Trinity Prize in Teaching Excellence Recognizes Passionate Community Classroom Leaders

Trinity University elevated the voices and stories of 16 San Antonio teachers this month, honoring educators who are expanding opportunity, sparking creativity, and shaping purpose-driven learning across the city.

Partnering with Whataburger, Trinity University's Department of Education and Center for Educational Leadership awarded the 2026 Trinity University Prize for Excellence in Teaching to these awardees during a May 8 ceremony in Laurie Auditorium. Selected by their school districts, the honorees represent tireless advocates for inclusive learning environments, inspiring curiosity, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening the profession through service and innovation. The annual award, now in its 44th year, reflects Trinity's longstanding commitment to educational excellence, and sparks a perpetual conversation about how education uplifts entire communities.

"This is a joyful celebration for us each year at Trinity - including during National Teacher Appreciation Week - when we get to come together to honor these 16 distinguished educators and to celebrate all teachers and the essential role that they play in this community, our state and nation, and in the world," says professor Angela Breidenstein, Ed.D., chair of Trinity's Department of Education..

Through Whataburger's Feeding Student Success program, each recipient received a $1,000 cash prize, as well as $25,000 in sponsorship funding, gift boxes, multiple gift cards, and free Whataburger for a year, all to recognize their impact both inside and beyond the classroom.

Meet the honorees, and learn a bit more about how their work is changing lives in San Antonio classrooms.

Brandon Boylan

Alamo Heights ISD
Alamo Heights Junior School
7th and 8th grade Journalism

Through AI integration and student-led news teams, Boylan focuses on preparing students for their future.

Amanda Torres

East Central ISD
Highland Forest Elementary
4th Grade

Torres focuses on developing strong readers and writers prepared for long-term success.

Jennifer Ramirez

Edgewood ISD
Perales STEAM Elementary School
5th Grade Math and Science

Ramirez is dedicated to creating a classroom where every student feels safe, heard, and valued.

Lisa Garcia

Ft. Sam Houston ISD
Fort Sam Houston Elementary School
4th grade Special Education Teacher

Garcia is committed to creating inclusive, collaborative environments where every child feels a sense of belonging.

Cynthia Lopez

Harlandale ISD
Harlandale Middle School
English teacher

Lopez designs and implements engaging, rigorous, and literacy-rich curricula that reach every type of learner.

Alisha Cornejo

Judson ISD
Copperfield Elementary
Special Education, Inclusion/Resource Teacher

Cornejo is driven by a passion for advocacy for students with diverse needs and a belief in the power of education to change lives.

Rebecca Owens

Lackland ISD
Lackland Elementary
Special Education Teacher

Owens' classroom is rooted in trust, teamwork, and a shared commitment to student success.

Amy Calvet

North East ISD
Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. Middle School
AVID Teacher

Through Calvet's work in AVID, a college readiness program, she creates rigorous, discussion-based learning experiences that are accessible to all students and challenge students to think critically and communicate effectively.

Celena Sweeney

Northside ISD
Bob Beard Elementary
3rd Grade Teacher

Sweeney strives to make learning fun and meaningful by focusing not only on academic growth, but also on character development, empathy, and resilience.

Jeannette Olivera

Randolph Field ISD
Randolph Field Middle School
Middle School ELAR

Guided by her faith, Olivera is committed to loving, serving, and uplifting her students, especially those connected to military families.

Laura Sisson

San Antonio ISD
Advanced Learning Academy
Digital Teacher Librarian and Journalism Teacher-Yearbook and Newspaper

Transitioning from the classroom to the library, Sisson has embraced her role as an opportunity to connect with every teacher and student.

Jamie Hernandez

Somerset ISD
Somerset High School
Career and Technical Education teacher-EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)

As the founder of a thriving Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program serving over 160 students, Hernandez brings 25 years of real-world experience into a rigorous, career-focused classroom.

Elda "Patty" Flores

South San Antonio ISD
Price Elementary
4th grade dual language teacher

Flores champions bilingual learners through rigorous, culturally responsive instruction that builds strong literacy and mathematical thinking while encouraging student ownership.

Tina Castillo

Southside ISD
Heritage Elementary
4th Grade Bilingual Teacher

As a bilingual educator, Castillo connects deeply with her students, creating meaningful and culturally rich learning experiences

Kristal Kelley

Winston School of San Antonio
The Winston School San Antonio
Upper School English-Language Arts

Kelley strives to model kindness, integrity, collaboration, and excellence, with the aim of empowering every student to learn deeply and contribute to a caring school community.