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.
The ceremony included the National Teacher of the Year, Ashlie Crosson, from Pennsylvania, who spent her day working with Master of Arts in Teaching students at Trinity, before delivering inspiring remarks.
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 ISD
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
Estefanía Holmquist
Southwest ISD
Elm Creek Elementary
5th Grade Bilingual
Holmquist’s teaching celebrates culture as a vital part of learning, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and empowered.
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.