Belton ISD names 2025 teachers of the year

May 22, 2025

Belton ISD recognized its 2025 teachers of the year. Marie Angelica Guzman of Southwest Elementary and Jay Walker of Belton High will represent the district at the Region 12 Teacher of the Year competition, with winners announced in August.

Special to the Journal

Belton ISD is celebrating the 23 outstanding educators selected as Teachers of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. These exceptional individuals were chosen to represent their campuses or areas of specialization in recognition of their dedication, innovation and passion for education. Each one plays a vital role in inspiring students and fostering academic success across the  district.

From the campus-level honorees, the district selected one elementary and one secondary educator to represent Belton ISD in the regional Teacher of the Year competition. Marie Angelica “Angie” Guzman, a fifth-grade dual-language teacher and interventionist at Southwest Elementary School, was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year. J’nata “Jay” Walker, a business teacher and Master Incubator Teacher at Lake Belton High School, was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Both Guzman and Walker began their careers in public education not as teachers, but as support staff —Guzman as a paraprofessional and Walker as an attendance clerk. Their rise to being named Teachers of the Year is a reflection to their extraordinary drive, deep commitment to students and unwavering belief in the power of education. Their stories reflect the very heart of Belton ISD: that passion, perseverance and purpose can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary impact. Today, they represent not only excellence in teaching but the very spirit of what it means to grow, serve and lead in Belton ISD.

Elementary Teacher of the Year: Marie Angelica Guzman

Guzman has been teaching for 17 years, starting in 2008, and began her career as a paraprofessional supporting bilingual students. A former migrant student herself, Guzman was inspired by her own fourth-grade teacher to become a voice and a role model for English learners.

“Being named Teacher of the Year means so much to me and my family,” she said. “I didn’t always have confidence in myself, but I knew I wanted to help bilingual students—because I've been in their shoes. I know how they feel, and I know how to help them.” Karla Kahler, a fellow fifth-grade teacher at Southwest Elementary, described Guzman’s teaching in one word: inclusive. “She brings diverse perspectives into the classroom and makes every student feel seen. Her impact goes far beyond the lesson plan.”

Student Angel DeLeon-Mata agreed, calling Mrs. Guzman “amazing, loving and careful.” He shared, “She teaches us how to treat people right. When I walk into her room, I feel refreshed and ready to learn.”

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Jay Walker

Walker’s journey into teaching began when she worked as an attendance clerk in the district. Encouraged by colleagues who saw her potential, she pursued her teaching certification and never looked back. Today, she is known for her energy, heart and relentless commitment to student growth.

“Being named Teacher of the Year makes me feel seen and heard,” Walker said. “It tells me that the work I’'ve poured into this school has not gone unnoticed. I‘want my students to remember that above-and-beyond is the standard—not mediocre.”

Kristie Shepherd, Digital Instructional Coach, said simply, “Jay is the heartbeat of this campus. Her energy is contagious and her integrity, passion and follow-through inspire students to become lifetime learners.”

Junior Addison Sims described her teacher as “caring, disciplined and loud,” and shared, “She taught me discipline and how to do things the right way. She’s like a second mom to me—and probably the most deserving teacher in the district.”

The surprise announcements were made during classroom visits on May 13, 2025.

Here are the educators honored as Belton ISD’s 2025 Teachers of the Year:

Belton Early Childhood - Ericka Flemming

James L. Burrell - Camille Hicks

Charter Oak - Ryley Cox

Chisholm Trail - Elizabeth Seeger

High Point - Rebecca Hannon

Hubbard Branch - Courtney Crossley

Lakewood - Michelle Francis

Leon Heights - Lindsey Bennett

Joe M. Pirtle - Greta Jones

Southwest - Marie Angelica Guzman

Sparta - Cara Patranella

Alice J. Tarver - Ashley Henderson

Belton Middle - Corinna Capraun

Lake Belton Middle - Melvin Craig

North Belton Middle - Ann Reese

South Belton Middle - Melissa Huckfeldt

Belton New Tech @Waskow - Tab Lloyd

Belton High - Justin Truitt

Lake Belton High - Jay Walker

Special Programs (Pirtle) - Jaime Lindsey

Coach (BHS) - Caleb Newcomer

Fine Arts (LBHS) - Jacob Guerrero

CTE (LBHS) - Allison Hall

Guzman and Walker—two outstanding educators—will go on to represent Belton ISD in the Region 12 Teacher of the Year competition. Regional winners will be announced in August.