The Texas Elementary Principal and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) is proud to announce that Lisa McLaughlin has been honored with the prestigious 2026 TEPSAN At-Large award. Chosen by the Executive Committee, this award honors leaders for their remarkable commitment and invaluable contributions to both the profession and the Association.
“We are profoundly grateful for Lisa’s commitment to Texas students and educators. Throughout her career in education, she has invested in the future by nurturing student leaders, highlighting the importance of fostering leadership skills and empowering the next generation,” TEPSA Executive Director Harley Eckhart said. “Her work and dedication have made a lasting impression on our community and Association.”
McLaughlin served 37 years as an educator in Deer Park ISD. As the dynamic and student-focused principal of the high performing campus Deer Park Elementary, she played a crucial role in establishing Professional Learning Communities in the district. Additionally, she mentored numerous assistant principals who later became exceptional principals themselves. McLaughlin, who was awarded both Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year for Deer Park ISD, was a NAESP National Distinguished Principal finalist for Texas.
After retiring, she remained dedicated to growing student leaders by becoming a part of the TEPSA student leadership team, where she traveled across the state to train 4th-7th grade student leaders and their advisors. She has successfully led the program for the past five years as the Director of TEPSA Student Leadership. Under her guidance, the program expanded its reach to encompass more districts, guaranteeing that students statewide can participate in a captivating leadership training experience tailored just for them. More than 10,000 students have gained the skills to lead with confidence and create a meaningful difference on their campuses during McLaughlin’s tenure.
An active member of TEPSA throughout her career, McLaughlin served on the TEPSA Board of Directors, Chair of the Advocacy Committee, a member of the Nominating Committee and as a region officer. She will be honored at the 2026 TEPSA Legacy Celebration Dinner on June 8 during the TEPSA Summer Conference at the Round Rock Kalahari.
TEPSA, whose hallmark is educational leaders learning with and from each other, has served Texas PK-8 school leaders since 1917. Member-owned and member-governed, TEPSA represents more than 6,000 members who direct the activities of more than 3 million PK-8 schoolchildren.
