More than Maps: FM9 Geography Teacher Inspires Students to Know the World — and Their Place in It

Timothy Fails, a geography teacher at Flower Mound’s 9th Grade Campus, has been honored as the 2026 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year.  

“Being named Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year is beyond anything I ever imagined when I entered this profession,” Mr. Fails said. “Teachers, like nurses, flight attendants, social workers, and first responders, do what they do because they have a servant’s heart. No teacher goes into this profession for fame or fortune, and certainly not for accolades.

“That’s why this recognition feels a bit surreal to me. I don’t teach for awards. I teach because I love it. Knowing that I’ve made a difference in someone’s life is all the reward I’ll ever need.”

The award is presented annually by the Texas Association of School Administrators. Mr. Fails was one of six state Teacher of the Year finalists after being honored at FM9, LISD, and the local region of TASA. 

Vickiela Wright, a fifth-grade English language arts teacher at McWhirter Elementary School in Clear Creek ISD southeast of Houston, was named the 2026 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and will represent the state at nationals. 

“We are incredibly proud of Mr. Fails for being named the Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year,” said LISD Superintendent Dr. Lori Rapp. “His passion for teaching, creativity in the classroom, and dedication to his students embody the excellence of educators across LISD. His recognition highlights the culture of care and commitment that define our district. I’m grateful to serve alongside such inspiring educators and leaders who make LISD an exceptional place to learn and grow.”

Mr. Fails hopes to use this platform to work with new and aspiring teachers to find their “teacher voice.”

“I don’t mean the one we all remember hearing when we were in trouble in class,” he joked. “I mean the voice that gives them confidence, purpose, and the belief that they can change lives.”

Mr. Fails added that he’d recently received a message from a former student who now teaches math in East Texas. “He wanted advice, and a little reassurance, that he was on the right path,” Mr. Fails said. “I now have three former students teaching within Lewisville ISD and a few more outside the district. If I played even a small part in inspiring them to become educators, that’s the real award.”

He also said he’s grateful for the opportunity to spotlight the incredible things happening at his school, in his district, and across the community.

In October, all the regional Teachers of the Year (20 elementary and 20 secondary ) gathered in Round Rock. On the first day, the finalists interviewed with a panel of educators, superintendents, and past winners. Later, they met with Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath for a round-table discussion about the challenges and hopes facing Texas schools.

“That evening, during a dinner where each of us shared why we teach, I spoke about how social studies is, at its heart, storytelling. Geography lets us tell the stories of people around the world so we can better understand both the world and ourselves.” 

He went on to tell the story of winning — “The next day was the awards luncheon. Sitting beside some of my amazing colleagues, my principal Jeff Brown, our superintendent Dr. Lori Rapp, and my best friend Courtenay. I honestly wasn’t expecting to hear my name. When I did, I was stunned. Then humbled. Then deeply grateful.

“In that moment, I thought of my middle school history teacher, Mrs. Boerner, who made every lesson feel like an adventure. She could transport us into the past, making us feel like we were living the Battle of Gettysburg, not just learning about it. Her humor, enthusiasm, and love for history planted the seed that became my own teaching career.

“I also thought of the treasure trove of teachers I’ve worked with at FMHS and FM9, so many who could have stood on that stage just as easily as I did. Sharing this honor with them feels like the real reward, because this award belongs to all of us.”

At the end of the day, it’s all about the students for Mr. Fails. “I hope my students feel the passion I have for them and their futures. The world they’re entering is more connected than ever, and it will only become more so. 

“I want them to have the tools to think critically, separate fact from fiction, understand different cultures and perspectives, and disagree without being disagreeable.”

That’s what social studies gives us, he said. “The chance to see how the world fits together and how we fit into it. My greatest hope is that my students’ futures are filled with optimism, success, and understanding.”

Mr. Fails grew up in Krum, then earned his degree in Social Sciences from the University of North Texas in 2007. “FMHS was my first teaching job, and I’ve never left,” he said. “It’s been my home for 19 years.” He lives in Carrollton, where he shares life with Emma, his Italian greyhound, “who rules the house (and my schedule) with quiet intensity.” 

Congratulations, Mr. Fails, and thank you for all you do for our children.