Natalie Mahany, a Rooster Springs Elementary third-grade teacher has been selected as the 2017 Texas PTA Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Texas PTA honors five outstanding educators each year. In addition to Mahany, Dr. Art Cavazos (Harlingen ISD) was chosen as the Superintendent of the Year, Todd Rogers (Northwest ISD) as the Secondary Principal of the Year, Michelle Wooten (Lewisville ISD) as the Elementary Principal of the Year, and Steve Davidson (North East ISD) as the Secondary Teacher of the Year. According to the announcement, “Each Outstanding Educator exemplifies Texas PTA’s mission to make every child’s potential a reality through their support of PTA programs, parent education, family engagement and advocacy efforts.”

Mahany is starting her 19th year teaching and her 18th in Dripping Springs ISD. She has taught at Rooster Springs since it opened – both second and third grades – and previously was at Dripping Springs Elementary (Primary) School.  Mahany has served as a grade-level team leader, the campus UIL coordinator, and PTA liaison. She is trained and certified in ESL (English as a Second Language) and GT (Gifted/Talented. Ms. Mahany has applied for and received several leadership and teaching grants through the Dripping Springs Education Foundation. She volunteers with Relay for Life and runs a district-wide fundraiser every year for the cause. This past year, she also sponsored a JDRF fundraiser this year in order to support a student in her class.

In 2012, Mahany was selected as the Region XIII Elementary Teacher of the Year, and was a finalist for the state honor. She also was the Dripping Springs ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Mahany earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in 1983. All of her three children are Dripping Springs High School graduates.