A Corpus Christi teacher has been named a state finalist for a Teacher of the Year recognition.
The Texas Association of School Administrators named three finalists for 2027 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year on Aug. 25, including Denise Caldera.
Caldera is a kindergarten bilingual teacher at Galvan Elementary School in the Corpus Christi Independent School District. She was named Corpus Christi ISD's 2026 Teacher of the Year.
She 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.
Caldera has earned master and exemplary designations from the Texas Education Agency.
Outside
of the classroom, she is a grade-level chair, new teacher mentor, Language Proficiency Assessment Committee representative, curriculum writer and tutor for migrant, homeless and shelter-based students.
Other state finalists are Mary Cluley of the Burkburnett Independent School District in North Texas and Emily Greer of the Chapel Hill Independent School District in East Texas.
The finalists, along with finalists for Secondary Teacher of the Year, will be interviewed in October by a panel of judges including representatives of educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education and prior Texas Teachers of the Year, according to a news release.
The finalist chosen to represent Texas will continue to the National Teacher of the Year program. The state winner will be named on Oct. 16.
Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi teacher up for state Teacher of the Year award
