Jesus Zepeda, the eighth-grade science teacher known around Stafford Middle School as "Coach JZ," will greet students on the first day of school Tuesday, Aug. 11, with a new title: Stafford Municipal School District's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year.

Stafford Middle School announced on X on Thursday, Aug. 6, that Zepeda was recognized at the Region IV Teacher of the Year Luncheon, a ceremony hosted by the Houston-area Region 4 Education Service Center that honors district Teachers of the Year from member districts across the region. The recognition makes Zepeda a candidate for the Region 4 Teacher of the Year title, which advances to the statewide Texas Teacher of the Year competition.

The district first named Zepeda its Teacher of the Year in April. The school praised his work and dedication in an April 17 post, saying his efforts had not gone unnoticed across the campus community.

The honor is not his first.

For families at the roughly 3,600-student district, Zepeda's recognition puts a familiar face in the spotlight. Beyond his science classroom, he sponsors the school's Spanish Club and coaches athletics. In November 2024, he and the Spanish Club produced the school's Hispanic Heritage Month program, which featured historical facts, poetry, a skit and a dance that ended with the Macarena. That same month, the school recognized him as its Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators Outstanding Teacher.

In October 2025, Zepeda joined the winning faculty squad in the school's sixth annual Teacher-Student Volleyball Game alongside coaches Wood, Dotson, Cotton, Porter and Mr. Freeman.

The recognition arrives as Stafford MSD heads into the 2026-27 school year under new leadership. Superintendent Dr. Adam Stephens started in April, and the seven-member Board of Trustees is led by President Ash Hamirani.

Stafford MSD students return to class Tuesday, Aug. 11.