DeSoto ISD Announces Its Teachers of the Year

DeSoto ISD Congratulates Its District-level Teachers of the Year
Posted on 05/25/2023
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The DeSoto ISD Campus Teachers of the Year are chosen by their peers to recognize their high performance, leadership, innovation, and engagement within their school community.


These teachers are subsequently invited to participate in the application process for the DeSoto ISD District Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Then, the district convenes a committee to review the submitted applications to determine the top two teachers for the year.


The two recipients were announced this year at the Cadence of Celebration End of the Year staff recognition event.


DeSoto ISD is proud to announce these two Eagles as the 2022-2023 District-level Teachers of the Year.


District Elementary Teacher of the Year
Jamesia Richardson - Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy 
(K-5 Grade, Physical Education Teacher)

Ms. Richardson is a nine-year educator who has been employed with DeSoto ISD for five years. Teaching is rewarding to her when sees the progress of her students as they learn new skills or master a difficult concept. “Seeing their eyes light up after grasping a new piece of knowledge is beyond price,” said Richardson. Her inspiration to teach stems from her passion and love of learning and her desire to make a positive impact on the life of a child. Richardson’s goal for her students is to help to command their confidence so they can take strategic risks on themselves and skillfully collaborate with others.

Secondary Teacher of the Year
Brian Beck-Smith - DeSoto High School

(AP Calculus / Honors Precalculus Teacher)
A 15-year educator who has been with DeSoto ISD for 11 years, Mr. Beck-Smith was inspired to teach during his time as a college tutor. In his classroom, he is consistently noted for empowering students with knowledge and skills that can help them be successful in their future endeavors. He ensures that all students can achieve their highest potential by assessing where his students are academically to properly differentiate instruction.

The district-level winners are participating in the Regional Teacher of the Year contest this summer. The regional winner will be announced during the annual celebration luncheon in July.

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