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Celebrating Excellence in Professional Learning: 2026 Award Winners
- learningforwardtx
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2026
Fort Worth, TX – Learning Forward Texas is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Professional Learning Awards, honoring districts that exemplify excellence in professional learning and educator development. This year’s honorees—Irving ISD’s Professional Learning Team and the Mesquite ISD Professional Learning Department—demonstrate an unwavering commitment to continuous educator growth and improved student outcomes.
To celebrate this achievement, Debi Tanton, Director of Business for Learning Forward Texas, attended school board meetings in both districts to personally present the awards and recognize the teams’ impactful work.
Irving ISD was recognized for its strategic response to teacher pipeline challenges and sought sustainable, community-rooted solutions. Their idea was to create a supported pipeline from paraprofessional to teacher through structured coursework, coaching, and partnerships with local universities.
Dr. Kristina Feldner, Director of Professional Learning for Irving ISD, shared:
“We are incredibly proud of our Elevate program and the educators it supports. This award celebrates the power of investing in people through intentional professional learning that transforms potential into practice for the benefit of our students and community.”
Mesquite ISD earned recognition for its strategic, differentiated approach to professional learning that supports educators at every stage of development and certification. Their plan included differentiated professional learning, supporting candidates through certification, providing robust systems for new teachers, and creating ongoing opportunities for growth and sustained support.
Jennifer Morris, Executive Director of Professional Learning for Mesquite ISD, stated:
“I have the pleasure of working with a team of people who are wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that MISD students are learning and successful every day by equipping, empowering, and encouraging each of the MISD staff members who serve them. This recognition highlights our department’s intentional focus on high-quality, job-embedded professional learning that directly supports educators and strengthens classroom instruction across our district.”
These awards highlight the critical role professional learning plays in strengthening educator effectiveness and ensuring student success. Learning Forward Texas congratulates Irving ISD and Mesquite ISD for their dedication to empowering educators and inspiring excellence in teaching and learning.
Learning Forward Texas is a nonprofit educational association of learning educators devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. They help members leverage the power of professional learning to affect positive change in our schools and our world.
Media Contact:
Lisa Ham
Marketing Director
512-266-3086
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