Melissa Reisdorf Named 2025 District Secondary Teacher of the Year

The Klein Multipurpose Center's ballroom erupted into applause as Doerre Intermediate ELA/Humanities 8th-grade teacher Melissa Reisdorf was honored as the 2025 Klein ISD District Secondary Teacher of the Year.

"Ms. Reisdorf is out of this world and incredible. She takes us into the deepest level of understanding, pushing us to think hard and be our best."

Doerre Intermediate student Stella's words about her beloved teacher echo the feelings many share at school and within our Klein community. With eight years of teaching experience—four of which have been spent at Doerre—Ms. Reisdorf's commitment to education and student success has made her a standout in Klein ISD.

"I am incredibly honored to announce Ms. Melissa Reisdorf as the District Secondary Teacher of the Year," Klein ISD Superintendent Dr. McGown said. "From leading thought-provoking Socratic seminars after unforgettable field trips to writing heartfelt notes that boost student confidence, Ms. Reisdorf infuses passion, creativity, and dedication into everything she does. She is more than an exceptional educator—she's a mentor, a coach, a teammate, and a leader. Her unwavering commitment and innovative spirit continue to redefine what's possible in our classrooms, and I am beyond proud to celebrate the incredible impact she makes every day."

As an 8th-grade Advanced Academics teacher, she creates a culture where students develop a love for reading and writing, using innovative teaching strategies that extend beyond the classroom.

"She is very passionate and cares so much for us. She'll privately pull us aside and ask how we're doing," student Stella said. "She goes beyond education in her care for us and gets to know us on a different level."

Understanding that intermediate school can sometimes feel isolating, Ms. Reisdorf takes a personal approach to student connection. She handwrites notes to her students each year, celebrating their strengths and interests. This tradition was initially meant to encourage during testing season, but it has since become a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy. Students have been known to keep her notes long after leaving her classroom, proof of her words' profound impact on their confidence and motivation.

"There are so many phenomenal teachers in Klein ISD, so being recognized as the Secondary Teacher of the Year fills me with immense gratitude." Ms. Reisdorf said. "As a student at Klein, I was shaped by incredible educators who poured into me. Now, as an educator in Klein, I continue to learn from the very best—leaders, colleagues, and friends. I'm not sure I'll ever experience another year as exciting as this one, but I know I'll never forget the beautiful words shared by my sweet student, dear friend, and amazing principal who made this surprise so special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

A proud alumna of Klein Oak High School and Baylor University, Ms. Reisdorf earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Public Relations with a minor in Business Marketing in just three years. Despite her background in Communications, she felt called to return to her hometown and make an impact as an educator.
"Ms. Reisdorf is the type of teacher that when you go into her classroom, you just want to sit there for hours and never leave," Doerre Principal Ms. Annie Welday-Zimney said. "She makes teaching an art—she has this innate ability to understand what her students need at the moment and is incredibly gifted at what she does."

Ms. Reisdorf is also a champion of experiential learning. She secured a $7,100 grant from the Klein Education Foundation for "Classrooms Without Borders," a project that provides virtual reality headsets to enhance learning experiences. Students have already explored settings from classic literature, swum with sharks before analyzing an informational article, and studied Van Gogh's art as part of their humanities curriculum. These immersive opportunities make learning more engaging and accessible, particularly for struggling readers.

Ms. Reisdorf's impact on students, teachers, and the broader Klein ISD community is undeniable. As she continues to inspire young minds and advocate for high-quality education, Melissa Reisdorf exemplifies what it means to be a truly exceptional educator.

Congratulations, Ms. Reisdorf! We are blessed to have educators like you in our Klein Family.