2027 Region 7 Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to our Region 7 Teachers of the Year! We will honor these exceptional educators on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Mobberly Baptist Church, Elevation, located at 625 E Loop 281, Longview, TX.
Each year, school districts across Texas nominate one Elementary and one Secondary Teacher of the Year. These district-level honorees advance to the regional level, where two are selected to represent Region 7 at the state and possibly national level.
Region 7 is proud to recognize 42 outstanding educators who were selected by their districts as Teacher of the Year nominees.
Thank you to the districts across Region 7 who submitted nominations and continue to support great teaching.
2027 Regional Elementary Teacher of the Year Nominees
2027 Regional Secondary Teacher of the Year Nominees
Ceremony, Speakers, & Luncheon
The 2027 Region 7 Teacher of the Year Ceremony and Luncheon will honor outstanding educators from across the region. Join us as we recognize this year’s honorees and announce our regional winners.
Mobberly Baptist Church, Elevation
625 E Loop 281
Longview, TX 75605
Please see this map for the exact location of the building and parking area.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all honorees and guests who have RSVP'd.
Business casual is recommended.
All Teacher of the Year candidates will receive a trophy and a gift. The Region 7 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year will be announced during the event.
The two regional winners will advance to the Texas Teacher of the Year competition. State finalists will be announced in September 2026.
Dr. ShaLonda Adams
Guest Speaker
Dr. ShaLonda Wilcott Adams serves as principal of the Pine Tree ISD PACE Alternative Campus in Longview, where she is dedicated to helping students become stronger versions of themselves. She believes that "healing the hearts of students before they become hurting adults" is essential to the learning process, and that belief has become the foundation of her work as an educator and leader.
Her passion for serving children extends well beyond the school day. Dr. Adams has worked diligently to promote nonviolence among youth throughout her community as a co-facilitator of the Partners in Prevention "Hope for Youth" Initiative. Through mentoring, restorative practices, and community involvement, she continues to encourage hope and positive change in the lives of young people.
Dr. Adams is a visionary servant-leader with a compassionate heart for her community and society at large. She leads Adams' Academia as a non-profit organization that meets needs in several aspects. These areas include an authorized testing center, a tutorial program, and a mentoring program. These services are available to the local community and beyond.
Dr. Adams has also been recognized for her service with honors, including Pine Tree PACE Campus Teacher of the Year, Partners in Prevention Volunteer of the Year, Longview News-Journal Citizen of the Year, and Star Over Longview. She holds both a master's degree and doctorate in educational leadership and is trained in Restorative Discipline Practices through the Texas Education Agency.
A passionate speaker and advocate for children, Dr. Adams believes every student deserves someone who sees their potential. Her mission is simple but powerful: to teach others how to care for children and inspire them to become the very best version of themselves.
Judge Tim Bryan
Master of Ceremonies
Region 7 ESC is honored to welcome Judge Tim Bryan as the Master of Ceremonies for the 2027 Teacher of the Year Celebration.
A familiar face throughout East Texas, Judge Bryan has dedicated more than 20 years to public service and currently serves as Justice of the Peace for Gregg County Precinct 2. Known for his positive attitude, quick wit, and genuine love for serving others, Judge Bryan brings energy, warmth, and a sense of community wherever he goes.
His passion for recognizing the contributions of others makes him a perfect fit for this special celebration. Judge Bryan is excited to help honor the outstanding educators who make a difference in the lives of students every day, and we are thrilled to have him join us as we celebrate the remarkable Teacher of the Year nominees from across Region 7.
We appreciate your support of educators across Region 7!
