TEMPLE, Texas — A Temple ISD teacher has earned a prestigious honor for her work in the classroom, the district announced.
JoMeka Gray, a kindergarten teacher at Kennedy-Powell Elementary, has been named Education Service Area Region 12's 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year and a regional nominee for Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year!
Gray teaches english, math, science and social studies to kindergarten students at Kennedy-Powell STEM Academy, according to TISD. The district states Gray "challenges her students academically, nurtures community connections and advocates for students and teachers."
TISD said Gray has taught kindergarten at Kennedy-Powell since 2018, and has been in education for over 12 years, also having taught in Killeen ISD and at other Temple ISD schools.
Temple ISD said Gray was selected as one of the district's Teachers of the Year, and moved on to the regional level, where she was chosen by a committee of area teachers to represent Region 12.
The district said Gray was selected for the honor out of 77 school districts across 12 counties in Region 12. The award was announced during TISD convocation on Aug. 12.
“Mrs. JoMeka Gray's remarkable dedication and innovative teaching methods truly set her apart,” said Kenny Berry, Executive Director of Education Service Center Region 12. “She has consistently engaged students from diverse backgrounds, fostering both academic growth and community involvement. Her ability to build strong relationships, along with her numerous accolades, reflects her exceptional impact. Congratulations to Mrs. Gray on being recognized as Region 12's Elementary Teacher of the Year!"
According to the district, Gray likes to teach through cross-content learning, such as combining subjects by teaching multiple different topics like math or science through nursery rhymes, and connecting students to the community, such as inviting the local Navajo Tribe to discuss Native American History and starting a pen pal program to connect students to other from around the world.
TISD says Gray is also an advocate for students and teachers locally and statewide, having started the Stars Helping Stars committee at school to help students struggling with homelessness, advocating for teachers to the Texas Legislature and more.
“Mrs. Gray is the dictionary definition of a teacher leader,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, Superintendent of Temple ISD. “She leads in the classroom with compassion and innovation; and leads outside the classroom as a public education advocate and community connector. I realize she is just now receiving this award, but in my mind, she has been the Teacher of the Year for some time now, and every day after. We are truly grateful for her service in Temple ISD. Our children, families, staff and community are the real benefactors.”
Judges will meet later in August to review Elementary Teacher of the Year regional nominees, according to TISD. Three finalists will reportedly move on to interview with a panel of judges facilitated by the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA), after which TASA will announce the Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year.
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