PSJA ISD Celebrates Exemplary Educators at the 2026 Teacher of the Year Celebration 

Pharr, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) honored its exemplary educators at the 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year Celebration, held Friday, March 27, 2026, at the PSJA Napper Development & Support Center. The annual event recognized 44 Campus Teachers of the Year for their commitment and lasting impact on student achievement. 

“Congratulations to all the Teachers of the Year and those who were nominated, because everyone sees something special in you, and your students see it too,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias during the celebration. “As educators, we all hope to make a difference, and you truly feel it when students come back and remind you of the impact you had on their lives. Those moments stay with you.” 

During the event, each Campus Teacher of the Year was recognized individually and presented with a commemorative apple award and yard sign to celebrate their achievement.  
   
This year, Raquel Alvarez from Edith & Ethel Carman Elementary was named PSJA ISD’s 2025-2026 District Elementary Teacher of the Year.  
   
For Raquel, being named District Elementary Teacher of the Year is an honor that reflects her dedication to her students. She teaches English to third-grade students and is in her 27th year with the district. This is the third time she has been nominated as Campus Teacher of the Year during her tenure and the first time she has been selected for District Teacher of the Year honors. 

“It feels amazing to be selected as District Teacher of the Year,” said Alvarez. “I enjoy inspiring my students and making sure they feel comfortable coming to me if they need help.” 

In addition, Martin Robles from Raul H. Yzaguirre Middle School was named PSJA ISD’s 2025-2026 District Secondary Teacher of the Year.   

The teaching profession came to Robles during a turning point in his life. He initially studied to become a civil engineer, but curiosity led him in a different direction. As a college student, he began substitute teaching part-time, which soon developed into a passion for education. 

A proud PSJA ISD alum, he is excited to have returned to his roots to give back to the profession that gave him so much as an Early College student. He teaches mathematics to eighth-grade students and truly enjoys working with them. 

“I wasn’t expecting to be named District Teacher of the Year. It was a very exciting moment,” said Robles. “An executive officer who was my mentor teacher at the time really impacted my decision to teach. I have been teaching for 11 years, and I love it.” 
 
The PSJA District Teachers of the Year will go on to represent PSJA ISD at the Regional Level alongside top educators from districts across the Region One ESC area. 
   
Congratulations to all the outstanding educators recognized.  

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