teaching is helping students build mathematical confidence. He takes pride in creating successful moments for his students, which help them overcome their fears of math. Sandy understands that every student learns differently, and his mission is to provide them with the skills and mindset they need to succeed.
Read more: https://secure.smore.com/n/439bw
Shaun Johnson – DeSoto West Middle School
8th Grade Math & Algebra I Teacher
With six years of educational experience—all proudly served within DeSoto ISD—Shaun Johnson brings dedication, compassion, and leadership to the classroom as an 8th Grade Math and Algebra I teacher at West Middle School. Known for his strong connections with students and unwavering commitment to their growth, Johnson focuses on not just academic excellence but on shaping well-rounded individuals. For Johnson, the heart of teaching lies in making a meaningful impact on students’ lives—especially during middle school, a critical time when students are discovering who they are.
📖 Read more: https://secure.smore.com/n/fw8he
High School
Devonta Daniels – DeSoto High School
Agriculture Teacher With six years of experience in education, Devonta Daniels has spent the last three years teaching at DeSoto High School, where he inspires students in Agriculture. Daniels’ passion for teaching goes beyond academics; he is dedicated to shaping not only the minds but also the hearts of his students. He loves watching the "lightbulb" moments when his students grasp difficult concepts but equally values the quiet moments of growth when students gain confidence and take risks. For Daniels, teaching is about mentoring, motivating, and nurturing the potential in every child.
Read more: https://secure.smore.com/n/bdryh
Alternative Education
Monique Wyatt – DeSoto ISD Alternative Education Program
Math Teacher Read more: https://secure.smore.com/n/28kpw
Twenty-four years of instructional experience have shaped Monique Wyatt into a passionate and resilient educator who currently serves as a math teacher at the DeSoto Alternative Education Program. In her first year on this campus and sixth year within DeSoto ISD, Wyatt continues to make a profound impact on students through her unwavering belief in their potential and her dedication to their success.
What Wyatt loves most about teaching is witnessing the moment a student realizes they can master a concept they once believed was beyond their grasp. That spark of confidence and pride is what drives her daily. Monique Wyatt is a model of perseverance and inspiration, reminding us all that even in the most difficult moments, educators have the power to change lives.
These teachers are also featured in this month’s episode of Eagle Insights, DeSoto ISD’s podcast series, where they shared their passion for education and their purpose in the classroom. As the host of the video podcast, DeSoto ISD Chief Communications Officer Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones engaged the 2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year in conversations offering insights into the educators' journeys and their commitment to empowering students to succeed.
Additionally, the 2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year will be honored at the Cadence of Celebration event, DeSoto ISD’s annual end-of-year staff recognition event, set to take place on May 16, 2025. This special event celebrates the success and milestones of the district's staff members, with a theme this year of “Gilded Age of Greatness: An Ode to Employee Excellence in DeSoto ISD.” During the celebration, the district will announce the district’s overall Elementary Teacher of the Year, Secondary Teacher of the Year, and the Principal of the Year.
DeSoto ISD is proud to highlight the exceptional work of these teachers and to honor their dedication to fostering a bright future for every student. Their contributions are a vital part of our district’s ongoing mission to provide a high-quality education for all.
For more information, visit www.desotoisd.org.