2024 Employee Teachers of the Year
Lupita Villalobos – Duncanville ISD 2024 District Elementary Teacher of the Year, Her journey to this accolade is marked by dedication, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Lupita had always known she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Fairleigh Dickinson University, she embarked on a path of learning and growth, culminating in a Master of Administrative Science. Armed with knowledge and a passion for education, she joined Smith Elementary as a Pre-K 3 bilingual teacher.
But Lupita impact went far beyond the walls of her classroom. She served as a mentor to new teachers and staff, sharing her wisdom and experience to help them flourish in their roles. Her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues and students alike. In 2023, Lupita secured a $10,000 award for Smith Elementary from H-E-B, a testament to her tireless advocacy for her students and their educational needs. She was actively involved in various committees and initiatives, from the Environmental Science Signature Program Site Team to the Social Media Committee, always seeking innovative ways to enhance the learning experience.
But perhaps what set Lupita apart was her deep connection to her students and their families. She went above and beyond to ensure that each child felt valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Her commitment to her students extended beyond the classroom, as she worked tirelessly to secure grants and resources for books, learning materials, and more.
As Lupita reflected on her journey, she felt a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a teacher. She knew that teaching wasn't just a job; it was a calling, a privilege, and a responsibility. As she looks ahead to the future, she is filled
with hope and determination to continue making a difference, one student at a time
Erin Jackson – Duncanville ISD 2024 District Secondary Teacher of the Year, she accepts her accolade with humility, knowing that her true reward lies in the success and happiness of her students. Erin's journey as an educator began at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she earned her BA in Communication Studies. Armed with a passion for teaching and a
heart for service, she joined Duncanville High School, where she would leave an indelible mark on the lives of countless students.
Beyond the classroom, Erin was a leader in every sense of the word. She served as the Senior Class Sponsor, Student Council Sponsor, and Chair of the Special Education Department. Her commitment to supporting Special Ed students was unwavering, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that every student had the resources and support they
needed to thrive.
But Erin's impact extended far beyond her role as a teacher. She was involved in a myriad of committees and initiatives, from the TIA Committee to the Attendance Committee, always seeking new ways to support her students and her school
community.
One of Erin's proudest accomplishments was her work as a Work-based Learning Teacher for Job-sites in the Community for the Special Needs Program. She believed passionately in the potential of her students, working closely with community partners and district resources to ensure that each student had a plan for success after
graduation.
But perhaps what set Erin apart was her unwavering dedication to her students, both inside and outside the classroom. She stayed connected with her students long after they had graduated, checking in on their progress and offering support whenever it was needed.
As Erin reflected on her journey, she knew that being a teacher wasn't just about imparting knowledge; it was about making a difference in the lives of her students, one day at a time. And for Erin Jackson, that was the greatest reward of all.