The Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts is proud to honor Ranyah Hindi as the 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding educators whose classroom practice, commitment to students, and dedication to literacy create meaningful and lasting impact. Ranyah embodies the very heart of this honor through teaching that is grounded in empathy, excellence, and a deep belief in the power of children’s voices.

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A fifth-grade reading teacher at Fagert Elementary in Lamar CISD, Ranyah creates a classroom where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to take risks as readers, writers, and thinkers. She is known for going far beyond what is required, staying after school to help a student write and deliver their very first speech, building immersive learning experiences that bring novels to life, and intentionally curating classroom libraries that reflect the languages, cultures, and identities of her students. For Ranyah, literacy is not just about skill development, it is about belonging, voice, and confidence.

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Ranyah’s impact reaches beyond academics. She teaches with care and intention, responding to students’ emotional needs with compassion and thoughtfulness. Whether organizing affirmations to support a grieving student or checking in daily to ensure a child feels supported, she consistently leads with humanity. Her approach reminds us that relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning.

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As the 2023 GYTO Gold Star Teacher of the Year, Ranyah has also emerged as a leader beyond her classroom, inspiring educators through conference presentations and collaborative work with colleagues. Her teaching reflects equity, creativity, and courage, and her influence continues to ripple outward through the students and teachers she uplifts. TCTELA is honored to recognize Ranyah Hindi as Elementary Teacher of the Year for her extraordinary commitment to literacy and to the lives she changes every day.