Tomball ISD Recognizes 2025-2026 Multilingual Department Award Winners

TOMBALL - In recognition of their exceptional instruction and the meaningful difference they make in students’ lives, Tomball ISD has honored its Bilingual and ESL Teachers of the Year, Rising Star and World Language Teacher of the Year, and Leadership Champion, as announced by the TISD Multilingual Department.

BILINGUAL-ESL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

• Rubi Ramirez, Bilingual Teacher of the Year - Rosehill Elementary
• Shannon Clepper, Elementary ESL Teacher of the Year - Canyon Pointe Elementary
• Veronica Silvas, Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year - Tomball Junior High

TOMBALL ISD BILINGUAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Rubi Ramirez | Rosehill Elementary

Rubi Ramirez serves as a Second Grade Two-Way Dual Language teacher at Rosehill Elementary. She traded a corporate office for the classroom seven years ago and hasn't looked back. As an EC-6 Bilingual certified educator, she focuses on serving multilingual students with unique and differentiated needs with the same grace and passion that originally inspired her career change. A TEA Exemplary teacher and campus "Best Communicator," she is excited about seeking continuous growth to better serve her Rosehill community.

What makes teaching so special to you? 
“Teaching is special to me because it is an opportunity to give back to my local community and reach students from all walks of life. I find joy in seeing my students grow academically throughout the school year but importantly grow a passion for learning.”

Why do you continue teaching? 
“My “why” in continuing education is to teach students to love learning.  The best reward I receive is listening to my students become excited about returning to school and share their love for learning with others and their families. I also enjoy mentoring other teachers and sharing ideas on how to make learning fun and exciting for all learners.”

Why Tomball ISD?  
“Tomball ISD is home for me. As a resident of this city, it brings great joy to serve my local community and educate students in a Dual Language program. Tomball is not only a wonderful community to live in, but Tomball ISD is a great place to work. I appreciate the autonomy Tomball ISD provides educators to have as the designers in the classroom. It allows educators to bring great and fresh ideas on reaching students at all levels.”

From Rosehill Elementary Principal, Gabriela Avellaneda …
“Mrs. Ramirez pours her whole heart into our students and school community every single day. She creates a learning environment for students that exudes excellence, love for each other, and a desire for learning in two languages. Mrs. Ramirez is a leader in every sense of the word and instills leadership qualities in her dual language students. We are proud to celebrate and honor Mrs. Ramirez as Tomball's Bilingual Teacher of the Year.”

TOMBALL ISD ELEMENTARY ESL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Shannon Clepper | Canyon Pointe Elementary

Shannon Clepper serves as a Fourth Grade Math/Science teacher at Canyon Pointe Elementary. She is an 18-year veteran educator and certified School Counselor specializing in ESL success. From Kindergarten to 8th grade, she has prioritized relationship-building as a catalyst for academic growth. As a seasoned TISD PD presenter, Shannon is known for implementing innovative, multimodal scaffolds that make complex academic vocabulary accessible to all learners. 

What makes teaching so special to you? 
“Teaching is special because I am able to leave a lasting impact on my students. Growing up, I had teachers who made an impact on me personally, and I strive to make the same impact for my students. I had one teacher when I was in 2nd grade (in TISD) who made a forever impact on me, and she is the reason I became a teacher. When I decided to become a teacher, I made it a personal goal for every student to feel they can do anything they put their minds to.” 

Why do you continue teaching? 
“​​I am able to foster a connection to help my students not only build confidence but also in their growth academically. I also love working alongside my students to watch their growth. Being able to see the growth throughout the year and celebrate with my students at the end of the year is truly one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Additionally, once my kids leave my classroom they know I am a constant in their life. I have helped students with their academics, seen students graduate, get married, and been someone they can depend on to celebrate each milestone, no matter how big or how small.”

Why Tomball ISD?  
“I chose Tomball ISD because I have always enjoyed the small town feel of TISD. I was born and raised in Tomball but went to school in a neighboring district. After college, I realized how amazing Tomball truly is with its small town feel and excellent reputation for academics.”

From Canyon Pointe Elementary Principal, Karina Avila …
“It is with great pride that we celebrate Shanon Clepper as the ESL Teacher of the Year. She has a remarkable ability to meet students exactly where they are, ensuring that each child feels valued, supported, and capable of success. Shanon cares deeply about the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—and creates a classroom environment where every student belongs. When you enter her classroom, you cannot tell who may be struggling academically, who is excelling, or who may face behavioral challenges, because she fosters a culture of respect, dignity, and high expectations for all. Her dedication, compassion, and skill make a lasting impact on her students and the entire school community.”

TOMBALL ISD SECONDARY ESL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Veronica Silvas | Tomball Junior High

Veronica Silvas serves as an ESL Teacher at Tomball Junior High. An eight-year veteran of Tomball ISD, she is a dedicated educator specializing in ESL instruction at the middle school level. A graduate of Sam Houston State University with a minor in Special Education, she began her career as a paraprofessional before transitioning into a teaching role. Veronica has previously been honored as campus Teacher of the Month, is an active leadership team member, and is known for her expertise in EC–8 core content area and the Science of Teaching Reading. Her work is deeply rooted in providing intentional support for every learner.

What makes teaching so special to you? 
“Teaching is special to me because it is one of the only professions that truly gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone’s life journey. There is something incredibly meaningful about knowing you played a role in helping a student overcome obstacles and believe in their own potential. As an educator of multilingual learners and EBs, I have the privilege of watching students grow in confidence, find their voice, and realize they are capable of success.”

Why do you continue teaching? 
“I continue teaching because it is a deeply rewarding profession that allows for real and lasting impact. It gives us the opportunity to be true servants to our community by growing the minds of our future. Each year, I see that growth firsthand—in students gaining confidence, taking academic risks, and reaching goals they once thought were out of reach. While it is not always easy, it is always purposeful.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“I chose and continue to choose Tomball ISD because it fosters strong professional connections and supports continuous growth for both students and educators. While it maintains a close-knit, community feel, it is also a respected and impactful district in the Houston area. That balance of relational support and high standards is what makes Tomball ISD so meaningful to me.”

From Tomball Junior High Principal, Charlie Gerszewski…
"Ms. Silvas is beyond deserving of the TISD ESL Teacher of the Year award!  Her unmatched dedication is reflected in the strong bonds she builds with her students and the remarkable academic success they achieve. TJH is honored to have such a distinguished educator on our team."

TOMBALL ISD CAMPUS BILINGUAL & ESL TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

EXCELLENCE IN BILINGUAL TEACHING

• Maria Teresa Molina, Canyon Pointe Elementary
• Sandra Auers, Early Excellence Academy
• Rubi Ramirez, Rosehill Elementary
• Dulce Mancillas, Oakcrest Intermediate
• Xochitl Johnson, West Intermediate

EXCELLENCE IN ESL TEACHING

• Shannon Clepper, Canyon Pointe Elementary
• Cassandra Morrow, Creekside Forest Elementary
• Jessica Samayoa, Creekview Elementary
• Khristina Edwards, Decker Prairie Elementary
• Sarah Wade, Early Excellence Academy
• Sydney Ashton, Grand Oaks Elementary
• Kimberly Kovach, Lakewood Elementary
• Elizabeth Lopez, Rosehill Elementary
• Isabel Anrubio, Timber Creek Elementary
• Stephanie McLennan, Tomball Elementary
• Melissa Barton, West Elementary
• Jane Lynch, Wildwood Elementary
• Jennifer Adams, Willow Creek Elementary
• Jaime Noel, Northpointe Intermediate
• Melissa Clark, Oakcrest Intermediate
• Holly Wenzl, Tomball Intermediate
• Chloe Aitken, West Intermediate
• Patricia Scott, Creekside Park Junior High
• Crystal Eller, Grand Lakes Junior High
• Veronica Silvas, Tomball Junior High
• Kristi Lowery, Willow Wood Junior High
• Maraya Debrine, Tomball High School
• Stephanie Buck, Tomball Memorial High School
• Brandy Baldwin, Tomball Star Academy

RISING STAR, WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHER OF THE YEAR, LEADERSHIP CHAMPION

• Chloe Morris, ESL Rising Star - Early Excellence Academy
• Lindsay Solis, World Languages Teacher of the Year - Tomball High School
• Gabriela Avellaneda, Leadership Champion - Rosehill Elementary Principal

TOMBALL ISD BILINGUAL RISING STAR
Chloe Morris | Early Excellence Academy

Chloe Morris serves as a Pre-K teacher at Early Excellence Academy. Her natural command of the classroom far exceeds her two years in education. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, she transitioned from a paraprofessional to a lead teacher. She is recognized for her creative, intentional planning and her ability to integrate modern digital tools into student-centered lessons. Beyond her instructional excellence, Chloe also serves as a vital co-regulation partner for all of her students, fostering a classroom culture of empathy, joy, and emotional growth.

What makes teaching so special to you? 
“Teaching, especially Pre-K, is special to me because I get the opportunity to light the fire of curiosity in my students at such a young age. There's no better feeling than being the person children come to with wonder.”

Why do you continue teaching? 
“ I believe a good teacher can change the trajectory of a child's life. I'm a product of that belief! I can only hope to pass that same impact onto my students and let it carry forward in its own way.”

Why Tomball ISD?
“I found my way to Tomball ISD unexpectedly after moving to Houston, and I'm forever grateful that I did. I quickly grew to appreciate its strong sense of community and commitment to meeting the needs of both students and teachers. I'm proud to be a part of a district that continues to grow, learn, and innovate for the benefit of the future.”

From Early Excellence Academy Principal, Claire Compton…
"Chloe Morris is a true rising star in every sense of the word. Her passion for students, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of every learner make her an exceptional educator and leader. We are incredibly proud of her and so grateful for the impact she makes each day at Early Excellence Academy. This recognition is so well deserved.”

TOMBALL ISD WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Lindsay Solis | Tomball High School

Lindsay Solis serves as a French teacher at Tomball High School. With a career spanning 27 years, Lindsay is a seasoned linguist and educator specializing in French. Her passion for language learning began with a transformative exchange year in Belgium and continued through her dual-major studies in French and Spanish. Since moving to Texas in 2007, she has taught all levels of French at both the middle and high school levels. A recognized leader in her field, she has served as the World Language Coordinator in a neighboring district and frequently shares her expertise as a presenter for Tomball ISD, TFLA and HATFL.
 

From Tomball High School Principal, Dr. Kim McKinney…
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ms. Solis as the Tomball ISD World Languages Teacher of the Year. As our Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Department Chair and French teacher, she leads with both excellence and heart. Her passion for language acquisition is matched only by her commitment to ensuring every student feels confident, capable, and inspired in her classroom.”

TOMBALL ISD CAMPUS RISING STARS & WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

EXCELLENCE IN WORLD LANGUAGE TEACHING

• Kristina Lozano, Creekside Park Junior High
• Stacy Lamons, Grand Lakes Junior High
• Megan Munson, Tomball Junior High
• Fabiola Bolivar, Willow Wood Junior High
• Lindsay Solis, Tomball High School
• Diana Toscano, Tomball Memorial High School
• Angela Gomez, Tomball Star Academy

ESL RISING STARS

• Imani Spicer, Wildwood Elementary
• Hannah Segari, Timber Creek Elementary
• Chloe Morris, Early Excellence Academy

TOMBALL ISD LEADERSHIP CHAMPION
Gabriela Avellaneda, Principal | Rosehill Elementary

Tomball ISD has selected Rosehill Elementary Principal Gabriela Avellaneda as the Leadership Champion. With 17 years in education—including six years within Tomball ISD— she brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a school principal. Her career began in the classroom as a bilingual and ESL teacher, eventually transitioning into a Bilingual Instructional Specialist before her journey as a campus administrator. This instructional background allows her to lead with a focus on academic excellence and student growth, ensuring every student has the tools to succeed in a diverse, global society. She shares that serving bilingual students and their families have provided her an opportunity to foster a learning environment that promotes cultural awareness, strengthens community ties, and fosters academic excellence (in two languages)! 

WHAT'S NEXT? 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.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD empowers students to become impactful, contributing citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous and personally valuable educational experiences while partnering with the community. 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 25 campuses.