Mesquite ISD

Anamaria Avila is a 5th grade bilingual teacher at Tisinger Elementary School with 10 years of experience, all in MISD. Avila has a deep connection to the MISD community and her students, as she is a graduate of North Mesquite High School. “Having grown up in Mesquite, I’m able to closely relate to the students in my classroom,” she says. “Everytime I create a lesson, I try to be intentional to reach all of my students and create a love for learning.” 

Tisinger Elementary Principal Angie Campanello admires Avila’s dedication to her students and the campus. “Ms. Avila embodies a relentless commitment to student success, professional growth and educational excellence. She actively seeks out learning opportunities to implement new strategies and shares her findings with colleagues,” says Campanello.

Learn more about Ms. Avila here. 

Hodges Elementary School kindergarten teacher Brooke Padachy began teaching in 2004, and has spent her entire career in MISD. Padachy’s story is a testament to the influence teachers have on their students. “I decided to become an educator due to the relationship I had with my first grade teacher. I was inspired by the way she made learning fun, helped me grow and the potential she saw in me,” she says. Padachy took those lessons and applied them to her students in MISD, earning the title of Teacher of the Year in 2017. 

“Brooke consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students’ success - exceeding expectations through her dedication and instructional excellence,” says Hodges Elementary Principal Selena Bastidas. “Her passion for education, adaptability and student-centered approach set her apart as an outstanding educator.”

Learn more about Ms. Padachy here. 

Jennifer Schumann is a 6th grade RLA teacher at Wilkinson Middle School with 14 years of teaching experience - 10 of those spent in MISD. Schumann says teaching has always been her calling, “As a child, I had many ideas about what I wanted to be when I grew up. Teaching was ever constant on my list, and I chose education to make a difference in the lives of young people.” Her dedication to that mission earned her the title of Teacher of the Year for WMS in 2020.

Wilkinson Middle School Principal DeMark’o Grant credits Schumann for her unwavering dedication to students and staff. “She not only works tirelessly in her classroom, but also advocates for students across the campus,” he says. “She is the most deserving educator for this honor.”

Learn more about Ms. Schumann here. 

MISD alum Brenda Travis is a 5th grade Bilingual Math and Science teacher at Rutherford Elementary School with 11 years of teaching experience, all in MISD. One thing Travis says she loves most about teaching is building relationships with students. “I feel passionate about letting students know that someone cares about them,” she says. Her passion has afforded her various recognitions, including earning the TEPSA Student Leadership Award and being named a STAR Teacher for displaying great leadership qualities on campus. 

“Mrs. Travis has been a leader since her arrival at this school 5 years ago. Not only is she a PLC Facilitator, but she’s also a leader in our school culture,” says Rutherford Elementary School Principal Casondra Wilburn.

Learn more about Mrs. Travis here.