August 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2026
Contact: Stephanie Noriega, Chief of the Center for Strategic Communications and Engagement, Region 4 Education Service Center
Phone: 832.541.3121
Email: stephanie.noriega@esc4.net
Humble ISD and Tomball ISD Educators Named 2027 Region 4 Teachers of the Year
HOUSTON, Texas (August 2026)—Anita McKeague of Elm Grove Elementary (Humble ISD) and Cristina Monroe of Tomball Star Academy (Tomball ISD) have been named the 2027 Region 4 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively. Selected from 10 finalists and honored alongside 84 district and charter school Teachers of the Year, the two educators will represent the Houston area in the Texas Teacher of the Year program, coordinated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).
“The future is shaped every day by educators who choose to invest in relationships, believe in the potential of every student, and create opportunities for young people to thrive,” said Dr. Rodney Watson, Executive Director of Region 4 Education Service Center. “Anita McKeague and Cristina Monroe embody those qualities through their compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to students. Their influence reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping not only academic success but also the confidence, character, and future of the young people they serve. We are honored to recognize them as the 2027 Region 4 Teachers of the Year and look forward to watching them represent Region 4 at the state level.”
A grade 4 teacher at Elm Grove Elementary, Anita McKeague believes the strongest lessons begin with relationships. Inspired by her own elementary teacher, Mrs. Sherwood, McKeague strives to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and encouraged to believe in their own potential. She credits her teacher with showing her that investing in students can shape futures far beyond the classroom, and she carries that same philosophy in her own teaching each day. As McKeague shared in her acceptance remarks, “Our greatest work isn’t simply teaching standards; it’s shaping the future, one relationship at a time.”
A grade 9 biology teacher at Tomball Star Academy, Cristina Monroe believes every student is capable of more than they think possible. Through high expectations, encouragement, and strong relationships, she helps students persevere through challenges and recognize their own potential. In her acceptance remarks, Monroe encouraged fellow educators to extend themselves the same grace they encourage in their students, reminding them, “The relationships we build matter. And don’t forget yourself… because you matter.”
The 2027 Region 4 Teacher of the Year program brought together educators representing 49 participating school systems from across the Region 4 service area.
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Elementary Finalists
- Michael Jackson, Anderson Academy, Aldine ISD
- Holly Fischer, Bernshausen Elementary, Klein ISD
- Kristin Jennings, College Park Elementary School, La Porte ISD
- Brittany Suarez, Alexander Middle School, Pearland ISD
Secondary Finalists
- Camia Lowman, Clear Springs High School, Clear Creek ISD
- Ashley Huckabay, Cleveland Ninth Grade Center, Cleveland ISD
- Shenoa Cramer, Sugar Land Middle School, Fort Bend ISD
- Sherrissa Veal, Glenda Dawson High School, Pearland ISD
Learn more about the 2027 Region 4 Teacher of the Year celebration, meet this year’s finalists and district Teachers of the Year, and explore the selection process at esc4.net/teachers-of-the-year.
TASA will announce the 2027 Texas Teachers of the Year on October 16, 2026, at a ceremony hosted at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock. One elementary and one secondary educator will be named 2027 Texas Teacher of the Year, with one advancing to represent Texas in the 2027 National Teacher of the Year Program.
About Region 4 Education Service Center
Region 4 Education Service Center, established by the Texas Legislature more than half a century ago, is dedicated to assisting school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to achieve optimal student performance, operational efficiency, and the successful implementation of state initiatives. Our District Advancement Champions are proud to be trusted guides for 46 public school districts and 42 open-enrollment charter schools, representing more than 1.2 million students, 108,136 professional educators, and 1,500 campuses.
To help educators address instructional challenges and fortify sustainable infrastructures, we deliver exceptional, expert-led professional development, high-quality educational products, and strategic guidance. Our Centers for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Strategic District Support; and Educator Development, Transformation, and Organizational Culture are thoughtfully designed to empower school leaders and educators to achieve excellence. Our innovative and comprehensive approach to supporting educators leaves no doubt that we’ve got their back.
To learn more, visit esc4.net.
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