Two educators serving Brownwood ISD’s Northwest Elementary are being recognized for the ways they support students, families and fellow staff members. The district named elementary music teacher Lauren Mays its November spotlight teacher and diagnostician LeAnn Harris its staff spotlight honoree.
Brownwood ISD shared the recognitions on Monday, November 9, 2026. The monthly spotlight program highlights employees whose work reaches beyond their formal classroom or department responsibilities.
Lauren Mays recognized for music and campus involvement
Mays is an elementary music teacher at Northwest Elementary and a graduate of Brownwood High School. She has worked for Brownwood ISD for nine years.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Child Development and Early Childhood-4 Generalist. She is also a state-certified teacher with Generalist EC-4 and ESL Supplemental EC-4 certifications.
According to the district, Mays teaches music to every elementary grade level and works to ensure students are supported regardless of their individual needs. Her role also extends into campus life: she arrives early, stays late, supports colleagues and serves as the campus PTO liaison connecting the school, parents and the broader community.
The district also credited Mays with organizing campus parties and creating welcoming experiences for families. Brownwood ISD said her work brings joy and positivity to the campus.
LeAnn Harris supports special education services
Harris, the November staff spotlight honoree, is a diagnostician with Brownwood ISD’s Special Education Department and serves Northwest Elementary. She is in her eighth year with the district.
Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s degree in Special Education from Tarleton State University. She also earned a Master of Education in Special Education, with a diagnostician focus, from Lamar University. Harris is a Texas Educational Diagnostician certified for EC-12.
Her work includes helping ensure students receive timely and appropriate evaluations. She works with campus staff to build understanding of students’ disability-related needs and supports the broader Special Education Department.
Harris also collaborates with Brownwood’s Early Childhood Intervention program to evaluate children ages 3 to 5. In addition, she mentors newer diagnosticians and interns, helping them develop the knowledge and skills needed to serve students in the future.
Brownwood ISD described Harris as an important resource for Northwest Elementary and the district’s special education services. The district said her dedication supports both students and staff and reflects the contributions being recognized through the November spotlight.