The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced its 2026 Campus Teachers of the Year and Teachers of Promise, recognizing educators who have shown outstanding dedication and potential across its schools.
Each year, staff members at each campus vote to select a Campus Teacher of the Year. These teachers are recognized for their commitment to excellence in teaching and for setting high standards within their classrooms and school communities. After being selected at the campus level, these teachers can submit an application and essay as part of the district-wide selection process for District Teacher of the Year. The final winners for elementary and secondary levels will be announced during the Salute Awards event on May 6. Those honored will then be eligible to participate in the Texas Teacher of the Year program.
In addition to experienced teachers, AISD also highlights new educators through its Teachers of Promise program. Each campus leadership team nominates a first-year teacher who demonstrates exceptional potential, passion, and dedication to education. These nominees will also be recognized at the Salute Awards.
According to AISD guidelines, “Campus Teachers of the Year are teachers who exemplify the best of teaching and set the standard for excellence in their classrooms and school communities.” The district further explains that these individuals inspire students’ love for learning, foster collaborative relationships, create meaningful learning experiences leading to high expectations and positive outcomes, and embody AISD’s mission, vision, and values.
Similarly, regarding new educators: “Teachers of Promise are first-year educators who show exceptional potential, passion, and dedication to the teaching profession.”
AISD includes a broad range of educational settings with 116 school communities encompassing elementary, middle, high schools, early college programs, academies, magnet schools, alternative campuses, and community schools. The district serves more than 72,000 students with over 5,000 classroom teachers. Its multicultural environment is reflected by over 100 languages spoken among students; instruction is provided in more than 100 languages with programs available in 11 languages other than English (https://www.austinisd.org/).
AISD maintains a graduation rate of 93.3 percent and reports student performance exceeding state averages on SAT and ACT scores (https://www.austinisd.org/). The district emphasizes partnerships with families and community members to prepare students for success beyond high school (https://www.austinisd.org/).
A full list of honorees includes representatives from all levels—elementary through high school—and recognizes both seasoned professionals as well as those just beginning their teaching careers.
