Pasodale Elementary School P.E. teacher Arturo Cruz and Ysleta High School teacher Jacob Pineda were named Ysleta ISD’s 2026-2027 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively, at an annual gala Saturday in downtown El Paso. In addition, P.E. aide Briana Berry from Scotsdale Elementary School was named the 2026-2027 Support Employee of the Year.
Arturo Cruz, Pasodale Elementary School
Cruz’s commitment to being an active and engaged parent to his children inspired his 14-year career as a math and P.E. teacher. But in his first year, he nearly gave it up as one of his identical twin daughters battled brain cancer, then passed away on Christmas Day. “It was her encouragement – knowing how deeply I valued teaching – that inspired me to remain in the classroom,” said Cruz, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. “It became one of the most meaningful and life-affirming decisions I ever made.”
Other finalists for Elementary Teacher of the Year were: Angelica Castaneda (Loma Terrace ES), Griselda Gutierrez (Desertaire ES), Tara Mendoza (Parkland ES), and Hilda Sias (Ramona STEM Academy).
Jacob Pineda, Ysleta High School
For Pineda, it all comes back to family, sports, and personal growth – and he pours all three into his work as a high school English teacher and coach. For a decade, he has coached cross country, track and field, and football while building a classroom rooted in real-world connection. “I believe in empowering our students to recognize their potential and take ownership of their futures," said Pineda, who holds a master’s degree in English from UTEP. His students would describe him as energetic, funny, and real – a teacher who regularly motivates them to try and better themselves.
Other finalists for Secondary Teacher of the Year were Kristal Nazario (Hanks HS), Karina Rodriguez (Parkland Pre-Engineering MS), Kim Vandagriff (Hanks MS), and Sylvia Weaver (Parkland HS).
Briana Berry, Scotsdale Elementary School
Berry brings a positive, nurturing spirit to her role as P.E. aide, where she helps students build healthy habits and a love for active play. In her six years with Ysleta ISD, she has gone above and beyond in her duties, sponsoring a volleyball club, leading campus competitions like the annual Superbowl Football Toss and Cadet Mile, and partnering with local businesses to support student athletics. Berry is known across campus as a great team player who regularly exceeds everyone’s expectations.
Other Support Employee of the Year finalists were: Elizabeth Arellano (Eastwood HS), Iris Baca (Riverside ES), Jennifer Marines (North Loop International), and Ruth Villalobos (Transportation Department).
Cruz and Pineda will now advance to the ESC Region 19 Teacher of the Year competition.