The District celebrated all Campus Teachers of the Year at a special event on April 13. Each of Keller ISD’s 42 campuses named a Teacher of the Year for their school, and after an application review process, five elementary (PreK-6) and five secondary (7-12) teachers were named Finalists and announced through individual surprise campus visits on March 3. The District Teachers of the Year were selected after an interview process with District administrators and past honorees.
Isabella Mora has taught for five years, having served in Keller ISD since 2018. She is a Registered Behavior Technician, a Heritage Elementary C3 PLC Culture Committee facilitator, and a Keller ISD Alternate Curriculum (Unique Learning Systems) Coach. In addition, she developed the Pride Ambassador program, which empowers fifth-grade students to become campus leaders and mentors, participating in reverse inclusion programs with students who receive special education services. Mora believes all students deserve an education that supports their needs and encourages inclusion.
"As educators, it is our responsibility to recognize and nurture the potential of all students," Mora said. "To this end, I work tirelessly to provide my students with opportunities to participate in field trips, eat lunch with their peers, and play freely at recess. I believe that by creating these opportunities, I can foster a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels seen and valued."
See how Ms. Mora fosters inclusion in her classroom and helps her student find their voice.
Ann Accas has 24 years of experience teaching fine arts, serving the past 17 years in Keller ISD. She is earning her principal certification, participates in the Keller ISD Leadership Development Academy, and serves as the Professional Development facilitator and lead teacher at the Keller Compass Center. In addition, Accas created a program to support students passing their end-of-course exams, finally clearing the last obstacle standing in the way of graduating. Her message as the Teacher of the Year is to encourage educators to slow down despite all the pressure and take the necessary moments to build lasting relationships with students.
"As a fine arts educator, the connection between content and life application is unparalleled," Accas said. "We have the amazing opportunity to bridge the gap life has created and replace it with valuable lessons to help students navigate through life. Problem-solving, selfawareness, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, time management, receptiveness to criticism, and relationship management are all skills taught in fine arts classes."
See how Mrs. Accas makes a positive impact on her students' lives.
Mora and Accas will now represent Keller ISD in the Region 11 Teacher of the Year contest.
Congratulations to the Top Ten Finalists for 2022-23:
Elementary Finalists (PreK-6th Grade)
Michael Benson | Parkwood Hill Intermediate, 6th Grade English Language Arts
Courtney Harris | Ridgeview Elementary, Theatre
Jennifer Logan | Trinity Meadows Intermediate, Choir
Isabella Mora | Heritage Elementary, Special Education
Lindsey Potocki | Early Learning Center South, Special Education
Secondary Finalists (7th-12th Grade)
Ann Accas | Keller Compass Center, Fine Arts
Paige Davis | Fossil Hill Middle School, Special Education
Chuck Fongsamouth | Timber Creek High School, World History
Sarah Gonzales | Keller Collegiate Academy, Dual Credit Speech
Dee Miles | Keller High School, Special Education
