The Socorro Independent School District celebrated its top two educators at the 2025 Teacher of the Year Gala on May 9 at the El Paso Convention Center.
Edith Miranda, a bilingual Pre-K to fourth-grade teacher at Sgt. Roberto Ituarte Elementary School, was named the 2025 SISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Michael Neff, a 10th-grade world history teacher at Montwood High School, was named the 2025 SISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.
The event, which was attended by teachers, administrators, and community members, celebrated the dedication and passion of SISD’s educators who have made an extraordinary impact on their students and the community. The gala recognized all 50 Teachers of the Year, as well as the Elite 8 finalists. These exceptional educators underwent a rigorous selection process, showcasing excellence in teaching and an unwavering commitment to student success.
“You have continued the great legacy all while holding ourselves to the highest standards of achievement in SISD,” Interim Superintendent James Vasquez told educators who were in attendance. “All of you have been instrumental in leading our students to excellence in the classrooms, on the field, on the pitch, in the concert halls. I applaud and thank everyone in this room for your contributions to our successes.”
Miranda and Neff received the Teacher of the Year award for their enthusiasm for teaching and for inspiring their students to seize the opportunities provided by SISD for long-term success.
Miranda has been a dedicated educator for 12 years. She encourages her students to maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with challenges. She could not wait to share the good news with her students on Monday morning that she was named Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“Oh, my babies are going to be so excited,” Miranda said. “They’re four years old, five years old. They just knew I was coming to a celebration, and they were like ‘Ms. Miranda, have so much fun! We’ll see you Monday!’ So, they’ll be excited.”
Neff has ten years of experience as a teacher and coach. Whether in academics or athletics, he motivates his students to reach their full potential and achieve outstanding results. He said being named Secondary Teacher was a bit overwhelming, but he was proud to receive the honor.
“It’s a big responsibility to carry on my shoulders being representative of the entire school district and to represent my awesome Montwood community and feeder pattern, I mean I’m just so grateful for the opportunity,” Neff said.
Both winners were awarded a glass sculpture in the shape of a flame, symbolizing the energy and spirit of curiosity that every student possesses. The trophy honors the unwavering dedication of SISD's teachers as guardians of the flame.
The Teacher of the Year award is one of the highest accolades that an educator can receive. The winners move on to the regional level, where they have the opportunity to advance to the state level. Miranda and Neff will represent Team SISD at the Region 19 Teacher of the Year program in the summer.