ESC Region 11 is proud to announce Anquinette Hill, Advanced Academics Specialist at Arbor Creek Elementary in Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, and Mary McMinimy, Academic Life Skills teacher at Flower Mound High School in Lewisville ISD, as the 2026 Region 11 Teachers of the Year.

Hill and McMinimy were recognized during the ESC Region 11 Teacher of the Year Banquet on July 30, 2026 generously sponsored by EECU. Their selection recognizes their outstanding commitment to student success, instructional excellence, innovation, and leadership in the classroom.

With more than 16 years in education, Hill is known for creating innovative learning experiences that inspire curiosity, celebrate diversity, and empower students through gifted education, STEAM, technology integration, and project-based learning.

McMinimy has spent the past decade creating authentic learning experiences for students with significant cognitive disabilities, helping them build independence, confidence, and meaningful connections through real-world instruction and inclusive opportunities.

Hill and McMinimy will now advance to the Texas Teacher of the Year competition, where they will represent Region 11 at the state level this fall.

To compete at the regional level, nominees submitted a professional portfolio that included a résumé, professional biography, and essays describing their instructional philosophy, contributions to school culture, community engagement, leadership experiences, and vision for the teaching profession. Applications were reviewed and scored by a panel consisting of former Teachers of the Year, classroom educators, district leaders, and ESC Region 11 staff.

In addition to the two regional winners, eight educators were recognized as finalists for the exceptional quality of their applications.

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