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2025 Educator of the Year
This Westie goes to a Westlake area teacher or administrator in recognition of his or her outstanding contributions to the educational community and to the enrichment in the lives of children through academic achievement. He or she inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn, has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues, and plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school.
(see below for past winners)
Finalist: Paul Cooley, Westlake High School
Paul Cooley has dedicated 26 years to education, including 18 years serving students and families in Eanes ISD. In 2007, he and his wife chose to raise their family in Westlake so their children could grow in a community that truly values education—a decision that deeply shaped both his personal and professional life.
Paul began his career teaching Physical Education at Eanes and Forest Trail Elementary Schools, where he learned the importance of meeting students where they are. After earning his master’s degree in Educational Leadership, he transitioned to West Ridge Middle School, teaching multiple subjects, coaching various sports, sponsoring Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and serving as Athletic Coordinator while completing his administrative internship.
He now serves as Assistant Principal at Westlake High School, where he continues to support students from kindergarten through graduation. Paul believes education is about service, growth, and opportunity, and he is deeply grateful for the privilege of positively impacting the Westlake community through his work.
Finalist: Eddie Dauernheim, Barton Creek Elementary
Eddie Dauernheim has spent 19 years working with students, including the past 10 years at Barton Creek Elementary in Eanes ISD. Throughout his career, he has served students in Special Education across Life Skills, Collaborative, and Behavior Support roles, always focused on helping each child succeed. For Eddie, a successful day is one where students leave class excited, confident, and equipped with tools to progress along their individual paths.
A graduate of the Eanes Institute for Excellence, Eddie has contributed to Student Council, District Leadership teams, Team Leader initiatives, and Best Buddies. He played a key role in bringing Best Buddies to every elementary campus, making Eanes ISD the first district nationally to offer the program at all levels.
Eddie facilitates lessons that support both academic and behavioral success, regardless of a student’s challenges. He believes every child can live a fulfilling life and strives to create school environments rooted in high expectations, care, and compassion.
Finalist: Carol Reese, West Ridge Middle School
Carol Reese serves as the Gifted and Talented Specialist at West Ridge Middle School and is a dedicated leader in innovative education. She sponsors Future City Engineering, the Student Stock Market Game, Model UN, and serves as District Coordinator and Regional Board Member for Destination Imagination, an international creative problem-solving program.
Ms. Reese also organizes WRMS student teaching teams for STEAM Day at feeder elementary schools and is a lead educator for the international Media for Change “This Ocean Planet” student newsletter project. A passionate traveler, she leads international student travel opportunities each year, broadening students’ global perspectives. She is also the proud founder of the Eanes ISD Child Development Center for teachers’ children, now celebrating its 35th year.
To her students and families, Ms. Reese is more than an educator, she is a cheerleader, mentor, creative thinker, and champion of learning. Her leadership, kindness, and vision have made a lasting impact across the Eanes community.
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VOTE & PURCHASE YOUR 2026 WESTIES TICKETS HERE
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