More than 170 educators strive daily to develop innovative strategies and practices that support students with unique challenges who attend one of Harris County Department of Education’s four special schools. However, a few rise above expectations, providing instruction that changes students’ lives through their ability to lead with skill and empathy.
This week, Academic and Behavior School (ABS) West and Highpoint School were a source of pride as division leadership surprised Christina Aggison, the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, and Dotwaun Harris, the Educational Aide of the Year, at their respective campuses for their well-deserved recognition.
“I think when you have individuals that really go above and beyond to break through the ceiling of what people have deemed impossible, you have to celebrate them, and we are more than happy to do that,” said Senior Director of Special Schools Dr. Charles Ned. “That raw emotion you see from the honorees is a byproduct of them thinking about their journey and recognizing how far they and their students have come.”
Shouts of “the best in the West,” a popular phrase of encouragement used at ABS West, could be heard as Aggison was surprised. She joined the team in 2022 as a relief teacher and quickly realized she wanted to take her career to the next level. HCDE’s Teacher of the Year completed her alternative certification program through the Teachers of Tomorrow program in February and has been dedicated to helping students regulate their mental, emotional and social health. The task is no easy feat. However, Aggison handles each challenge with grace and meets her students with extraordinary patience and consistency.
“I’m so honored to be given this title, because to me it’s not just a title, it’s proof of my dedication, proof of my hard work, and proof that I’m supposed to be here,” an emotional Aggison said. “I’m happy my students were able to share that experience with me because I love them so much. They give me the energy to come here every day, laugh with them, grow with them and experience a genuine love I didn’t know existed before working at ABS West.”
Connection is key at Highpoint School, and Dotwaun Harris has the gift. He stepped on campus as a natural leader in 2025, able to meet students where they are, have real conversations about their behavior, and relate with them about topics beyond academics. Founder of the “The Shop,” a mentorship program for young men on campus, HCDE’s Educational Aide of the Year takes pride in his personal relationship with students, which allows him to instill life lessons, discipline and motivation in the next generation. Harris takes the campus motto, “a place for second chances,” to heart by empowering students to believe in their potential and pursue meaningful paths in life.
“I believe that everyone needs a mentor or some type of guidance because you don’t know everything,” he explained. “I want to continue guiding these students and putting them in the right positions to be successful, because everyone is responsible for creating their reality. Every decision these students have made up to this point is why they are at Highpoint, but if they can learn to make better decisions, they can do anything they set their minds to.”
Aggison and Harris were gifted flowers, a Raising Cane’s gift basket, and a $1,000 check, sponsored by the Education Foundation of Harris County and partners from PowerSchool and Quality Security. They will also be honored at HCDE’s Celebration of Excellence on May 20, an event that recognizes key employees of the Department’s instructional divisions.