Awards

TXAEYC’s 2025 Awards

Celebrate the Changemakers of Early Childhood Education

Each year, TXAEYC honors professionals across Texas who exemplify leadership, passion, and excellence in early childhood education. These awards spotlight educators, advocates, and trainers who are making a meaningful impact on children, families, and the profession.

Winners were recognized at our Annual Conference, which took place November 6–8, 2025 in Round Rock, TX.

2025 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year

Scott Wille

Awarded to an administrator of an early childhood program who demonstrates outstanding leadership and a commitment to program quality. Nominees may have experience in program administration, created special projects, demonstrated community involvement, and involvement in local advocacy and mentoring.  

Advocate of the Year

Ann Butler

Recognizes an individual whose efforts have advanced early childhood education through policy, public awareness, or community action. This award honors someone who uses their voice and influence to champion young children, families, and the ECE profession at the local, state, or national level.

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year

Khali Shaw

Awarded to a classroom teacher who demonstrates a deep passion for teaching young children and supporting their families through developmentally appropriate practice. Nominees may show teaching experience, creative family involvement, relevant classroom projects, as well as mentor other teachers. They show commitment to the early childhood profession and professional development, and demonstrate mindfulness of inclusion and equity.    

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year

Dr. Julie Thompson

Awarded to an outstanding trainer whose trainings positively benefit young children and early childhood professionals. Nominees may present interactive trainings on relevant topics with high reachability, continually evolving trainings based on evidence of developmentally appropriate practice and the Unifying Framework. 

Teacher Educator of the Year

Lorie Compton-Betty

Awarded to a higher education faculty member who demonstrates a strong commitment to the preparation of early childhood educators and has made a significant impact on their students through their teaching. Nominees may stress the importance of community building and family involvement to their students in addition to the regular curriculum. They have strong connection to their students and are champions for young children and the adults they teach. They encourage all career pathways in the early childhood field that best fits students’ needs. 

Past Award Winners

2024 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year

Dr. Denise Mustin

Jacquie Porter Teacher of the Year

Collen Kell

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year

Carolyn Callahan

Teacher Educator of the Year

Dr. Carrie S. Cutler

TXAEYC Excellence in Leadership Award 

Rhonda Crabbs

2023 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Katrina M. Carter-Harris

Advocate of the Year 

BriTanya Brown

Jacquie Porter Teacher of the Year 

Stacie Rosas

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Jennifer Foster

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Lisa Self

2022 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Isabel Huerta 

Advocate of the Year 

Dianne Nielsen 

Jacquie Porter Teacher of the Year 

LaShalle Harris 

Elected Official of the Year 

Rep. James Talarico 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Amy Musick 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Dr. Jessica Slade 

TXAEYC Excellence in Leadership Award 

Michael Gonzalez 

2021 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year  

Jacqueline Ortiz  

Advocate of the Year 

Melanie Rubin 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Laura Dittmar  

Elected Official of the Year 

Rep. Angie Chen Button 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Linda Morgan-Dorsey  

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Dr. Gail Cox 

TXAEYC  Excellence in Leadership Award 

Sue Hancock 

Gordan & Karen Bacon Award 

Ontara Nickerson    

2020 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Cori Berg
Advocate of the Year 

Reagan Miller 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Emily Lopez
Appointed Official of the Year 

Commissioner Bryan Daniel 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Prerna Richards 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Dr. Preeti Jain 

TXAEYC Excellence in Leadership Award  

Dr. Travis Davis 

2019 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Kassi Kincaid 

Advocate of the Year 

Scott Wille 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Sandy Chilton 

Elected Official of the Year 

Representative John Raney 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Ronilda Henson 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Olivia Panganiban Modesto

2018 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Marisela Nava 

Advocate of the Year 

Patrick Sanders 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Rebeca Olivarez 

Appointed Official of the Year 

Commissioner Julian Alvarez III 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

P.D. Jolley 

Appointed Official of the Year 

Commissioner Julian Alvarez III 

TXAEYC Excellence in Leadership Award  

Racquel Washington