Rockwall ISD Announces 2025 District Teachers of the Year

Rockwall ISD proudly announces the 2025 Elementary and Secondary District Teachers of the Year, Noelle Cummings from Linda Lyon Elementary and Gennie Holcomb from Rockwall-Heath High School.

Ms. Cummings teaches third-grade reading at Linda Lyon Elementary and has been teaching for 32 years. Twenty-one of those years have been with Rockwall ISD. Linda Lyon Elementary Principal Lori Bailey said Ms. Cummings is the kind of dedicated educator every school needs.

“Ms. Cummings cares deeply about the growth and well-being of all students and staff, always striving to make our school the best it can be,” said Bailey. “Her commitment to teamwork, her ability to lift others up, and her willingness to go above and beyond make her an invaluable part of our school family.”

Mrs. Holcomb teaches social studies at Rockwall-Heath High School and has been teaching for 22 years, 21 of those years have been with Rockwall ISD. Rockwall-Heath High School Principal Todd Bradford said Mrs. Holcomb is a mentor, leader and cornerstone of their school community.

“Her engaging teaching style and deep subject matter expertise inspire students to think critically about government and

democracy,” said Bradford. “Equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for active citizenship.”

During Friday night’s Teacher of the Year banquet, Superintendent Dr. John Villarreal spoke to the foundation these experienced teachers have laid for Rockwall ISD.

“Noelle and Gennie are shining examples of the dedication we see across our district,” he said. “As veteran educators, they not only inspire students, but also mentor our newest teachers—sharing their knowledge, modeling excellence, and building the strong foundation that our community expects.”

Each year, the district participates in the Teacher of the Year program from the Texas Association of School Administrators. This program begins at the district level with the opportunity to honor one educator from each Rockwall ISD campus for his or her ability to inspire students in innovative and creative ways. A selection committee comprised of district administrators, former teachers of the year, and community members then chooses the two winners.

The district teachers of the year will move on to the Region 10 competition and represent Rockwall ISD.