In a celebration recognizing instructional excellence, student impact, and exceptional commitment to teaching and learning, DeSoto Independent School District proudly announced Edwaurdo King, Jr. of Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (Secondary) as the district’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year during the May 15 Cadence of Celebration gala themed “Putting on the Ritz: An Ode to Employee Excellence.”
The annual district event honors outstanding educators and staff through milestone service recognitions, retiree acknowledgements, Teacher of the Year honors, and Administrative Leaders of the Year distinctions.
Mr. King was recognized as the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year for his ability to seamlessly blend his military background with a passion for student-centered technology education. In his first year at KJTMA and seventh year in DeSoto ISD, he has established a classroom culture grounded in structure, respect, and real-world readiness, where students are encouraged to master content while building confidence in their own capabilities.
For Mr. King, the impact of teaching extends far beyond academics.
“What I love most about teaching is the impact beyond academics,” King shared. “I enjoy helping students build confidence and see what they’re capable of. When learning connects to real life and students start believing in themselves, that’s what matters to me.”
Known for the strong relationships he builds with students, Mr. King’s classroom culture is marked by mutual respect and authenticity—reflected in daily greetings, hallway interactions, and consistent engagement that students often describe as the “Mr. King Effect.”
“Those moments remind me that teaching goes beyond the content,” he said. “It’s about the relationships, the consistency, and the environment you create. When students feel that, they give it right back to you.”
Mr. King’s instructional approach is grounded in what he calls a “Blueprint for Life,” emphasizing real-world relevance, proactive mentorship, and leadership by example. He designs structured and engaging lessons that prepare students for life beyond graduation, closely monitors student progress to provide timely support, and contributes to campus-wide leadership efforts that strengthen school culture.
Being named the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in his first year at KJTMA is both an honor and a catalyst for continued growth and leadership.
“This recognition motivates me to stay consistent and continue growing every day,” King said. “Beyond my classroom, it pushes me to step into more of a leadership role on campus. I want to continue supporting my colleagues, sharing ideas, and contributing to a positive culture.”
For Mr. King, the most meaningful part of teaching is found in the everyday connections with students—the greetings, the check-ins, and the genuine moments that reflect trust and belonging.
“There’s nothing like hearing ‘Mr. King!’ in the hallway before I even make it to my classroom,” he shared. “That kind of love isn’t forced—it’s real. It hits different because you know the impact you’re making goes beyond the classroom.”
King’s recognition as DeSoto ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year also advances her to the Region 10 Teacher of the Year competition, where she will represent the district among other outstanding educators from across the region. In this next level of selection, she will join a distinguished cohort of campus and district honorees who exemplify excellence in teaching and student impact. In prior years, DeSoto ISD has been proudly represented at the regional level by educators such as Woodridge Elementary’s Lauren Stewart, who was named Region 10 Teacher of the Year, underscoring the district’s continued legacy of cultivating exceptional instructional leaders who achieve recognition beyond the local level.
DeSoto ISD proudly celebrates Edwaurdo King, Jr. as the district’s Secondary Teacher of the Year and commends his outstanding dedication to empowering students, building confidence, and preparing learners for success beyond the classroom.