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Fort Worth’s Top Teachers, Class of 2026
Name me, if you can, a more challenging profession than that of teacher.
Nursing? Combat medic? Maybe. But no job in the world requires such a commitment of a person’s heart, mind, body, and soul, as well as a goodly chunk of their salary. We entrust teachers with our children’s brains and bodies every day. A gift card to Starbucks or a coffee mug with “World’s Best Teacher” on it given at the end of the school year isn’t nearly enough to express our gratitude. These teachers are the best of the best in Fort Worth; these are the words of grateful parents and colleagues.
Katy Wampach
Pre-kindergarten
E.M. Daggett Elementary School
”As a sophomore in college, Katy spent her spring break working at an elementary school in New Orleans. The children she met there stuck with her. After the sudden need to find a new job, she signed up for alternative certification and visited principals in Fort Worth ISD. A chance conversation led her to E.M. Daggett Elementary, where she has devoted herself ever since. Some think pre-kindergarten is just coloring, playing, and singing songs, but it’s not. Yes, she has to dig into data like any modern teacher, but more importantly, she has met each of her students where they are. She has been foundational to so many. Katy not only works very hard to internalize her lessons, cutting out each piece of lamination, packing each Winter Break goody bag, tracking down just the right book from the public library to read to her students, but she is also a small child magnet when out in public. Some cynically say that those who can’t do, teach. To watch Mrs. Wampach is to know those who can inspire, do.”
Written by Dave Wampach, fellow teacher (and husband)
Hao Tran
Culinary Arts
Trimble Technical High School
“Hao is much more than an exceptional chef. She is an inspiring educator whose passion for food, culture, and community has transformed the lives of countless students and home cooks. She makes every student feel capable and welcome. Her classes are about more than cooking—they are about building confidence, creating connections, and celebrating culture through food. Students leave her classes not only with delicious recipes but also with a deeper understanding of ingredients, flavors, and the traditions that make each cuisine so vibrant. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she inspires people of all skill levels to step into the kitchen with curiosity and confidence. As someone who has known Hao personally for nearly two decades, I can confidently say that her kindness, generosity, and commitment to sharing her knowledge are as remarkable as her culinary skills. She is exactly the kind of educator who deserves to be recognized and celebrated.”
Written by Veronica Gary
Tyler Nesci
Music
Rolling Hills Elementary School
“I was a teaching assistant briefly at Rolling Hills Elementary. I had the pleasure of observing Mr. Nesci’s music class. He is incredible! He gives 100% to every student and makes sure every child, no matter their ability, can participate in a meaningful way. He is so organized, fun, and constantly incorporates best practices in education.”
Written by Lauren Stroope
Terry Buckner
Journalism, Newspaper, and Yearbook
R.L. Paschal High School
“The Fort Worth teacher I am nominating is Terry Buckner at Paschal High School, who teaches journalism, newspaper, and yearbook. Ms. Buckner is simply the best and goes above and beyond for every student who has the privilege of being in her classroom. She’s the first person to be at every sporting event, every dance recital, every theater performance, and all the in-between. I had the absolute joy of being her student all four years of high school and have stayed connected with her even now, as I graduate from college. The impact she has had on my life and on so many others should not go unnoticed. Her dedication to her work is unmatched, and she is truly one of a kind. Everyone deserves a teacher like her in their lives!”
Written by Morgan Bangert
Sara Koppes
Kindergarten
Rolling Hills Elementary School
Sara Koppes is the most engaging, exciting, loving, and caring teacher we have ever had. Every parent I know hopes that their child will be in Mrs. Koppes’ class. She truly cares about each child and makes them feel like they are the most important person in the room. Mrs. Koppes meets kids where they are and teaches the whole child. She makes learning fun and engaging. But my daughter didn’t just learn academics; she learned how to be a better human being. Mrs. Koppes taught her how to be a good friend, use manners, and show grace to those around her. I have seen these lessons play out at home over the past year. Mrs. Koppes gave my daughter confidence, and I will be forever grateful. If anyone deserves to be recognized for the incredible role a teacher plays in a child’s life, it is Mrs. Koppes.”
Written by Emma Barry
Dave Wampach
AP US History
I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM & VPA
“When thinking back on beloved teachers from my school days, one brought the past to life, one made learning fun, and one truly understood me. All three of those qualities, and more, reside in Dave Wampach. Through his lectures, projects, and class discussions, students comprehend not only the past but also its connection to today. He weaves the fine arts into source texts so that his scholars gain a deeper understanding of the world beyond and within them. His role goes beyond the four walls of his classroom. He mentors leaders and celebrates knowledge as the coach of Whiz Quiz, while celebrating all students and attending countless performances and competitions. His greatest gift to his students is his ability to truly see each student for the unique individuals they are, making them feel validated and worthy. He pushes them to do more and work harder because he sees their potential. One never to sit by and miss a moment, he continues seeking knowledge himself and instills the same in all he teaches, guiding them to dive ever deeper into their own understanding of the world and self.”
Written by Katy Wampach, fellow teacher (and wife)
Stephen Pierce
CTE and Tennis
South Hills High School
“Coach Pierce is the head tennis coach at South Hills High School. South Hills is a Title I school, and typically tennis programs don’t thrive in that environment. He either has the highest participation in tennis in the school district, or is second to Paschal, which has a very different demographic. His kids absolutely love him, and he’s a fun father figure, and his athletes are always a great reflection on him and themselves.”
Written by Buck Elliott
Ernie Moran
Spanish
I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM & VPA
“Ernie Moran is truly one of the best people I know. He’s warm, funny, and passionate, with Stephen Hawking-level brilliance. He went to TCU for journalism, worked for the Star-Telegram, and came to teaching as a second career. He absolutely believes in the power of education. He reminds most people of Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society; he speaks up for his beliefs and spends every waking moment supporting his kids. His teaching is legendary, but he’s so immensely humble that he shies away from the spotlight. He is the type of person you want teaching your child.”
Written by Megan Henderson
Angelica Ortiz
Pre-kindergarten
George C. Clark Elementary School
“Ms. Ortiz genuinely wants to know each one of her students AND their families. Her students love her, and we parents are so glad that our kids have her as a teacher!”
Writer wishes to remain anonymous
Ian Connally
German, Linguistics, AP Capstone
R.L. Paschal High School
“Ian Connally is one of those legendary teachers that you hear about long before your own child, or the children of your friends, find their way into his classroom. His tenure at Paschal High School has spanned more than a decade. His students talk about his impact on them for years after. Passionate, charismatic, creative, and dedicated, Mr. Connally is the type of teacher who has real-world experience to frame his curriculum, making his lessons relevant and exciting. But beyond the lesson plans, Mr. Connally is dedicated to his students’ success. From his steadfast support for his students’ extracurricular activities to his own professional development, Mr. Connally is a mentor who shapes the lives of students within his orbit. Multilingual, well-traveled, active in various sports and health pursuits, and drawing from his previous careers as a chef and bartender, Mr. Connally is not only a well-rounded educator but an upstanding citizen and role model for our young scholars. Curious and passionate, his efforts continue to deliver world-class education with an inspired teaching philosophy to Fort Worth’s students.”
Written by Megan Henderson
Janae Corrado
Art
Tarrant County College
“Janae Corrado is an artist who delights in teaching her students about art. She’s supportive and passionate, and she’s really funny! She is familiar with all kinds of technology and is happy to teach you how to use it. She’s a tough grader, and she gives great feedback. Even better, she’s available to her students and really wants us to succeed!”
Writer prefers to remain anonymous
