Shelby Vara, Assistant Principal of Northwest Elementary in Brownwood ISD, has been honored as the 2026 Region 15 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). This peer-based award celebrates assistant principals across the state's 20 TEPSA Regions who exemplify remarkable leadership and create a thriving culture of excellence for PK-8 students on their campuses. 
 
“Shelby has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and vibrant learning environment in her school community. We are honored to celebrate her leadership and unwavering commitment to ensuring Texas students thrive,” said TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart.
 
One TEPSA Region AP of the Year will be selected as the 2026 NAESP National Assistant Principal of the Year for Texas. Supported by Horace Mann,  the national award recognizes leaders who are committed to excellence through programs designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students; have firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations; show strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students; and exhibit exceptional leadership in a particular school program.
Honorees will be recognized at the Legacy Leaders Celebration, Monday, June 8 at the Round Rock Kalahari.
 
TEPSA, whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA has more than 5,900 members who direct the activities of more than 3 million PreK-8 school children. Learn more at www.tepsa.org.