Secondary Teacher of the Year Roya Dinbali shown with NISD administrators

Roya Dinbali is Nacogdoches ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. The Nacogdoches High School instructor is in her 10th year with NISD.

Her forensic classes in the NHS Career & Technical Education Department are some of the most interesting in the district, where Dinbali works to “foster critical thinking and investigative skills among students.” Dinbali’s forensic students regularly qualify for regional and state competitions in the subject.

Dinbali has a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University in human development and family studies with a chemistry minor and a Master’s from University of Texas-Pan American in physician assistant studies.

Since 2015, she has been the National Honor Society Sponsor at NHS, and has overseen the restoration efforts of the Old North Church African-American Cemetery.

She also serves on the district’s School Health Advisory Committee and helps with seniors events as well as conducting Saturday school.

Dinbali is also the local president and campus representative for the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She’s a member of the American Association of University Women and is a volunteer and supporter of the Humane Society.