Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) celebrated its outstanding educators during the 2024-2025 PSJA ISD Teacher of the Year Celebration Luncheon held at PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The annual event recognized 45 Campus Teachers of the Year for their dedication and impact on student success.
“Our Teachers of the Year exemplify the dedication and excellence that define PSJA ISD,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias during the celebration. “As leaders in education, you inspire and empower students through innovative instruction, shaping their path to success. We appreciate your hard work and congratulate each of you on this well-deserved recognition!”
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, Tami Bhadai from Cesar Chavez Elementary was named PSJA ISD’s 2024-2025 District Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Tami Bhadai is a dedicated educator with 21 years of experience. As the Science Lab teacher at Cesar Chavez Elementary, she has been instrumental in pioneering district-first programs, including the Junior Master Gardeners program and FFA Junior, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in agriculture and sustainability. Her commitment to environmental education has also led her to secure over $6,000 in EcoRise grants, funding impactful sustainability initiatives for her campus and students.
For Bhadai, being surprised with the news of being named District Elementary Teacher of the Year is an honor that reflects the passion she has for educating her students. “I love what I do, being an educator is a joy, and it’s so fun I don’t see it as a job, I see it as an adventure,” said Bhadai. “Thank you so much, thank you PSJA ISD.”
In addition, Linda Sandoval from Jesus “Jesse” Vela, Jr. Middle School was named PSJA ISD’s 2024-2025 District Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Linda Sandoval is a passionate educator dedicated to student success. Currently a 6th-grade Reading Language Arts teacher at Jesus “Jesse” Vela Jr. Middle School, she also serves as the Student Council Advisor, fostering leadership and civic engagement among her students. Sandoval has spent over a decade shaping young minds, previously teaching at the elementary level and leading as a grade-level chairperson, McRel evaluator, and Collaborative Learning Facilitator. Her commitment to education and leadership continues to make a lasting impact on her students and school community.
“I am incredibly grateful for the journey I have had in my teaching career and truly blessed to be part of the PSJA Family,” said Sandoval. “Working alongside so many inspiring educators has shaped me into the teacher I am today, and I am honored to share this recognition with them.”
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 in July.
Congratulations to all the outstanding educators recognized.
PSJA Elementary Teachers of the Year:
Stephanie Cavazos (Aida C. Escobar Elementary); Blanca Quiroz (Alfred Sorenson Elementary); Rosario Gonzalez (Allen & William Arnold Elementary); Daisy Garza (Amanda Garza-Peña Elementary); Maria Garza (Arnoldo Cantu, Sr. Elementary); Erika Rodriguez (Augusto Guerra Elementary); Silvia Saldivar (Berta Palacios Elementary); Jose E. Santillan (Carmen Anaya Elementary); Tami Bhadai (Cesar Chavez Elementary); Berenize Tijerina (Daniel Ramirez Elementary); Jonathan Chapa Trigo (Drs. Reed & Mock Elementary); Rosario Galindo (Dr. William Long Elementary); Imelda Morales (Edith & Ethel Carman Elementary); Cynthia Quintanilla (Geraldine Palmer Elementary); Sylvia Garcia (Graciela Garcia Elementary); Lizette Peña (Henry Ford Elementary); Diana Campos (John Doedyns Elementary); Jessica Y. Rivera (John McKeever Elementary); Margo Perez (Kelly-Pharr Elementary); Myra Castillo (Marcia R. Garza Elementary); Yisel Chavez (PSJA Alamo BBA); Danise Godoy (PSJA Sonia M. Sotomayor BBA); Amy Y. Valdez (PSJA Early Start Pre-K School); Karin Isaacs (Raul Longoria Elementary); Dora Porras Gracia (Santos Livas Elementary); Rosalinda Martinez (Sgt. Leonel Trevino Elementary); Maricela Romero (Vida N. Clover Elementary); Yvette Ramirez (Zeferino Farias Elementary).
