Jessica Harkins, an elementary teacher with Terrell County Independent School District (TCISD) and Michelle Cochrane, a secondary teacher with Big Spring ISD (BSISD) have been named 2024 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year for Region 18.
Harkins has been with TCISD for 15 years. During that time her role as a pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teacher has given her the opportunity to help all her students build a strong foundation in reading.
“Everything I do in the classroom is centered around the idea and belief that students must be reading when they leave Kindergarten,” Harkins said in a news release.
In addition to a strong reading focus, Harkins also introduces her students to life skills with the Annual Easter Etiquette Luncheon and encourages community engagement with her Mystery Reader program. Her leadership role does not stop outside the classroom. Jessica served as the Secretary for the Sanderson Youth Baseball League for many years and is currently the Elementary UIL Coordinator for her district.
Cochrane has been with BSISD since 2020, and taught for 14 years prior to that in Magnolia and College Station.
In addition to 17 total years as a Science/AP Biology teacher, she has held multiple leadership positions in her field; Science Department Chair, IB Coordinator, Teacher Leadership Academy and Mentor Teacher, and now Student Council Sponsor. Michelle was also named Teacher of the Year three times previously on other campuses as well as being named the Secondary Teacher of the Year in Big Spring ISD last year.
Sponsored by TASA, the Teacher of the Year program has annually recognized and rewarded teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching since 2011. The journey to Texas Teacher of the Year begins at the local, and then regional level. The 40 Regional Teachers of the Year will be considered for Texas Teacher of the Year in a selection process facilitated by TASA.
