Bangs High School Teacher Named Texas Teacher of the Year

Agricultural sciences educator Caleb Gamblin earns state-wide honors for his impact on student achievement in Texas schools.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bangs High School Teacher Named Texas Teacher of the Year

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The Texas Association of School Administrators has named Caleb Gamblin the 2027 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Gamblin, an agricultural sciences teacher at Bangs High School, earned the honor after competing as one of six finalists selected from 40 regional honorees.

Why it matters

The annual recognition highlights excellence in the state's classroom instruction and extracurricular student achievement. It continues a long-standing tradition of honoring educators whose programs build professional technical skills in Texas high schools.

Caleb Gamblin was selected as the winner from a pool of 40 regional teachers of the year after interviews with an independent panel. The program has recognized educators since 1969.

The players

Caleb Gamblin

An agricultural sciences teacher at Bangs High School who has coached multiple state and national award-winning student teams.

Texas Association of School Administrators

The professional organization that manages the annual Texas Teacher of the Year selection process.

Shanna Peeples

A Texas educator who achieved national recognition when she was named the National Teacher of the Year in 2015.

The details

Candidates for this recognition undergo a rigorous selection process that includes regional review and final interviews. As an agricultural sciences educator, Gamblin has a record of coaching four state champion agricultural mechanics teams, alongside top national rankings for his students in 2019 and 2021. In 2023, he also led a state champion team in the Tractor Technician category.

1969: Texas Teacher of the Year program began
2015: Shanna Peeples became National Teacher of the Year
2019: Student team placed fourth in nation
2021: Student team placed sixth in nation
2023: Gamblin coached state champion Tractor Technician team

The Home Front

This award highlights the continued emphasis on agricultural and career-technical education in Texas secondary schools. The recognition follows a long tradition of honoring educators who foster high-level student performance in state and national vocational competitions.

Families with students in agricultural sciences programs should look for opportunities to engage with local FFA or career-technical clubs at their home district. Recognizing these achievements encourages students to explore vocational pathways that build professional-grade technical skills.

The takeaway

The selection of an agriculture teacher highlights the vital role of vocational training in preparing students for technical careers. Parents can support these programs by encouraging student participation in competitive events, which help build essential life and career skills.