PECOS, Texas — In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD is proud to recognize its 2025–2026 Campus Teachers of the Year. These four educators were selected by their campuses for the care, leadership, and commitment they bring to students, colleagues, and the PBTISD community each day.
This year’s honorees are Maricella “Mari” Maledon of Austin Elementary, Brenda Laila Rosete of Zavala Elementary, Alicia Lozano of Crockett Middle School, and Joe Tyus of Pecos High School.
Together, their stories reflect the heart of public education — helping young learners build a foundation, guiding students to believe in themselves, creating connection through language and culture, and making an impact that stays with students long after they leave the classroom.
Maricella “Mari” Maledon, Austin Elementary
For Maricella “Mari” Maledon, teaching began as an opportunity and became a calling.
Maledon has served in education for 17 years, including seven years as a substitute teacher and 10 years as a classroom teacher. Today, she teaches preschool at Austin Elementary, where she helps some of PBTISD’s youngest students learn, grow, and take their first steps in the classroom.
“I am honored to have been selected by my peers, whom I highly esteem, to represent our campus as Teacher of the Year,” Maledon said. “I can personally attest to the adage that it takes big hearts to teach little minds.”
Maledon said that if she were not teaching in a classroom, she would most likely still be working as a substitute teacher. She found her calling 17 years ago after becoming a substitute teacher, which later led her back to school to pursue a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies.
While she does not point to one single favorite memory, Maledon said the most memorable part of each year comes around springtime, when her students’ growth becomes most evident.
For Maledon, those moments of progress are a reminder that every lesson, routine, and small step forward matters.
Brenda Laila Rosete, Zavala Elementary
At Zavala Elementary, Brenda Laila Rosete has spent 27 years helping students succeed, grow in confidence, and recognize their own potential.
Rosete teaches 4th grade math and science, where she works each day to support students academically while encouraging them to believe in what they can accomplish.
“Being selected as Teacher of the Year is a meaningful honor that reflects the support of my students, colleagues, and school community,” Rosete said. “It affirms my commitment to helping every student succeed and inspires me to grow, collaborate, and make a positive impact beyond my classroom.”
Rosete said the recognition also motivates her to lead, share effective practices, advocate for all students, and represent her campus with pride. To her, teaching is a lifelong calling rooted in making a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
If she were not a teacher, Rosete said she would likely work in a field that still allowed her to support and guide others, such as counseling or community outreach.
“I am passionate about helping people grow, overcome challenges, and reach their potential,” Rosete said.
Her favorite memories are the moments when students begin to see what she has seen in them all along. For Rosete, watching students who once doubted themselves grow in confidence, celebrate their achievements, and believe in their abilities is the most rewarding part of her career.
At Zavala Elementary, where its common to say “Zavala Loves You,” Rosete’s work reflects that message through her commitment to helping students feel supported, capable, and ready to succeed.
Alicia Lozano, Crockett Middle School
For Alicia Lozano, teaching Spanish is about more than learning vocabulary or grammar. It is about connection, confidence, and belonging.
Lozano has served in education for five years and teaches 8th grade Spanish at Crockett Middle School. As an electives teacher, she said being selected as Teacher of the Year is especially meaningful.
“Being selected Teacher of the Year for my campus is truly an honor and reflects the collaboration and support within my school community,” Lozano said. “I strive to create a positive and engaging learning environment that values empowerment, not only for my students, but also through supporting and collaborating with my colleagues.”
Lozano said the recognition is important because electives teachers are often underrepresented, making the honor especially meaningful within her school community.
If she were not a teacher, Lozano said she would work at a museum in education outreach, helping design fun, engaging, and educational learning experiences for children and families. She believes learning should feel interactive and meaningful, whether it happens in a classroom, museum, library, or other public space.
Her favorite teaching memories often come from the moments when students help each other in class without being asked, or when they proudly share that they understood a conversation in Spanish, spoke to a family member like a grandparent, or even ordered food in Spanish.
“These moments are especially meaningful because they show students using the language in real-life situations and building confidence in their abilities, which can only open more doors for them,” Lozano said. “Spanish language learning cultivates connection and a sense of belonging within our community and culture.”
Lozano said this recognition motivates her to keep growing as an educator, support students academically, build healthy and safe relationships, and show up for her colleagues in meaningful ways.
Joe Tyus, Pecos High School
At Pecos High School, Joe Tyus has spent 30 years teaching juniors and seniors and making an impact through honesty, care, and guidance.
Tyus said being named Teacher of the Year is a meaningful honor because it came from the people he works alongside each day.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers,” Tyus said.
Asked what he would be doing if he were not a teacher, Tyus had a simple answer: fishing.
But his favorite memory from teaching speaks to the deeper impact of his career.
One day, while in the produce aisle at a grocery store, Tyus was approached by a former student who asked if he remembered him. Tyus did. The former student then reminded him of a conversation they once had.
“Do you remember that time when you told me you were going to talk to me like I was your own kid?” the former student asked.
Tyus remembered.
Then the former student looked him in the eye and said, “I heard you and thank you.”
For Tyus, that moment became one of the greatest gifts he has ever received from a student.
“There is no greater gift for a teacher than to have a student say that,” Tyus said.
His story is a powerful reminder that teaching is not only about what students learn in the moment. Sometimes, it is about what they carry with them years later.
Celebrating the Heart of PBTISD
PBTISD proudly celebrates each of these educators for the work they do to inspire and empower students across the district.
From Austin Elementary to Zavala Elementary, Crockett Middle School, and Pecos High School, the 2025–2026 Campus Teachers of the Year represent the dedication, compassion, and excellence that help move PBTISD forward.
Congratulations to Maricella “Mari” Maledon, Brenda Laila Rosete, Alicia Lozano, and Joe Tyus on this well-deserved honor.
PBTISD is proud to celebrate you during Teacher Appreciation Week and every day! 💜🤍💛