Frisco ISD Celebrates 2024-25 Teachers of the Year: Rob Fitzgerald and Sarah Dickerson Honored for Excellence

Frisco Independent School District (FISD) has named Rob Fitzgerald of Scott Elementary and Sarah Dickerson of Vandeventer Middle School its 2024-25 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively. These educators were selected from 75 campus winners, each of whom was nominated and honored by their peers this fall.

During a special ceremony held at the National Soccer Hall of Fame, the district recognized all campus winners, finalists, and the two Teachers of the Year. Community sponsors provided backpacks filled with gifts for nominees, finalists, and winners, and the two Teachers of the Year will each receive the use of a car for the summer, courtesy of Park Place Plano.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip praised the nominees, noting that their nominations highlighted inspiring stories, professional achievements, and a commitment to celebrating large and small student successes.

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Rob Fitzgerald

Rob Fitzgerald, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Scott Elementary, has served Frisco ISD for nearly eight years. Known for his authenticity, humility, and advocacy for all students, Fitzgerald creates a dynamic classroom environment tailored to students’ interests and personalities. His positive energy fosters engagement and builds confidence, increasing students’ chances of success.

Leanne Norris, principal of Scott Elementary, emphasized Fitzgerald’s ability to form lasting connections with students, many of whom return to express gratitude for his impact on their lives. Beyond the classroom, Fitzgerald contributes to the Scott community through initiatives like “Scott Proud in the Morning,” a student-led program for school announcements, and the 5th Grade Olympics, a system rewarding academic and behavioral achievements. He also mentors fellow teachers on curriculum and data use and supports aspiring educators as a mentor teacher in Frisco ISD’s Education and Training Pathway.

Fitzgerald’s dedication to ensuring every student feels valued and capable makes him a standout recipient of the Elementary Teacher of the Year award.

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Sarah Dickerson

Sarah Dickerson, a social studies teacher at Vandeventer Middle School since 2021, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year for her passion and student-centered approach. Specializing in eighth-grade history, Dickerson brings the subject to life, making it relevant and memorable by connecting historical events to her students’ lives.

Her enthusiasm captivates students, transforming history into more than just facts and dates. Vandeventer principal Stephanie Taylor described Dickerson’s excitement as infectious. She noted her ability to build strong relationships with students and colleagues, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment. Peers commend Dickerson’s innovative and compassionate leadership, which helps students grow into informed and responsible citizens.

Dickerson draws inspiration from her grandfather, a college professor who profoundly influenced his students. She strives to emulate his legacy, a goal she has achieved through her impactful teaching. Her dedication and effectiveness in the classroom earned her the title of Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Recognizing Finalists

In addition to Fitzgerald and Dickerson, Frisco ISD honored nine other finalists for the Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year awards. The elementary finalists included Julie Chamberlain (Vaughn Elementary), Beth Jamison (Sparks Elementary), Danielle Morales (Sem Elementary), and Hannah Zimmermann (Minett Elementary). The secondary finalists were Kendra Falslev (Panther Creek High School), Stacey Horton (Frisco High School), Neebelle Khromachou (Nelson Middle School), Cristopher Marshall (Heritage High School), and Kyle Wenokur (Emerson High School). These educators were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to their schools and students.

Frisco ISD Honors 77 Campus Teachers of the Year for 2024-25

Frisco Independent School District (FISD) proudly celebrates 77 exceptional educators who have been named 2024-25 Campus Teachers of the Year. These teachers, recognized for their dedication, creativity, and impact, represent the heart of FISD’s commitment to educational excellence.

Chief Academic Officer Christy Fiori commended the winners, stating that they go beyond teaching, serving as mentors, leaders, and advocates who transform students’ lives through their passion and commitment. The selection process adheres to criteria set by the Texas Association of School Administrators.

Each Campus Teacher of the Year is invited to apply for the district’s Elementary or Secondary Teacher of the Year awards, with applications anonymously reviewed by a committee of business and community leaders, Frisco Area Retired School Personnel, Frisco ISD Council of PTAs, and Frisco Education Foundation. The committee scores applications using a rubric, and the elementary and secondary winners will be announced at a spring banquet, becoming eligible for the Region 10 Teacher of the Year award.

Below is the complete list of 2024-25 Frisco ISD Campus Teachers of the Year:

Elementary Campus Teachers of the Year

• Allen Elementary: Nicole Vaji, 1st grade
• Anderson Elementary: David Perry, 5th grade
• Ashley Elementary: Kristen Thompson, special education
• Bledsoe Elementary: Wendi Khan, kindergarten
• Boals Elementary: Kedra Armstrong, 2nd grade
• Borchardt Elementary: Maggie Flynn, 3rd grade
• Bright Academy: Lauren Wilson, 1st grade
• Carroll Elementary: Jackie Camargo, kindergarten
• Christie Elementary: Beth Fletcher, reading interventionist
• Comstock Elementary: Brittney Cox, kindergarten
• Corbell Elementary: Amy Chalfant, special education
• Curtsinger Elementary: Maria Gorman, 1st grade
• Early Childhood School: Kathy Waffen, special education
• Elliott Elementary: Sharonica Garrison Howard, 3rd grade
• Fisher Elementary: Sarah Vacek, 1st grade
• Gunstream Elementary: Shannon Ball, 2nd grade
• Hosp Elementary: Edina Waggoner, 4th grade
• Isbell Elementary: Kathryn Rodriguez, 2nd grade
• Liscano Elementary: Mary Clarke, PE
• McSpedden Elementary: Sarah Henderson, special education
• Miller Elementary: Amanda Zapata, music
• Minett Elementary: Hannah Zimmermann, music
• Mooneyham Elementary: Britney Bennett, 4th grade
• Newman Elementary: Blessed Onaiwu, music
• Nichols Elementary: Madison Sanders, special education
• Norris Elementary: Cindy Weiss, special education
• Ogle Elementary: Shelly Minke, special education
• Phillips Elementary: Desiree Snyder, 4th grade
• Pink Elementary: Katie Hylden, prekindergarten
• Purefoy Elementary: Tasha Jansen, 2nd grade
• Riddle Elementary: Krista Wade, PE
• Robertson Elementary: Jasmine Howard, prekindergarten
• Rogers Elementary: Bailey Colacecchi, 2nd grade
• Scott Elementary: Rob Fitzgerald, 5th grade
• Sem Elementary: Danielle Morales, 5th grade
• Shawnee Trail Elementary: Kristine Forsythe, special education
• Smith Elementary: Bryan McDaniel, 5th grade
• SonntStudio Assistant: ag Elementary: Dori Baker, special education
• Sparks Elementary: Beth Jamison, special education
• Spears Elementary: Amy Mears, kindergarten
• Tadlock Elementary: Emma Woodrow, 3rd grade
• Talley Elementary: Sydney Barrett, 3rd grade
• Taylor Elementary: Jacquie Penton, kindergarten
• Vaughn Elementary: Julie Chamberlain, 4th grade

Secondary Campus Teachers of the Year

• Career and Technical Education Center: Misty VanCuren, law enforcement
• Centennial High School: Darius Moore, theater arts
• Clark Middle School: Ryan Stewart, coach
• Cobb Middle School: Alex Holben, math
• Emerson High School: Kyle Wenokur, GT American Studies and AcDec
• Fowler Middle School: Shedonna Mark, math
• Frisco High School: Stacey Horton, CTE
• Griffin Middle School: Chad Crider, social studies
• Heritage High School: Christopher Marshall, science
• Hunt Middle School: Jacob Rivas, choir and Academy Connect
• Independence High School: Linda Riley, English language arts
• Lawler Middle School: Cynthia Huchthausen, social studies
• Lebanon Trail High School: Shauna Charissa KELLEms, English language arts
• Liberty High School: Beth Evans, English language arts
• Lone Star High School: Kyra Slater, science instructional coach
• Maus Middle School: Amy Treadwell, art
• Memorial High School: Katherine Saucier, CTE and DECA
• Nelson Middle School: Neebelle Khromachou, math
• Panther Creek High School: Kendra Falslev, special education
• Pearson Middle School: Thomas McKnight, science
• Pioneer Heritage Middle School: Tamie Schneider, Skills for Living
• Reedy High School: James Neve, English language arts
• Roach Middle School: Jose De la Torre, science
• Scoggins Middle School: Christy Harper, ILA
• Stafford Middle School: Kaci Gonzales, special education
• Staley Middle School: Megan Ryan, science
• Student Opportunity Center: Samanthi Makewita, special education
• Trent Middle School: Katie Lowman, math
• Vandeventer Middle School: Sarah Dickerson, social studies
• Wakeland High School: Leon Friedrich, CTE
• Wester Middle School: Holly Urban, ILA
• Wilkinson Middle School: Lauren Hicks, science
• Wortham Intermediate School: Christian DeLannoy, 5th grade English language arts

Frisco Today congratulates these inspiring educators who continue to uplift and empower their students and school communities every day.