UPDATE: Timothy Fails was named the 2026 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year at a state-level awards ceremony on October 17, 2025.

ESC Region 11 is proud to announce Angela Lee, an elementary music teacher at Monaco Elementary in Aubrey ISD, and Timothy Fails, a 9th-grade social studies teacher at Flower Mound 9th Grade Campus in Lewisville ISD, as the 2025 Region 11 Teachers of the Year.

These exceptional educators were selected from 98 nominees representing 51 school districts in North Central Texas. Their recognition follows a rigorous process that included a detailed application, professional biography, and five essays highlighting a defining lesson, leadership growth, community connections, and their message to the profession. Applications were reviewed by a panel of past winners, classroom teachers, district leaders, and ESC Region 11 staff.

Angela Lee, with 19 years of experience, inspires K–5 students through creativity and cross-curricular learning in the music classroom, fostering confidence and lifelong appreciation for the arts. Timothy Fails, an 18-year veteran, engages students in exploring global connections and critical thinking while building strong relationships that extend beyond academics.

The Teacher of the Year Program recognizes the innovation, dedication, and impact of educators who make a lasting difference in students’ lives. Lee and Fails will now advance to the state-level Texas Teacher of the Year competition, with interviews conducted in October and the state winners announced October 17.

In addition to the two regional winners, eight educators were named finalists for their exceptional applications.

Read the press release with bios and finalist list | View the awards banquet photo gallery