Region 16 ESC

📆Mark your calendars! Join us October 6 for a powerful day of collaboration and connection!

Support matters especially in moments of crisis. Learn how to respond with care, confidence, and compassion through Psychological First Aid (PFA) training.

Sign up for an upcoming session and be prepared to support students and staff when it is needed most!

Congratulations to all the Region 16 Teacher of the Year Nominees, Finalists and Winners!

Region 16 Education Service Center is thrilled to announce their 2027 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.

This year, the Region 16 Elementary Teacher of the Year is Almadelfina Trejo DeLeon from Hereford ISD, and the Region 16 Secondary Teacher of the Year is Kevin Weaver from Hereford ISD.

“While Region 16 is home to countless exceptional educators, Almadelfina Trejo DeLeon and Kevin Weaver truly set a benchmark for excellence,” said Brenda Foster, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Region 16. “Their heart for students and innovative approach to learning make a lasting difference well beyond school walls. We are honored to celebrate them as our Teachers of the Year as they advance to the state competition.”

To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation, Region 16 utilizes an anonymous multi-stage selection process. Candidates' applications are first blind-reviewed in a preliminary round by an external panel of judges, including retired educators and community leaders from outside the industry. From there, the top three finalists in each category advanced to an interview with an internal selection committee, where DeLeon and Weaver ultimately earned top honors.

Each fall, 40 outstanding teachers are selected as Regional Teachers of the Year in Texas, with one elementary and one secondary teacher chosen from each of the 20 education service center regions. This year, DeLeon and Weaver will represent Region 16 at the state level, competing for the prestigious titles of 2027 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and 2027 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year, to be announced at a ceremony on October 16.

Since its inception in 1969, the Texas State Teacher of the Year program has celebrated excellence in classroom education, highlighting educators whose dedication and achievements inspire students, colleagues, and communities. The Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor the state bestows upon a teacher. Facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), this program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who exhibit exceptional leadership and teaching excellence.

We are beyond proud to share that Sherri O'Daniel, Coordinator of Disabilities, Mental Health, & Home Base, has been appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Early Childhood Intervention Advisory Committee! 👏🏻👏🏻

In this vital role, Sherri will advise the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on directing, supervising, and monitoring early intervention services statewide. Her work will help ensure that infants and toddlers under age 3 with developmental needs across Texas receive the support they need to thrive. ❤️🤍💙

Sherri, thank you for your unwavering dedication to children and families—both in our community and now across the entire state of Texas!