Austin Independent School District announced on Mar. 24 the four finalists for its 2026 Teacher of the Year award, recognizing educators from elementary and secondary schools across the district.
The annual Teacher of the Year program highlights outstanding teaching and dedication within Austin ISD, with one winner advancing to compete in the Regional Teacher of the Year selection process. The district educates more than 72,000 students and employs over 5,000 classroom teachers across diverse school communities, according to the official website.
This year’s finalists are Ashley Marie Phan from Widén Elementary School, Mariann Burns from Ortega Elementary School, Ashley Muir from Crockett Early College High School, and Joelle Don de’Ville from Gorzycki Middle School. Ms. Phan is a kindergarten bilingual teacher who “leads with advocacy, ensuring every student is seen, valued, and supported, especially those whose voices are often quieted by circumstance.” Ms. Burns teaches early childhood special education and “strives to serve as an advocate, collaborator, and bridge-builder for young learners with disabilities and their families.” Ms. Muir is an English teacher who “works to create a learning environment that feels safe and accessible for all students.” Ms. Don de’Ville teaches CTE electives in agriculture and aims to “create classrooms where students feel inspired, capable, and connected to the world around them.”
The winners will be announced at an annual event on May 6 where they will also be honored for their achievements.
The Austin Independent School District supports a multicultural environment with over 100 languages spoken by students according to its official website. The district operates 116 diverse school communities including elementary schools as well as middle schools; high schools; early college; academy; magnet; alternative; and community schools according to its official website.
Austin ISD maintains a graduation rate of 93.3 percent while exceeding state averages on SAT and ACT scores according to its official website. The district provides instruction in more than 100 languages along with programs in eleven languages other than English according to its official website.
Looking ahead: The selected Teachers of the Year will represent Austin ISD at regional competitions later this year.