Two educators from the Midland Independent School District (ISD), Billy Cooper and Janet Cook, were recognized at the Texas Teacher of the Year Banquet for their outstanding contributions to education. They represented Region 18 due to their exceptional classroom work and significant impact on students.
The district announced this recognition in a Mata Post. Cooper, who teaches Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry at Legacy High School, was named the Region 18 Secondary Teacher of the Year. He is noted for his enthusiasm for science and dedication to academic excellence, which has motivated many students to pursue advanced scientific studies. Cooper represented Region 18 in the Texas Teacher of the Year competition held in October.
Midland Times previously reported that Cook, a sixth-grade teacher at Long Elementary, received the Region 18 Elementary Teacher of the Year award. Midland ISD officials praised her commitment and care for her students, describing her as an exemplar of educational excellence. Like Cooper, she also advanced to compete at the state level.
According to the Texas Association of School Administrators, these regional awards are presented annually by the state’s 20 Regional Education Service Centers. Each center selects one elementary and one secondary honoree—40 in total—who then compete for the Texas Teacher of the Year title.