The Lewisville Education Foundation is proud to announce Isabel Ramirez as the recipient of the 2025 Ted Barnes LHS Award of Excellence.
The Ted Barnes LHS Award of Excellence was established in memory of Ted Barnes, a former LHS teacher and coach who dedicated over 25 years to Lewisville High School. The award is given to an LHS educator who demonstrates outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to students, preferably for at least 10 years.
Ramirez has served Lewisville High School for 29 years and has dedicated 33 years to education overall. Throughout her career, she has taught AP English Literature, Dual Credit English, College Prep English, and English IV, while also serving as ESL Department Chair for more than two decades. Her leadership has helped shape instructional practices and expand opportunities for multilingual learners and first-generation college students.
“I believe everyone wants to be seen, to matter, and to have a chance to succeed,” Ramirez shared. “Helping students reach their potential and build the skills they need for life beyond high school is what drives me every day.”
A key part of Ramirez’s work includes her collaboration with the AVID program and Dual Credit embedded courses, designed to support students as they prepare for college success. She works closely with AVID teachers to ensure students receive consistent academic and social support across settings.
Ramirez’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. She has served as ESL Department Chair for over 20 years, led professional development sessions for faculty, and supported district-wide initiatives focused on instructional improvement and student success. She also served on the District Advisory Council from 2022–2024 and participated in the district Safe and Civil Schools cohort, later sharing strategies with staff during campus training.
Her commitment to building community is also reflected in her long-standing service as co-sponsor of the LHS Latino Club, where she helped students celebrate culture, leadership, and service from 2000–2022.
“Ms. Ramirez is someone who consistently pushes students to exceed what they thought was possible,” said Principal James Baker. “Her dedication to students as both learners and individuals is unmatched.”
Students consistently describe Ramirez as supportive, challenging, and deeply caring. One student shared that she “makes difficult texts feel manageable while still pushing us to think critically and grow.”
Another student noted, “She makes you feel like your voice matters, even when the work is hard.”
Dr. Amy Harp highlighted Ramirez’s long-term impact on academic programming, noting her role in developing embedded Dual Credit opportunities that have allowed hundreds of students to earn college credit while still in high school.
“Ms. Ramirez is more than a teacher,” Harp said. “She is a program builder, a student advocate, and a leader whose work has fundamentally strengthened academic opportunity at Lewisville High School.”
Through her decades of service, leadership, and unwavering belief in all students, Isabel Ramirez continues to shape the academic culture of Lewisville High School. Her commitment to equity, excellence, and student growth reflects the enduring legacy of Ted Barnes.
The Lewisville Education Foundation is honored to recognize Isabel Ramirez with the 2025 Ted Barnes LHS Award of Excellence.
