A Corpus Christi ISD educator was named the 2027 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year on Oct. 16.
Denise Caldera, a kindergarten bilingual teacher at Galvan Elementary, received the title at an awards ceremony in Round Rock. She received a cash award, a commemorative trophy and a free airline voucher for travel within the United States.
Caldera will move on to compete for the title of National Teacher of the Year at the Council of Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year Program next year.
Caldera was named the 2026 Corpus Christi Independent School District Teacher of the Year in August.
"To me, it's more of building relationships, making sure that [students]
know that they are loved and cared for and that there's a safe place for them to be who they are," Caldera said in a video for the award program.
Caldera has a Master of Science in educational administration and a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, as well as associate degrees in teaching and Spanish from Del Mar College.
"We are honored to have one of our very own Corpus Christi ISD teachers representing the state of Texas," Corpus Christi ISD Superintendent Roland Hernandez said in a statement. "Mrs. Caldera exemplifies teaching excellence. She is an incredible role model for our students and our community. We’re celebrating her achievement, and we will be cheering her on as she competes at the national level."
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi ISD educator named Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year
