Congratulations to Lisette Hawkins of Lanier Elementary and Samantha Stanley of Brazosport High School, who have been honored as the Elementary and Secondary Brazosport ISD Teachers of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year! These two outstanding educators were announced as this year’s district honorees during BISD’s Annual Recognition Banquet on April 30, 2025, a night dedicated to celebrating the exceptional achievements and service of our staff.
The selection process began in March, when each of BISD’s 17 campuses nominated a campus Teacher of the Year (see list below) to represent their school in the district-level competition. A judging panel carefully reviewed each nominee’s application and essay—evaluating their work anonymously using a detailed scoring rubric. From this competitive pool, four elementary and four secondary finalists emerged. Finalists then participated in in-person interviews with the panel, who faced the difficult task of selecting just one honoree at each level.
As BISD’s 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year, Ms. Hawkins and Ms. Stanley will advance to represent Brazosport ISD in the Texas Regional Teacher of the Year competitions.
2025-2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year Lisette Hawkins of Lanier Elementary
With 25 years of experience, Ms. Hawkins currently teaches fourth grade math and has served as a lead teacher, mentor, and dyslexia specialist. Born in Cuba, she came to the U.S. as a child and later found her way back to education after once dropping out of high school. Driven by her mother’s unwavering belief in the power of learning, Hawkins knows firsthand how critical it is to reach students who may feel overlooked. “Even after 25 years in education, I am still learning, still growing, and still searching for the students who, like me, just need someone to believe in them,” she shared.
2025-2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year Samantha Stanley of Brazosport High School
A veteran of 25 years in education, Ms. Stanley teaches junior and senior English, bringing a wealth of experience across subjects and grade levels, including dyslexia intervention, and athletics. She designs lessons that challenge students to reflect on who they are and how they communicate, guiding them through writing and discussion to develop both academic and life skills. As an instructional leader on her campus, Stanley champions collaboration and growth: “One of the most important ideas we can instill in these young adults is how valuable communication is in their lives.”
“Samantha ‘Sam’ Stanley is hands down great for kids! She has a heart of gold covered with love and grace that fuels the daily work of service to students and staff,” Principal Quinton Virgil shared. “The campus culture at Brazosport High School is on display when you see her smile and she gives you a timely ‘bear hug.’ We absolutely love her!”
As district honorees, Hawkins and Stanley will advance to represent Brazosport ISD at the Texas Regional and State Teacher of the Year competitions.
BISD extends its heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s campus Teachers of the Year. Each honoree exemplifies the passion, innovation, and care that define BISD’s commitment to setting the standard for educational excellence.
Elementary Campus Teachers of the Year
Sarah Sheffield, SFA Stem Academy
Dodi Boone-Harvey, AP Beutel Elementary
Danyel Robles, Bess Brannen Elementary
Amanda Lozano, Freeport Elementary
Kristen Charlebois, Madge Griffith Elementary
Shanna Binnion, TW Ogg Elementary
Dayna Hall, Gladys Polk Elementary
Michelle Varga, OM Roberts Elementary
Lisette Hawkins, Lanier Elementary
Secondary Campus Teachers of the Year
Melissa Padilla, Rasco Middle School
Jasmine Smith, Clute Intermediate
Sabrina Francis, Freeport Intermediate
Ashlyn Hendricks, Lake Jackson Intermediate
Merilynn Broaddus, Brazoswood High School
Samantha Stanley, Brazosport High School
Angie Pena, Lighthouse Learning Center
Willane Charles, Brazos Success Academy
Together, these outstanding educators inspire, challenge, and uplift the students of BISD every day. We are proud to celebrate their incredible contributions to our schools and community.