Riverside Elementary School‘s Gladis Hinojos has been named the district’s 2025-26 Elementary Teacher of the Year while Del Valle High School’s Manuel Delgadillo has won the 2025-26 Secondary Teacher of the Year award at Ysleta ISD. In addition, Edgemere International School’s Cynthia Licerio was named the district’s top Support Employee of the Year.
The winners were revealed at the district’s May 2 annual Teacher & Support Employee of the Year gala, which honored the educators and staff who go above and beyond each day.
Hinojos, who has been teaching for 16 years, was inspired by an eighth-grade teacher who encouraged her to keep going when she struggled to learn English. Today, she sets clear expectations in her classroom and celebrates every achievement, big or small. In her free time, she enjoys painting rocks with positive messages and making bracelets for her students.
Delgadillo began teaching seven years ago with the goal of creating a classroom where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to succeed, just as his own high school teachers did for him. He holds his students to high standards while offering guidance and understanding. Outside the classroom, he enjoys reading, writing, attending open mic events, and coaching High Q.
Licerio’s Ysleta ISD journey began eight years ago in the Transportation Department. She later moved to Edgemere, where she analyzed student data before stepping into her current role as attendance clerk. Known for her kindness and team spirit, she’s always ready to lend a hand and brightens every room with a smile and a cheerful “Good morning!” She recently helped launch the Roadrunner Store, promoting positive behavior, good attendance, and students who go the extra mile.
Other finalists for Elementary Teacher of the Year were Melissa Alvarez (Lancaster ES), Anne Armstrong (Pebble Hills ES), Jessica Doporto (Loma Terrace ES), and Robert Flores (Edgemere International School).
Additionally, Secondary Teacher of the Year finalists included Georgina Goodwin (Ysleta HS), Paula Perales (Eastwood Knolls International), Lee Petrosky (Riverside HS), and Ruby Gonzalez-Rey (Eastwood HS).
Support Employee of the Year finalists included Naomi Brito (East Point ES), Claudia Lopez (Ysleta ES), Joceline Rocha (Central Office), and Ramona Rodarte (Pasodale ES).
Hinojos and Delgadillo will now advance to the ESC Region 19 Teacher of the Year competition, representing Ysleta ISD.
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