Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD superintendent, has been chosen to join a select group of Texans to receive the Golden Deeds Award, a coveted award for distinguished service to education in the state. She will be presented with the award at the 2026 TASA Midwinter Conference January 26 in San Antonio.
TASA and the Texas A&M University Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource (EAHR) Development co-present the Golden Deeds Award each year to an individual from any profession who has, through actions and deeds, improved the educational system in Texas to enrich the lives of all Texas public school students. Recipients are chosen by a committee of school leaders from across Texas.
“Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora’s illustrious career in Texas public education reflects the highest ideals of the Golden Deeds for Education Award: distinguished service, visionary leadership and an unwavering dedication to advancing opportunities for every student and educator in Texas,” says Amy Schindewolf, deputy superintendent, Tomball ISD. “Throughout her career, she has been a champion of expanded opportunities for all students, including the expansion of early childhood education, advanced academic and CTE pathways, multilingual education, special programs, and whole-child supports — including mental health initiatives. Her leadership blends innovation with heart: She demands excellence while fostering learning environments where students and staff are known, valued and inspired to achieve excellence.”
Salazar-Zamora has worked in education for 39 years, serving in the Alice, Bishop, Houston, Kingsville, Round Rock, Spring and Tomball school districts. In 2017, she became the first female and the first Hispanic to lead Tomball ISD, a fast-growing district of more than 23,000 students northwest of Houston. Prior to serving as superintendent, she was the district’s chief academic officer for three years.
“Over the years, she has been a respected voice and consistent champion for public school students and educators,” Schindewolf says. “Her advocacy in school finance and policy has established her as a leading, trusted voice in efforts to secure fair and equitable funding for all Texas students. … Her dedication was powerfully displayed [in 2025] when she spent over 23 consecutive hours at the Texas Capitol advocating against voucher legislation — standing shoulder to shoulder with educators, parents and community members and serving as a model of courage and persistence in support of Texas public schools.”
Salazar-Zamora currently serves as TASA immediate past president. She is also the president of The Council of Women School Executives and past president of the Fast Growth School Coalition. She is a past president and founding member of the Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
“A mentor to countless leaders, including 18 brand-new superintendents in 2025-26 alone, Dr. Salazar-Zamora plays an instrumental role in superintendent pipeline development through TASA and other leadership networks,” Schindewolf says. “She is recognized statewide for her integrity, collaboration and servant leadership — qualities that strengthen the profession and uplift communities.”
In 2023, Salazar-Zamora became the first Hispanic female to be honored as Texas Superintendent of the Year, and in 2024, she was honored as one of four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year. That same year, she was listed by “District Administration” magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Educators in the nation and was honored as one of two finalists for AASA’s (national) Women in Leadership Award.
Salazar-Zamora holds a doctorate of education from Texas A&M University, a master of education in educational administration and a master of education in special education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and a bachelor of science from Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville).
