LONGVIEW, Texas (AP) — East Texas celebrated four outstanding educators Tuesday at Mobberly Baptist Church–Elevation, with two advancing as Region 7 Teachers of the Year and semifinalists for the 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year.
Nominated by Bullard, Whitehouse and Troup school districts, the honorees included:
- Kati McKinney, theatre teacher at Bullard High School
- Casey Treat, educator from Whitehouse ISD
- Shyrah Jones, culinary arts instructor at Troup High School
- Casey Acker, elementary teacher from Bullard ISD (posthumously honored)
At the July 15 luncheon, Region 7 officials awarded Shyrah Jones as the Secondary Teacher of the Year and Jackie Terry of Gilmer ISD as the Elementary Teacher of the Year—both automatically becoming regional finalists for the Texas Teacher of the Year competition.
Jones, whose original nomination honored her district-level win, was recognized for her hands-on culinary program, which includes a student-run bistro, a competitive BBQ team and a SkillsUSA chapter she established. She, along with Terry, received a share of a $2,500 award donated by Orr Cadillac GMC.
Post-awards, Troup ISD Superintendent Tammy Jones remarked, “We are thrilled for Shyrah to be recognized for the outstanding work that she does every day. This recognition is so well deserved…”
Both region winners will advance to the state-level competition under review by a Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) panel. State semifinalists will be named Sept. 4, followed by finalist interviews in mid-October and the official Texas Teacher of the Year announcement Oct. 17 in Round Rock.
Meanwhile, Bullard’s Casey Acker, remembered fondly after her passing earlier this year, was honored posthumously as the district’s elementary nominee. Kati McKinney and Casey Treat also received district-level recognition in secondary categories but did not advance at the regional level.
