Windham School District recognizes and commends the exceptional educators who demonstrate a profound commitment to serving students within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Each year, the district identifies individuals who surpass expectations in their educational roles.
Bobbie Allbright, recognized as the Academic Teacher of the Year and recipient of the prestigious Dr. Lane Murray Excellence in Teaching Award, embodies this dedication.
Dexter Spalding has been named Windham’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year, while Cheryl Kacal has been honored as the district’s Life Skills Teacher of the Year.
These educators were selected as Windham’s 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year because they each bring diverse experiences and innovative teaching methods to their respective campuses, a news release said.
The Dr. Lane Murray Excellence in Teaching Award, named in honor of Windham’s first Superintendent, Dr. Lane Murray, celebrates her remarkable contributions to education in corrections. This prestigious award is the highest recognition given to a Windham educator.
“Our educators are the heartbeat of Windham School District and their dedication to transforming lives through education is truly inspiring,” Windham Superintendent Kristina J. Hartman said in the release. “This year’s honorees — Bobbie Allbright, Dexter Spalding and Cheryl Kacal — represent the very best of what we strive for in our classrooms. Their innovative approaches and commitment to excellence make a lasting impact on the students we serve.”
Kacal, a Cognitive Intervention Program (CIP) teacher at the Stringfellow campus in Rosharon was named Windham’s 2024-2025 Life Skills Teacher of the Year for her exceptional rapport with students and her ability to boost both their motivation and productivity.
She fosters an environment that encourages meaningful discussions and collaboration, guiding her students toward personal growth and self-reflection. The CIP course she teaches focuses on addressing thinking errors that can lead to criminal behavior, with the goal of helping students understand the connection between thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and behavior, particularly in relation to impulse control.
Through her well-structured classroom and thoughtful guidance, Kacal promotes lasting change in her students.
“Ms. Kacal’s dedication to her students and her ability to create a supportive and reflective learning environment truly sets her apart,” Hartman said. “Her work in the Cognitive Intervention Program is instrumental in helping students gain insight into their behaviors and make positive changes in their lives. She exemplifies the power of education to transform mindsets and futures.”
Spalding, the Culinary Arts instructor at the Clements campus in Amarillo was chosen as the CTE Teacher of the Year due to his deep commitment to helping his students succeed by equipping them with essential job-related skills. As the driving force behind the launch and leadership of the Clements Culinary Arts program, he has witnessed the transformative impact of culinary education on students, many of whom began with little to no cooking experience.
Spalding has played a key role in planning and preparing meals for unit dedication ceremonies and legislative visits. His dedication to growth and continuous improvement directly benefits his students, helping them work toward productive and successful futures.
“Mr. Spalding’s passion for teaching essential job skills and his ability to inspire students with little to no experience is commendable,” Hartman said. “The culinary skills they acquire under his guidance not only prepare them for future careers but also instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. Mr. Spalding’s impact goes beyond the classroom, with his contributions to exposing students to catering special events, demonstrating his commitment to excellence.”
Allbright, an academic teacher at Windham’s Wainwright campus in Lovelady was named the 2024-2025 Academic Teacher of the Year and recipient of the Dr. Lane Murray Excellence in Teaching Award for her dedication to student engagement through carefully designed interactive lessons and activities. She emphasizes the use of real-world examples in her instruction, creating a structured yet welcoming classroom environment that fosters optimal learning. Her inclusive and collaborative teaching approach combines teacher-led instruction with small group work, independent study and hands-on activities.
In her classroom, Allbright communicates extensively with her students, encouraging them to celebrate their own achievements and support their peers in all academic endeavors.
“Ms. Allbright’s ability to create an engaging and collaborative classroom environment is a testament to her exceptional teaching skills,” Superintendent Hartman said. “Her dedication to contextualizing instruction and fostering collaboration among students helps them not only succeed academically but also build confidence and teamwork. She embodies the spirit of what it means to be an outstanding educator, and her commitment to student growth and success is truly inspiring.”
The recognition of Bobbie Allbright, Dexter Spalding and Cheryl Kacal as Windham’s 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year exemplifies the district’s steadfast commitment to educational excellence. During the 344th Windham School District Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 11, each honoree was formally acknowledged and celebrated by the Board, which expressed deep gratitude for their remarkable dedication and service.
