As a child, Stacey Warner saw firsthand the love that her mother, who was a high school English teacher, had for her students. Raised amid pep rallies, helping grade stacks of papers, and the hum of school life, Warner often thought about what it would be like to be a teacher herself. More than anything, she wanted to invest in people. 

But her journey into education did not begin in a classroom of her own. Warner spent much of her professional life with Bed Bath & Beyond, rising to Regional Merchandise Manager and leading teams across Texas and Louisiana before the company closed in 2023. 

But the pull towards education was always present. 

After a 28-year career in corporate retail, she began substitute teaching in Birdville ISD, and it was there she discovered a new calling in public education. Now completing her first year as a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Smithfield Middle School, Warner has been named BISD’s First-Year Teacher of the Year for the incredible role she plays educating students every day – making the impact she has always wanted to. 

“Stacey means so much to our school,” said Jason Turner, Smithfield Middle School principal. “She has done such a great job as a teacher, and she builds great relationships with our students and staff members.” 

Warner was selected for this honor from a pool of other first-year nominees from across the district. The announcement came as a special surprise on April 24 when BISD Superintendent, Dr. Gayle Stinson, arrived on campus to share the good news. Students, staff and district leaders lined the hallways and her classroom to congratulate her.

“Being named the First-Year Teacher of the Year is incredible,” Dr. Stinson said. “The love that the campus and the entire district has for you is remarkable. You started out as a long-term substitute for us, and then you decided to stay. We are just so grateful for you.” 

Now that her first year is nearly complete, Warner encourages new educators to give themselves grace, lean on colleagues and remember that the connection with students comes before perfection. And, she hopes new teachers remember that at the end of the day, what matters most are the students sitting in front of them. 

“My students were my greatest teachers,” Warner wrote in her application. “They have celebrated my efforts, even when they weren’t perfect – and they showed me that learning is about resilience, empathy and showing up every day.” 

As the district’s First-Year Teacher of the Year, Warner will be honored along with each of Birdville ISD’s Campus Teachers of the Year at the annual Golden Gala Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet on May 7, 2026. During the Gala, the Birdville ISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year will be announced.