The Cypress Elementary School District this week announced its outstanding Employees and Teachers of the Year.
“Each year, we take time to honor the dedicated service of our exceptionally certificated and classified staff. It’s also a meaningful opportunity to recognize the Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year nominees and winners,” the District said in a statement.
“Selected by their peers, these individuals reflect the care, professionalism, and commitment that define the Cypress School District. We invite you to take a few moments to learn more about these remarkable individuals who make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families,” it said.
Here are this year’s outstanding employees:
Teacher of the Year
Courtesy photo
Jeannie Kim
Third Grade Teacher, Vessels
Jeannie has taught in Cypress since 2001, serving students at Morris, Dickerson, and Vessels with a unique blend of tech-savvy innovation and a grounding, calm presence. Through her strength in social-emotional learning, she makes sure every child feels truly seen, valued, and respected. Whether she’s creating engaging digital resources or coordinating the Vessels Oratorical Contest, Jeannie’s focus is always on helping students find their voices and build confidence as problem solvers. She doesn’t just teach her students—she genuinely cares for them. The sense of safety and belonging she creates stays with students long after they leave her classroom. She also advocates for students and families as a dedicated PTA representative and is always looking for ways to strengthen the school community. Her heartfelt dedication to both the craft of teaching and the well-being of every child makes her truly deserving of this year’s Teacher of the Year award.
Classified Employee of the Year
Mercedes Cole
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Mercedes has been a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the Cypress School District since 2014, bringing more than a decade of skilled, compassionate care to students across multiple school sites. Known for her genuine rapport with students and her calm, reassuring presence, she consistently goes above and beyond her role—responding promptly whenever she is needed at any campus and ensuring every student receives attentive, kind care. Mercedes is also committed to staying current in her field, continuously seeking out new knowledge and best practices. More than a skilled medical professional, she is a beloved member of the district’s staff whose arrival on campus brings immediate relief and warmth. All of her work is for the betterment of the Cypress School District, and Mercedes knows it starts with the students. Her dedication, professionalism, and student-centered approach make her a truly deserving winner of the Classified Employee of the Year award.
Teacher of the Year Nominees
Candi Earley
Kindergarten Teacher
Arnold
Candi is a dedicated 26-year teaching veteran currently inspiring kindergartners at Arnold. Her classroom is a nurturing, inclusive environment where students feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Her remarkable patience and calm presence allow every child to grow at their own pace, building confidence, curiosity, and a love of school from the very beginning. She also founded the school’s Nature Club, which provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore the outdoors and connect with the environment. Beyond her classroom, she serves as President of the Association of Cypress Teachers, advocating for educators while always keeping students’ best interests the focus of her work.
Nicole Vo
Fifth Grade Teacher
King
Nicole is an innovative and compassionate teacher whose impact extends throughout the entire school community. One of her most impactful contributions was introduction of the Playworks program which transforms recess into an inclusive, structured experience where students develop teamwork and conflict resolution skills. In her classroom, she creates a challenging and inspiring learning environment, including Universal Design for Learning projects that foster independence and higher-level thinking. She also coordinates a cross-grade buddy program that pairs fifth graders with TK students through art, cultivating empathy and leadership in older students.
Jennifer Pulone
Education Specialist
Landell
Jennifer has devoted her career to special education and currently serves as an Education Specialist at Landell, working with students in TK through 6th grade. Guided by her philosophy that at the heart of education is the child, and at the heart of the child is their social-emotional well-being, Jennifer works with students to build their social-emotional learning skills alongside their academic skills. She also supports the school community through her participation on the Student Study Team as well as the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Red Ribbon Week, Safety, and Kindness committees.
Elizabeth Elmgreen
Sixth Grade Teacher
Luther
Elizabeth has 23 years of experience teaching first, second, and sixth grades. She has a deep commitment to literacy, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive instruction for English language learners. She creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where academic discourse and creative expression flourish, ensuring her students develop the confidence needed for future success. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she has served as a Thinking Maps Trainer, Cotsen Fellow, and mentor to future teachers, and she also assists with the student garden, talent show, and sixth grade camp preparations.
Ida Egenberger-Gutierrez
Third Grade Teacher
Morris
Ida is an exceptional educator whose warmth, professionalism, and dedication have positively influenced students, families, and colleagues at Morris for 23 of her 30 years of teaching. She brings learning to life in meaningful ways–from the Morris garden, to integration of technology in the classroom, to classroom pets she lovingly cares for. She especially loves partnering her students with younger buddies, nurturing leadership skills, empathy, and a strong sense of school community. Her children are an inspiration to her as a teacher, particularly her oldest son, who has influenced her commitment to flexibility, perseverance, and recognizing the strengths of students on the autism spectrum.
Cassie Hanley
Teacher on Special Assignment
Social-Emotional Learning
Cassie has dedicated 25 years to serving students in the district, including 21 years teaching at Arnold, where she built meaningful relationships, fostered a love of learning, and positively influenced countless students. For the past four years, Cassie has served as a Social-Emotional Learning Teacher on Special Assignment, continuing her deep commitment to student success. In this role, she works closely with students facing behavioral and social-emotional challenges. Through patience, empathy, and skill, Cassie helps students develop the tools they need to grow socially, emotionally, and academically, empowering them to find success both in and beyond the classroom.
Classified Employee of the Year Nominees
Diana Cebreiro
School Administrative
Secretary
Luther
Diana is an exceptional classified employee whose organizational strengths and uplifting spirit enhance every aspect of the school community. She excels at improving systems and streamlining daily operations while simultaneously boosting staff morale through her positivity, empathy, and infectious laughter. More than a skilled and dedicated worker, Diana is a unifying force who connects naturally with those around her, offering encouragement when it’s needed most. She contributes not just to the functioning of the school, but to the heart of it.
Pam Glasell
Program Manager-Early
Childhood
Preschool
Pam has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in the district for over 20 years, beginning with the Mommy and Me program and playing a pivotal role in building what has become a highly regarded preschool program. Her dedication and innovation have created a welcoming, safe, and engaging environment where families feel supported and young students flourish. Her lasting impact on students, families, and the broader school community reflects a career defined by advocacy, passion, and an unwavering commitment to early education.
Tanya Montes
Central Kitchen Lead
Child Nutrition Services
Tanya represents the very best of Cypress Child Nutrition Services, playing a central role in shaping a school food program the entire community can take pride in. Her commitment to serving real, scratch-made meals has earned recognition from Eat Real, the Chef Ann Foundation, and the Powered by School Food Professionals campaign. Through her work, she has transformed the way families and staff think about school food, demonstrating that classified employees are true leaders who make a meaningful difference for students every day.
Becky Rios
Reprographics Technician
Business Services
Becky exemplifies the dedication and professionalism that classified employees bring to education every day. As the driving force behind the district’s print shop, her meticulous work ensures that every banner, flyer, and handout reflects well on our schools. She takes great pride in her work, which is the reason so much of what we do looks polished and welcoming. Though her role may be behind the scenes, the impact of Becky’s work is visible throughout the entire school community.
Dawn Smith
Paraeducator-Behavior
Luther
Dawn Smith has spent 29 years in the Cypress School District demonstrating the very best of what classified employees contribute to education. As a paraeducator, she brings professionalism, innovation, and genuine care for students to her work every day. She demonstrates that classified staff are far more than just support staff—they are educators, mentors, and advocates who leave a lasting impact on students’ lives. Her remarkable career and unwavering dedication to students are truly appreciate