FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½, TX — 09/04/25 - Kiker Elementary School Teacher Pooja Mulgaonker received a special classroom surprise Thursday morning as Superintendent and other district leaders shared some special news — she’s a finalist for the 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year.
recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.
Mulgaonker is a special education teacher with 20 years of experience. She’s known for using inclusive and creative ways to support young learners.
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She specializes in developing students’ social communication skills and academic abilities, focusing on math and writing in a resource setting.
In addition to all her work in the classroom, she has also developed and managed a summer camp program designed to support and engage students with varying learning needs.
What’s Next: Mulgaonker is one of six educators named as finalists for the 2026 Texas Teacher of the Year. On October 16, each finalist will be interviewed by a panel of judges made up of representatives from across the state.
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The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on October 17.