DeSoto ISD Elementary Teachers of the Year

To inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage, and nurture compassion is the vision of DeSoto ISD for every child.

It is through the daily excellence exuded by the district teachers that this vision is primarily realized.

Teachers work tirelessly each day to mold students and enable them to learn and grow at their highest levels. Campuses have the arduous task of selecting one outstanding teacher to represent their campus as Teacher of the Year.

This peer selection process recognizes their high performance, leadership, innovation, and engagement within their school community.

These campus teachers are subsequently invited to participate in the application process for the DeSoto ISD District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year.

Then, the district convenes a committee to review the submitted applications to determine the top two teachers for the year. The two recipients were announced this year at the Cadence of Celebration End of the Year staff recognition event.

Below are the 2022-23 Teachers of the Year.

PAMELA MCCOY (Special Education) Cockrell Hill Elementary

Ms. McCoy is a veteran educa tional professional with over 33 years of experience. She has served for six years in DeSoto ISD and currently serves elementary students in the special education department with content mastery and social-emotional skill development.

Her love for teaching stems from her passion and ability to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become the leaders of this community and the world. She appreciates the daily opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

FELECIA WHITFIELD (3rd-5th Grade Art Teacher) Frank Moates Elementary

Ms. Whitfield has 19 years of educational experience and has been a DeSoto Eagle for seven years. When it comes to teaching, she expressed that art education is her passion and most enjoy the student’s excitement when they are introduced to something new in the art world such as new techniques or real-life experiences.

Ms. Whitfield comes from a long legacy of educators. She is most inspired by her father’s legacy, who served as a high school principal and demonstrated high integrity when dealing with students and their parents, and worked to do what was best for the school community.

CARLESHA WEST (6th Grade, ELAR) Ruby Young Personalized STEAM Academy

Ms. West has a decade of educational experience and has been employed with DeSoto ISD for the last five years. She enjoys seeing the growth of her students throughout the school year. She aims to provide her students with a personalized learning experience that is challenging, leans into their strengths, and builds their confidence.

Reflecting on this selection as campus teacher of the year, she shared, “ It has changed my mindset and made me a more confident teacher. I strive every day to show my students what hard work and perseverance looks like and now I can also show them the reward.”

Elementary School District Teacher of the Year

JAMESIA RICHARDSON (K-5 Physical Education) Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy

Ms. Richardson is a nine-year educator who has been employed with DeSoto ISD for five years. Teaching is rewarding to her when she sees the progress of her students as they learn new skills or master a difficult concept. “Seeing their eyes light up after grasping a new piece of knowledge is beyond price,” said Richardson. Her inspiration to teach stems from her passion and love of learning and her desire to make a positive impact on the life of a child. Richardson’s goal for her students is to help to command their confidence so they can take strategic risks on themselves and skillfully collaborate with others.

KIMBERLY PIPPINS (4th Grade Special Education) The Meadows Elementary

Ms. Pippins has five years of experience in education and has been employed as a DeSoto Eagle for four years. She gains joy from seeing her students grow and excitement about learning. As a teacher, her goal is to identify and activate student strengths while building on existing skills and knowledge and ensuring that they are well-prepared for the future.

SAMANTHA BRADLEY WILLIAMS (Pre-K4) Woodridge Elementary

Ms. Bradley-Williams is a 19-year educator who has been employed in DeSoto ISD for the last four years. As one who works with the youngest learners, she loves to see the students progressing and striving for excellence. She gains inspiration from her own children. Through each lesson and activity, she aims to ensure that they are relevant, exciting, and engaging while helping to foster a love for learning.

Elementary Teachers of the Year at the End-of-the-Year Celebration with National University Sponsor (Left) and District Leaders Chief Academic Officer

Secondary Teachers of the Year at the End-of-the-YearCelebration with National University Sponsor (Left) and District Leader Chief Academic Officer Stephanie

Continue to the next page for the Secondary Teachers of the Year