Ninety-two Abilene ISD teachers have been recognized for their outstanding classroom performance through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, demonstrating a commitment to high-quality instruction and student achievement.
As part of the program, these Master, Exemplary, or Recognized teachers will receive awards ranging from $4,564 to $20,667 annually over the five-year designation period. Additionally, a portion of TIA funding will support the continued growth of the program, expanding opportunities for more AISD teachers in the future.
“We’re proud for these outstanding educators to be recognized for the incredible work they do every day,” Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Patti Blue said. “Their commitment to this program aligns with our Building Brighter Futures vision to ensure every student has access to meaningful learning experiences.”
Next year, Abilene ISD will expand TIA opportunities to even more teachers. In 2025-26, the program will include Martinez Elementary, Long Early Learning Center, and physical education teachers at all levels. Additionally, secondary teachers in English I, English II, and Algebra I will also be eligible to participate.
Established in 2019 through House Bill 3, TIA rewards exceptional educators through sustained funding, helping districts attract and retain top teaching talent, particularly in rural and high-needs areas.
To learn more about the district’s Building Brighter Futures innovation initiative, visit www.abileneisd.org/brighterfutures.
Congratulations to these outstanding Abilene ISD teachers:
Master Teachers
Alcorta Elementary School
Alisa Anderson, 3rd grade
Kayla Crockett, 1st grade
Abby Cummins, Kindergarten
Amanda McSherry, Interventionist
Austin Elementary School
Baylee McCarroll, 1st grade
Kari McQueen, 3rd grade
April Mercer, 4th grade
Bonham Elementary School
Taylor Moreno, 2nd grade
Sarah Welch, 4th grade
Stafford Elementary School
Dawn Barrett-Dean, 1st grade
Sydney Beverage, 3rd grade
April Brannan, 3rd grade
Renee Fisher, Kindergarten
Mackenzie Gamboa, 4th grade
Christine Havens, 4th grade
Anita Marquez, Kindergarten
Erin May, 2nd grade
Jana Walker, 4th grade
Thomas Elementary School
Madison Bangert, 5th grade
Rosanna Day, Kindergarten
Wendy Morgan, Interventionist
Katrina Quince, 2nd grade
Clack Middle School
Eden Doss, 7th grade
Craig Middle School
Erica Kalland, 7th grade
Exemplary Teachers
Alcorta Elementary School
David Alschwede, 4th grade
Jessica Gonzales, 3rd grade
Richard Green, 4th grade
Kelci Lee, 1st grade
Kallie Pringle, 3rd grade
Austin Elementary School
Tiffany Hammer, 1st grade
Alana Harrell, Kindergarten
Kaylie Lucas, 4th grade
Jennifer McLean, 5th grade
Dana Miller, 2nd grade
Susan Pate, 3rd grade
Holly Samuels, 5th grade
Bassetti Elementary School
Chayla Henderson, Kindergarten
Laresa Roemisch, Kindergarten
Robin Warren, 1st grade
Bonham Elementary School
Melissa Bell, 4th grade
Nicole Chastang, 5th grade
Starla DeLaGarza, 5th grade
Wendi Glasgow, 4th grade
Amanda Martin, Interventionist
Kevin Wright, 2nd grade
Bowie Elementary School
Shala Ballew, 2nd grade
Christen Cruse, 5th grade
Kimberly Wright, 3rd grade
Dyess Elementary School
Kristi Luckenbaugh, 2nd grade
Ortiz Elementary School
Kimberly Holmes-Abrams, 2nd grade
Blanca Perez, Kindergarten (bilingual)
Maria Sanchez, Kindergarten (bilingual)
Cheryl Steck, 5th grade
Jane Voss, Kindergarten / 1st grade
Stafford Elementary School
Heather Akers, 5th grade
LaToya Crisp, 1st grade
Blair Phariss, Kindergarten
Loree Rose, 1st grade
Laura Thomas, Kindergarten
Lori Thompson, 4th grade
Taniece Thompson-Smith, 5th grade
Taylor Elementary School
Eleanor Busk, 2nd grade
Cristi Courter, 5th grade
Thomas Elementary School
Sherrie Beckwith, 3rd grade
Amberly Fry, Kindergarten
Ward Elementary School
Allison Smith, 5th grade
Craig Middle School
Nicole Homer, 8th grade
Sharon West, 6th grade
Madison Middle School
Julie Jackson, 7th grade
Recognized Teachers
Alcorta Elementary School
Kimberly Vaughn, 2nd grade
Austin Elementary School
Kelle Mankin, Kindergarten
Jennifer Woodard, 4th grade
Bassetti Elementary School
Debra Havner, Interventionist
Edith Perron, 3rd grade
Corina Saldana, 3rd grade
Bonham Elementary School
Natalie Terry, 5th grade
Bowie Elementary School
Julia Burk, 3rd grade
Darla Bartlett, 2nd grade
Dyess Elementary School
Magan Guajardo, 4th grade
Ortiz Elementary School
Shelly Cruz, 2nd grade
Stafford Elementary School
Shannon Rector, 3rd grade
Brynne Weaver, 2nd grade
Taylor Elementary School
Shelby Bridges, 1st grade
Thomas Elementary School
Bethany Anderson, 5th grade
Emily Fantana, 3rd grade
Jonnie Taylor, 2nd grade
Clack Middle School
Alison Wellborn, 7th grade
Amy Dugan, 8th grade
Julie McNally, 8th grade
Madison Middle School
Kylee Zonker, 7th grade
Mann Middle School
Allison Gorbenko, 8th grade
Brooklyn O’Neal, 8th grade