The Abilene Education Foundation hosted its 13th annual Teacher in the Limelight Celebration Wednesday evening, honoring outstanding educators for their dedication to Abilene ISD’s more than 14,000 students.
The night’s top honor went to Taylor Elementary School teacher Jennifer Crisp and Craig Middle School social studies teacher Krista Conner. Both were named AISD Teachers of the Year and received the prestigious Edwin and Agnes Jennings Teaching Excellence Award.
Jennifer Crisp
Now in her 17th year in education and fifth in Abilene ISD, Jennifer Crisp serves as the Accelerated and Enrichment teacher at Taylor Elementary. She leads the school’s Makerspace, where students in grades K-5 explore hands-on projects in technology and engineering. For more than a decade, Crisp worked as lead teacher at TH!NK GT Camp, a summer program for advanced and gifted students in the Abilene area. There, she helped design challenging curriculum focused on critical thinking and problem solving–topics that are not usually covered in traditional classrooms.
A 1993 graduate of Abilene Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education), Crisp earned her Master of Education in Gifted Education from Hardin-Simmons University in 2013. She is known for developing enrichment programs, mentoring fellow educators, and using student performance data to meet the unique academic and social-emotional needs of gifted learners.
“Mrs. Crisp ensures all students on campus have multiple opportunities to experience creative projects and hands-on technology,” Taylor principal Leslye Roberts said. “She wants each student to feel as if they are creative and walk out of the Makerspace knowing they can be a programmer, engineer, or whatever they want to be in the future. Our students have recorded growth in every aspect from the work of Jennifer Crisp.”
Krista Conner
Krista Conner has dedicated her entire 10-year teaching career to Abilene ISD–spending her first seven years at Bowie Elementary before moving to Craig Middle School, where she’s now in her third year as a sixth-grade social studies teacher. She also serves as Grade Level Co-Chair, Student Council Co-Sponsor, CHAMPS Coach, and Elementary Foundations Team Lead.
In the classroom, Conner fosters a fun, high-energy environment where learning is hands-on, meaningful, and deeply rooted in connection. She’s known for building strong relationships with students and creating a space where every learner feels seen, valued, and supported.
Since joining Craig, she has tutored after school, implemented annual culture days in the classroom to celebrate student backgrounds, and organized monthly team lunches. She has represented the 6th grade team in the annual student vs teacher dance-off (and won), acts as Grade level co-chair and co-sponsor of Student Council.
“Ms. Conner’s classroom is a place of inspiration and discovery,” Craig Middle School principal Deb Stewart said. “She designs engaging lessons that make learning about different cultures exciting and enjoyable. Through hands-on activities and critical thinking exercises, she fosters curiosity and encourages students to see the world through each other’s eyes.
One student said of her, ‘Ms. Conner helps us see the world through each other’s eyes. She said it is a beautiful world when we look at it that way.’ Her high academic expectations challenge students to reach their full potential, and her enthusiasm is contagious.
Stewart added, “Even students who face challenges find patience and encouragement in her classroom, as she cultivates a space where all learners can thrive. Ms. Conner also brings in parents and community organizations to partner with her for various cultural events. Parents contribute by cooking food native to their heritage, enriching students’ understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions.”
Congratulations to all of the educators honored this year:
Edwin and Agnes Jennings Teaching Excellence Award Recipients and Abilene ISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year:
Elementary – Jennifer Crisp (Taylor Elementary School)
Secondary – Krista Conner (Craig Middle School)
J.B. and Winnie Gibbs Awards
Cooper High School – Mitch Aston (coach)
Cooper High School – Sandra Harbour (counselor)
Future Shapers Award
Stafford Elementary School – Sydney Beverage
Cooper High School – Katie Scott
TLC Science Teacher of the Year
Funded by Edwin and Agnes Jennings Teaching Excellence Endowment
Abilene High School – Sandra Henry
TLC Math Teacher of the Year
Funded by Edwin and Agnes Jennings Teaching Excellence Endowment
Craig Middle School – Amy Dugan
Fine Arts Teacher of the Year
Funded by AEF & the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra
Abilene High School – Kyle Martin
Campus Teacher Honorees
High School
Abilene High School – Sarah Fagala
Abilene High School – Justin Reese
ATEMS – Tana Palafox
Cooper High School – Katie Scott
Cooper High School – Michael Goodman
Woodson Center for Excellence – Alice Lanham
Middle School
Clack Middle School – Hannah Widder
Craig Middle School – Krista Conner
Madison Middle School – Kylee Zonker
Mann STEAM Academy – Suzanne Sims
Elementary School
Alcorta Elementary School – Kelci Lee
Austin Elementary School – Denise Harrell
Bassetti Elementary School – Jessica Hance
Bonham Elementary School – Kaitlyn Reddin
Bowie Elementary School – Jessica Carroll
Dyess Elementary School – Cristen Macke
Long Early Childhood – Andrea Clonch
Martinez Elementary School – Kyersten Parks
Ortiz Elementary School – Maria Foster
Purcell Elementary School – Kristi. Rodriguez
Stafford Elementary School – Sydney Beverage
Taylor Elementary School – Jennifer Crisp
Thomas Elementary School – Bethany Anderson
Ward Elementary School – McKenna Harrell
All Ages
Hartford SAP – Brandi Kaufman
TRY Jennings Science Award Nominees
Abilene High School – Sandra Henry
ATEMS – Sarah Long
Cooper High School – Abigail Cortinas
Cooper High School – Callista Renfro
Cooper High School – Jessi Spitler
TRY Jennings Math Award Nominees
Craig Middle School – Amy Dugan
Abilene High School – Melanie Koen
ATEMS – Jennifer Heidema