Clear Creek ISD's Vickie Wright Named 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year

Clear Creek ISD is proud to announce that McWhirter Elementary teacher Vickie Wright has been named as the 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year by the  Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA).

Wright was chosen to represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition during an awards ceremony in Round Rock, Texas, on October 17.

“Winning Texas State Teacher of the Year is the most humbling honor,” said Wright. “It confirms the deep love I have for my life's work: building up every student to reach their full potential and helping my amazing colleagues build teacher capacity and see the greatness in themselves.”

To achieve recognition as a Texas Teacher of the Year, a teacher must first be chosen as a campus and district teacher of the year, then a regional honoree. From the group of 40 regional teachers of the year, six finalists are chosen and interviewed by an independent panel of judges composed of representatives of education associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education, and prior Texas Teachers of the Year.

“I congratulate Vickiela and Timothy on this achievement. Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor the State of Texas bestows upon its teachers,” said Kevin Brown, executive director of TASA, which has facilitated the program since 2011. “They have distinguished themselves among thousands of outstanding, dedicated teachers across our state and nation have who have answered the call to serve others.”

Wright has been an educator for 14 years and has been a fifth-grade English language arts teacher at McWhirter Elementary the last five years. She will now advance to the National Teacher of the Year program, whose winner is announced by the President of the United States in the spring.

“I'm truly honored and so proud to use this platform to speak up for all of Texas's wonderful educators and students, allowing me to spread our shared impact and commitment to our families as we lift up the important work being done in every classroom,” said Wright.

More About Vickie Wright

Vickie Wright is a National Board-Certified educator with 14 years of experience across multiple grade levels. Wright serves as a fifth-grade English language arts teacher, grade level instructional coach, and team lead at Clear Creek ISD's McWhirter Elementary School in Webster, Texas. In these roles, she is a link between administration and grade-level teams, collaborating to enhance instructional practices and improve student achievement. Inspired by teachers and her great-grandmother who believed in her potential, Wright says she is devoted to fostering supportive, empowering environments for students and educators alike. Beyond the classroom, she leads extracurricular initiatives such as mentoring, student council, and volunteers with her sorority and Clear Creek Education Foundation. She holds a BA in Education and a Master of Education in Reading from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and an Education Specialist certificate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.