Frisco ISD Names 2024-25 Teachers of the Year

Scott Elementary’s Rob Fitzgerald and Vandeventer Middle’s Sarah Dickerson are Frisco ISD’s 2024-25 Teachers of the Year.

Rob and Sarah 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 we received for these Campus Teachers of the Year were inspiring,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip. “Each of these educators has incredible stories, a long list of professional successes, and knows the power of celebrating student achievements, big and small.”

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.

2024-25 Elementary Teacher of the Year

Rob Fitzgerald, Elementary Teacher of the Year

Scott fifth grade teacher Rob Fitzgerald has been with the District for nearly eight years. His ability to advocate for all students, combined with his authenticity and humility, makes him an exceptional educator and role model.

As a math and science teacher, Rob tailors instruction to best suit student interests and personalities. He radiates a fun, positive energy that engages students and boosts their confidence, ensuring a higher chance of success.

“He builds lasting relationships with students, as evidenced by the many who return to thank him for the positive impact he has had on their lives,” Scott principal Leanne Norris said.

Rob is strongly committed to the Scott community. He created the student-led “Scott Proud in the Morning,” which produces school announcements, as well as 5th Grade Olympics, a point system that rewards students for academic and behavioral success. Rob also mentors teachers on data and curriculum knowledge, and serves as a mentor teacher for Frisco ISD’s Education and Training Pathway, helping train the next generation of educators.

Rob wants every student to feel seen, heard and capable of achieving their potential — the top quality of an all-star Teacher of the Year.

2024-25 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Sarah Dickerson, Secondary Teacher of the Year

Sarah Dickerson has worked as a social studies teacher at Vandeventer since 2021. With a deep understanding for her subject and a student-centered focus, Sarah makes history relevant and memorable.

Sarah’s passion, commitment and effectiveness in the classroom make her an all-star educator. The excitement she shows for history fascinates and engages students, ensuring that eighth grade history is more than dates and facts. Sarah truly makes history relevant and memorable for her students.

“Sarah’s enthusiasm is contagious,” Vandeventer principal Stephanie Taylor said. “She builds strong relationships with her students and her colleagues, creating a supportive and inspiring atmosphere.”

Her peers describe Sarah as a dedicated, innovative educator who leads students with compassion. She is making a difference in their lives as she teaches them to be good citizens of the world.

Sarah finds inspiration for her own teaching journey in the legacy of her grandfather, a college professor who had a profound impact on his students. She believed if she could emulate even a fraction of the type of educator he was, she would find success.

That’s exactly what Sarah has done, and why she is Frisco ISD’s 2024-25 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

The nine other esteemed finalists for the Frisco ISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year include: