Tomball ISD Multilingual Department Recognizes 2024-2025 ESL and Bilingual Teachers of the Year, Rising Stars and Leadership Champion

TOMBALL - For their high-quality teaching and the impact they have on students, Tomball ISD has recognized its Bilingual and ESL Teachers of the Year, Rising Stars, and its Leadership Champion, announced by the TISD Multilingual Department.

ESL-BILINGUAL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

• Stephani Golden, Elementary ESL Teacher of the Year - Grand Oaks Elementary
• Jennifer Keogh, Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year - Creekside Park Junior High
• Nancy Syed, Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Rosehill Elementary

TOMBALL ISD ELEMENTARY ESL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Stephani Golden | Grand Oaks Elementary

Stephani Golden currently serves as an ESL teacher at Grand Oaks Elementary. A passionate educator with 12 years of experience, including four years in Florida and eight in Texas, primarily serving diverse student populations with varied needs. Golden is certified in K-6 and ESL, has held leadership roles such as Digital Classroom Leader and Regional Professional Learning Facilitator (KIPP Texas), and directed a Music Theater Club.

What makes teaching so special to you? 
“What makes teaching so special to me is the ability to inspire students by integrating my passions, like music, into the learning experience. I’ve seen students grasp difficult concepts through song lyrics, use melodies to memorize facts, and build confidence by expressing themselves creatively. Beyond academics, teaching allows me to build real connections, encourage growth, and create a space where students feel valued. Seeing their progress and excitement makes every challenge worth it

Why do you continue teaching? 
“I continue teaching because, after 12 years of experience in Florida and Texas, I’ve seen the incredible impact education has on students from diverse backgrounds. One of my greatest joys is inspiring girls to explore STEM subjects, encouraging them to see their potential in fields where they are often underrepresented. I also love integrating music into my lessons to make learning more engaging and meaningful. The relationships I build and the moments when students gain confidence, overcome challenges, and discover new passions remind me why I chose this path- and why I continue.”

Why Tomball ISD?  
“I was drawn to Tomball ISD because of its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusion. As a mom, with a stepdaughter and a baby on the way, I want the best education for them, and I see that in Tomball ISD. I’m especially passionate about inspiring girls in STEM and appreciate the district’s focus on technology and hands-on learning. The collaborative culture makes it the ideal place to grow as an educator and make a lasting impact.”

From Grand Oaks Elementary Principal, Erin Johnson …
“Stephani Golden is an innovative educator who loves having fun with her students! She and her fourth grade team have done great work together this year for not only their ESL students, but for every single student!”

TOMBALL ISD SECONDARY ESL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Jennifer Keogh | Creekside Park Junior High

A veteran educator with 15 years of experience, Jennifer Keogh has spent the last nine years as an Emergent Bilingual Specialist/ESL Teacher in Tomball ISD, currently teaching ELLA Newcomer classes at Creekside Park Junior High. Her certifications include ELA and Reading (4-12) and ESL (K-12).  Ms. Keogh is also the recipient of the CPJH Teacher of the Month award (March 2024), former Tomball Innovation Grant winner, and former Teacher of the Year (Owasso Public Schools).

What makes teaching so special to you? 
“I value the connections made with students and fellow teachers. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on my students’ educational experiences, especially since they come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse language needs. I also value the camaraderie among and collaboration with my fellow teachers; I work with a dedicated group of educators, and these relationships are what makes teaching truly special.”

Why do you continue teaching? 
“​​You’re only as good as the people around you, and I am surrounded by amazing people at CPJH. My students inspire and humble me. Even on the craziest, most stressful days, there is no better feeling than knowing that you have helped a child succeed.”

Why Tomball ISD?  
“Tomball ISD has been my home for the past nine years, since moving to Texas from out of state. In spite of being a large district, it has a small-town, close community feel, and I appreciate the support and educational opportunities that are available here.”

From Creekside Park Junior High Principal, Renee Miller …
“Mrs. Keogh fosters a sense of community and trust among staff and students at CPJH.  She contributes to a positive campus culture, and her work ethic and connection to others is inspiring. She leads with integrity and humility each day, and we are so grateful for her service and leadership.”

TOMBALL ISD BILINGUAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Nancy Syed | Rosehill Elementary

Nancy Syed joined Team Tomball in 2018, and has been a part of the Rosehill Elementary family as a bilingual teacher since she started. This year, she was honored as both the Bilingual Teacher of the Year and A+ Teacher of the Year for RES. As a former bilingual student herself, she is passionate about student success and language acquisition. 

What makes teaching so special to you? 
“Being a bilingual educator is more than a profession—it’s my calling, my purpose, and my passion. It’s my way of giving back to my community and honoring my parents’ sacrifices. By supporting my students and their families, I strive to ensure that no one feels the same helplessness or isolation my parents once did. Instead…they feel seen, supported, and valued. It’s a way to bring closure to my own experiences by providing my students with the support I once needed as a newcomer. As a former bilingual student, I know the struggles, frustrations, and triumphs that come with learning a new language while trying to succeed academically. I have lived the challenges my students face—the moments of self-doubt, the difficulty in expressing thoughts, and the desire to belong. But I also know the power of perseverance, the impact of a supportive teacher, and the life-changing confidence that comes with finding one’s voice. These experiences shape everything I do in my classroom. I strive to be the teacher I once needed—the one who sees beyond language barriers and nurtures each child’s potential, and I see who they can become.”

Why do you continue teaching? 
“I continue to teach because in my heart I know that there is no other profession I would rather do than making a difference and an impact in a child’s life. I do this work not for recognition…but because I have walked in my students’ shoes. I am proof that with the right support, encouragement, and belief in one’s abilities…every single student can thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth, celebrate their triumphs, and become a part of their success stories. Knowing that I am helping shape their future and giving my students the tools to succeed in a diverse world makes teaching a truly special and fulfilling experience for me.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“My experience in Tomball ISD has been truly life-changing. The people I work with have become not only colleagues and friends, but they are also my family. In our district, we all share a common belief - that our students and their best interest drive everything we do. Our district ensures that we have what we need to succeed by always providing every single one of us with leadership development and professional learning opportunities. This is very meaningful and valuable to me because the message from our district leadership is clear - we support and care about our teachers so that they can do the same for our students. The most impactful work we will do for our students comes from investing in building our teacher’s capacity. In our district, it is not about getting things done, it is about doing the right things. Tomball ISD is where I belong, and I am committed to continuing to make a positive impact here.”

From Rosehill Elementary Principal, Gabby Avellaneda…
"Nancy Syed exemplifies commitment, expertise, and passion for teaching. Mrs. Syed has the ability to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of every dual language student she works with. Her students thrive because of the language rich classroom environment she has created. Rosehill is lucky to have Mrs. Syed and we are honored to recognize her talents and efforts."

The Houston Area Association for Bilingual Education (HAABE) recognizes outstanding bilingual and ESL educators from Houston and its surrounding areas. Districts’ TOY finalists will be publicly acknowledged and honored during the annual HAABE TOY Banquet in April.

TOMBALL ISD CAMPUS ESL & BILINGUAL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

• Kimberly Kranson - ESL Teacher of the Year - Creekview Elementary
• Jenny Heckathorn - ESL Teacher of the Year - Creekside Forest Elementary
• Shelli Breaux - ESL Teacher of the Year - Canyon Pointe Elementary
• Gabriela Torres - Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Canyon Pointe Elementary
• Jessica Crager - ESL Teacher of the Year - Decker Prairie Elementary
• Clare Hill - ESL Teacher of the Year - Early Excellence Academy
• Eneyda Bannahan - Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Early Excellence Academy
• Stephani Golden - ESL Teacher of the Year - Grand Oaks Elementary
• Sarah Ceballos - ESL Teacher of the Year - Lakewood Elementary
• Amy Zampini - ESL Teacher of the Year - Rosehill Elementary
• Nancy Syed - Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Rosehill Elementary
• Hali House - ESL Teacher of the Year - Timber Creek Elementary
• Rebekah Collins - ESL Teacher of the Year - Willow Creek Elementary
• Melissa Richards - ESL Teacher of the Year - Wildwood Elementary
• Laura Habelsberg - ESL Teacher of the Year - Northpointe Intermediate
• Kayce Reyna - ESL Teacher of the Year - Northpointe Intermediate
• Natalie Dildy - ESL Teacher of the Year - Oakcrest Intermediate
• Laura Lagos - Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Oakcrest Intermediate
• Laura Warner - ESL Teacher of the Year - Tomball Intermediate
• Andrea Molina - Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Tomball Intermediate
• Jennifer Keogh - ESL Teacher of the Year - Creekside Park Junior High
• Veronica Silvas - ESL Teacher of the Year - Tomball Junior High
• Kristi Lowery - ESL Teacher of the Year - Willow Wood Junior High
• Kimberly Shaw - ESL Teacher of the Year - Tomball Memorial High School
• Amy Caballero - ESL Teacher of the Year - Tomball Star Academy

TOMBALL ISD BILINGUAL RISING STAR
Jessica Zampierin | Oakcrest Intermediate

Jessica Zampierin joined Team Tomball in 2023 as a first-year teacher at Oakcrest Intermediate. In her first two years as a bilingual teacher, she has exemplified designing and delivering rigorous instruction.  As a new teacher, she is able to skillfully differentiate instruction for each student, creating an inclusive classroom. She builds strong relationships with students and families through clear communication and support. At just the start of her career, she has already become a model of professional growth and has left an impact in Tomball ISD. For all of these reasons, she has been selected as the 2024-2025 Tomball ISD Bilingual Rising Star.

TOMBALL ISD ESL RISING STAR
Taylor Reeves | Canyon Pointe Elementary

Taylor Reeves joined Team Tomball as a second-year teacher at Canyon Pointe Elementary for the 2024-2025 school year after beginning her career one year ago in Brenham ISD. In her short time, she has quickly become an exemplary first-grade teacher who creates engaging, differentiated lessons for all learners, including the emergent bilingual students she serves.  She has created an interactive classroom that fosters a love of learning and yields significant student growth.  Ms. Reeves is a leader and active contributor to her school community. For her dedication and expertise, she has been selected as the 2024-2025 Tomball ISD ESL Rising Star.

TOMBALL ISD LEADERSHIP CHAMPION
Dr. Kelly Marchiando, Principal | Tomball Intermediate

Tomball ISD has selected Dr. Kelly Marchiando of Tomball Intermediate for the inaugural Leadership Champion for the 2024-25 school year. This new award recognizes leaders who champion emergent bilingual students and educators. Dr. Marchiando fosters an inclusive environment, supports educators with resources and professional development, builds strong family and community relationships, and prioritizes equity for all students.  She is a passionate advocate dedicated to student growth and success for all at TIS. Dr. Marchiando will move on to represent Tomball ISD as the Leadership Champion at the Houston Area Association of Bilingual Education (HAABE). 

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 24 campuses.