2026 Teacher of the Year Awards

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce welcomed educators, community leaders, business partners, and supporters from across East Dallas on May 13 for its annual Teacher of the Year Awards celebration at Waters Edge Winery and Bistro Event Center. The evening recognized and celebrated the many outstanding educators nominated across several categories for their dedication, leadership, and impact on students throughout the East Dallas community.

Guests heard remarks from Dallas ISD Trustee Dan Micciche and Dallas City Council Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Moreno, both of whom spoke about the importance of supporting educators and recognizing the role teachers play in shaping future generations.

Hosted annually by the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the Teacher of the Year Awards honor K-12 educators who demonstrate excellence in professional practice, innovation, leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all students. While many deserving educators were nominated this year, six teachers were selected as the 2026 Teacher of the Year recipients.

This year’s winners included:

• Addison Shierry — Lakehill Preparatory School

• CSM Leon Johnson — Emmett J. Conrad High School

• Tammy Gore — Dallas Academy

• Stephan Davis — J.L. Long Middle School

• Astrid Fuentes — Cosmos Montessori School

• Maggie Dansdill — Merriman Park Elementary School

Each recipient received a $500 cash award.

The Chamber also highlighted its partnership with our Greet and Stroll neighborhood publications, including Greet Lakewood, Stroll M Streets, and Greet Lake Highlands, which will provide opportunities throughout the year to feature nominated educators and continue celebrating the teachers making a difference both inside and outside the classroom.

The event was made possible through the support of community sponsors, including the White Rock YMCA, Brain Balance, MGG Leadership, Cosmic Minds Fund Inc., Hillside Insurance Services, FASTSIGNS East Dallas, April Barnes Photography, Greet Lakewood, Stroll M Streets, and Greet Lake Highlands.

More than just an awards ceremony, the evening served as a reminder of the incredible educators working every day to inspire students, strengthen schools, and positively impact the East Dallas community. Investing in teachers and local schools is at the heart of the Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce's mission to connect, support, and grow the businesses and neighborhoods that make East Dallas thrive. The Chamber is proud to champion initiatives like this one that bring together local businesses, community leaders, and schools in a shared commitment to building a stronger East Dallas for everyone. To learn more about how to get involved, visit eastdallaschamber.com.