On Friday, October 20, Stafford Elementary fifth grade science teacher Taniece Thompson-Smith was named the 2024 Texas Teacher of the Year by the Texas Association of School Administrators!
Mrs. Thompson-Smith learned that she was one of three finalists for the state award at a ceremony at Stafford Elementary in August when Shane Fields, the Executive Director of the Region 14 Education Service Center, was on hand to present her the award for being selected the Region 14 Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“Mrs. Thompson-Smith has not only mastered the art of imparting knowledge but has also instilled a lifelong love for learning in the heart of students,” said Fields.
Prior to receiving the title of Texas Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Thompson-Smith was interviewed by a panel of TASA judges composed of representatives of educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education, and prior Texas Teachers of the Year.
The panel selected two state-level winners — Taniece Thompson-Smith as Elementary Teacher of the Year and Bryan ISD’s Naveen Cunha as Secondary Teacher of the Year — and designated Mrs. Thompson-Smith to represent Texas in the National Teacher of the Year program. Mrs. Thompson-Smith was joined on the Elementary Teacher of the Year finalist list by Dr. Isela Russell of Lewisville ISD and Genesis Yougas of McKinney ISD.
Her excellence in teaching at Stafford Elementary has also resulted in additional speaking opportunities beyond the classroom. In April of this year, she partnered with Future College Curls as a mentor speaker for 75 middle school and high school girls. Later in May, she presented at the Clay Minerals Society International Organization’s Annual Meeting.
Watch the video linked above or read on to hear what AISD Superintendent Dr. David Young, educational leaders from TASA, Stafford principal Melissa Scott, and Mrs. Thompson-Smith’s colleagues and friends had to say about her:
Melissa Scott, Principal, Stafford Elementary School
“We are so proud to have her at Stafford and investing in our staff and students. She’s made such a positive impact on our school. When I think about the type of teacher we want at Stafford, Mrs. Thompson-Smith comes to mind. She is incredibly hard-working, and she is incredibly invested in our culture and in each one of our students.”
“Mrs. Smith has invested in our students, campus, and mission. She is a natural encourager, and she uplifts everyone who is around her. She’s made a significant impact at Stafford, and we are so lucky to have her pouring into our students and staff.”
Alison Sims, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources
“Normally, when I interview someone, it takes 20 or 30 minutes; I take a lot of time. But I think she was in my office for 5-10 minutes when I stopped her, picked up the phone, and called Mrs. Scott because I knew where she needed to be. I said, ‘You have a fifth-grade opening, and I’m sending the person I believe is the best fifth-grade teacher I’ve ever spoken to,’ I sent her to Mrs. Scott, and she called me back and said, ‘Oh, my goodness, Mrs. Sims, she is amazing.’ That’s the first time I got to meet Mrs. Thompson-Smith, and it’s been an honor and pleasure to watch her embrace the culture at Stafford and become such an important part of the lives of each student.”
Shane Fields, Executive Director, Region 14 Education Service Center
“Mrs. Thomson-Smith is an expert in her subject matter and a compassionate teacher who understands that education transcends textbooks. As the Regional Teacher of the Year, we look for teachers who recognize each student’s unique strengths, nurturing their talents and guiding them through challenges. (Mrs. Thompson-Smith) fosters an environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and confident in their abilities.”
“Mrs. Thompson-Smith has been a beacon of inspiration for her colleagues and a symbol of the transformative power of teaching. One of the many highlights of her application that caught my attention was when she wrote, ‘Each encounter with a child must be transformational and awake a sense of curiosity or thirst of knowledge that only education can quench.’ That’s powerful! I believe Mrs. Thompson-Smith brings that philosophy in every lesson she delivers.”
Christine Havens, 2nd grade teacher, Stafford Elementary School
“Taniece gives her heart and soul to teaching. She constantly tries new ideas to capture the students’ attention and hearts. She crafts relevant, informative, and fun lessons, and her students love science! She makes me strive to become a better teacher. When I’m feeling down or upset, I visit Taniece. She offers an encouraging word, a loving reminder to keep students at the center of my decisions, and an opportunity to collaborate with her on our next science experiment. She’s a special person, and I’m glad to call her my coworker and friend.”
Jeremy Bartley, 2nd grade teacher, Stafford Elementary School
“With Taniece, every child and adult feels seen and known. She takes the time to pause and let you feel like, at that moment in time, you are important. She helps me to say, ‘You know what, I can keep going.’ “
Loree Rose, 1st grade teacher, Stafford Elementary School
“Taniece is contagious. Her smile, enthusiasm, and desire to become more knowledgeable and fluent in what she teaches are contagious. Her connections with her students, fellow staff members, and even district staff are remarkable. She inspires us all to be better.”
Heather Akers, 5th grade teacher, Stafford Elementary School
“Taniece is dedicated, passionate, humble, eloquent … the best human ever.”
Mallory Moser, Interventionist, Stafford Elementary School
“Taniece is tender-hearted, believes in her students, supports others, and is always willing to learn more. She exudes joy and makes those around her want to be better.”
