JISD Celebrates 2025 Teachers of the Year

On Tuesday, May 20, the Jasper Independent School District (JISD) and the Jasper Public Schools Foundation proudly recognized four exceptional educators as the district’s 2025 Teachers of the Year.

Teachers were nominated by students, parents, and fellow educators from across all campuses. From this pool of outstanding nominations, four educators were selected by the Jasper Public Schools Foundation board and surprised on their campuses—surrounded by their students and colleagues.

Each honoree was celebrated for their commitment to excellence in the classroom, their impact on student success, and their leadership within the school community.

In a message shared by the district, JISD expressed thanks to the Jasper Public Schools Foundation, stating, “It’s Teacher of the Year Time! We want to thank the Jasper Public Schools Foundation for honoring our outstanding teachers!”

JISD also expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s continued support of public education and its efforts to highlight the work of dedicated educators.

The following teachers were honored as JISD’s 2025 Educators of the Year:

• Maria Shierry, 1st Grade Bilingual Teacher at Few Primary.

  
  

• Edith Barbay, 2nd Grade Teacher at Few Primary.

  
  

• Crystal Segrest, 7th/8th Grade Math Teacher at Jasper Junior High.

  
  

• Tonia Ellis, Life Skills Teacher at Jasper Junior High.

In addition to the honor, each teacher received a $1,000 award check from the Jasper Public Schools Foundation. The checks were presented in person during surprise visits to their campuses.

Photos courtesy of Jasper Independent School District.

Maria Shierry, one of JISD’s 2025 Educators of the Year, at Few Primary.

Edith Barbay, one of JISD’s 2025 Educators of the Year, at Few Primary.

Crystal Segrest, one of JISD’s 2025 Educators of the Year, Jasper Junior High.

Tonia Ellis, one of JISD’s 2025 Educators of the Year, Jasper Junior High.