Scott Elementary’s Cassidy Dorain and Heritage High’s Katie Ryan are Frisco ISD’s 2025-26 Teachers of the Year.
Cassidy and Katie were nominated, selected and honored by peers on their home campus this fall, along with 75 other inspiring campus winners. Each campus winner was invited to apply for the honor of the FISD Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year.
“The nominations for Campus Teachers of the Year were inspiring,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip. “Each nominee represents the very best of our profession, reflecting not only outstanding professional achievement but also a deep commitment to building meaningful relationships with students. We are incredibly proud of each of these educators.”
This year’s Teachers of the Year celebration was held at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. All nominees, finalists and winners received a backpack full of congratulatory gifts from community sponsors, and the winners will also receive a car for the summer from Park Place Plano.
Cassidy Dorain, Elementary Teacher of the Year
Second grade teacher Cassidy Dorain has been in education for three years — all of them at Scott Elementary. In her time at Scott, she has quickly become one of the most admired and impactful educators on campus, and her passion, dedication and love for children shine in everything she does.
In the classroom, Cassidy teaches with energy and interactive learning opportunities, designing instruction to empower high levels of learning. She knows her students well and maintains strong partnerships with families through consistent communication.
As a colleague on the second grade team, Cassidy is known as a supportive, proactive problem-solver who is always willing to embrace new strategies and learn from the process. When there’s a task to tackle, she’s the first one to say, “How can I help?” — and mean it.
This year, Cassidy also launched Scott’s Musical Crew, an after-school program she built from the ground up. Through her vision, more than 100 students are experiencing the joy, discipline and creativity of theater and performing a musical number every nine weeks during Celebrate Scott. Her devotion to the project led her to seek technology through grants, as well as donations for props and materials. Her work has not only ignited excitement in students but has also strengthened community pride across the Scott campus.
Scott Elementary “is better because of her gifts, her joy and her commitment to the success of every child she serves,” said former principal Leanne Norris.
Cassidy embodies the Scott motto: “Every Child. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.” For that reason and many others, Cassidy Dorain is this year’s Elementary Teacher of the Year.
Katie Ryan, Secondary Teacher of the Year
Katie Ryan, librarian at Heritage High School, has been an educator since 2008, all in Frisco ISD. For the past five years, she has created a welcoming, student-centered library that has become a meaningful part of students’ day.
Under Katie’s leadership, the library is far more than a place to check out books. It’s a hub where students gather for games and crafts, collaborate on group projects, attend club meetings or enjoy a quiet moment during lunch. Her doors are always open, and students know they are welcome.
Library aides describe Katie as dedicated, dependable and always accessible. Whether students need help locating a classroom, adjusting a schedule, finding the right book or discovering a new activity, Katie is ready to help. She builds authentic relationships, sets consistent expectations and supports learners of all abilities.
Former colleagues shared how Katie opened her library to Best Buddies students, going above and beyond to create a job training program, personalized pictorial checklists and tokens.
“If you were to glance at the paper calendar on her desk, you’d see it packed with everything from reading to the ALC class, to small-group Algebra testing, to club meetings, basketball film review sessions, photojournalism projects and so much more,” said Jessica Livesay, former Heritage educator and current Best Buddies faculty advisor. “During all of this, Katie is right there with the kids — fully present and fully invested.”
WIth authenticity, warmth and a passion for learning, Katie Ryan exemplifies what it means to be Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Top Elementary Teachers of the Year - Spotlight Video
Ericka Bonilla of Carroll Elementary School
Olivia Carlin of Spears Elementary School
Alyssa Newcomb of Sparks Elementary School
Jana Stacy of Talley Elementary School
Top Secondary Teachers of the Year - Spotlight Video
Frank Abbott of Frisco High School
Julie Barker of the Career and Technical Education Center
Kathy Garms of Wortham Intermediate School
Samantha Tuttle of Pearson Middle School