With 28 years of teaching to her credit, Angie Fabbiani can’t recall a time in her life when she didn’t want to be inside the classroom. For the 2025-26 school year, she’ll return to her alma mater, Early ISD, to be a second-grade teacher.

“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a teacher,” Fabbiani said. “This passion began when I set up ‘school’ scenarios at my house as a little girl and evolved into tutoring my peers throughout middle school, high school, and college. During high school and college, I was a drill team captain, which allowed me to develop a love for choreography and teaching dance. Teaching has always felt like a natural fit for me. I enjoy every part of it — the planning, the instruction, and, most importantly, the relationships I build with my students.”

Along with graduating from Early High School, Fabbiani also earned a Bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design from AIU. But it was her days as a student at Early that made the biggest impact on her future.

“There were two teachers who had a significant influence on me,” Fabbiani said, “My fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Hughes, was innovative and made learning exciting. She was the first person to truly challenge me. Many people might not believe it, but I was painfully shy. Ms. Hughes recognized my potential and found ways to provide me with leadership opportunities that helped me build confidence.

“The second teacher who greatly influenced my decision to become a teacher was Beverly Hohertz, who was not only an amazing educator but also my mother’s first cousin. Regardless of the grade I received on any assignment, she always included a note that offered suggestions for improvement. This taught me the importance of high expectations and the concept that there is always room for improvement. The lessons I learned from both of these teachers have shaped who I am as an educator. My goal as a teacher is to maintain high expectations within a safe environment where students can engage in fun and meaningful learning experiences.”

Prior to teaching at Early, Fabbiani spent time teaching first and second grade at Leander; second and third grade at Mineral Wells; and 15 years at Brownwood ISD, where she taught third grade for six years and then worked with the gifted and talented program for nine years.

“In my most recent teaching position, I worked with gifted and talented students in the 4th and 5th grades,” Fabbiani said. “My approach integrated various subjects, including reading, writing, science, social studies, and math. Most of the experiences were based on project-based learning opportunities. I chose to work with gifted and talented students because their unique needs are often unmet in traditional classrooms. This role allowed me to advocate for these students and be a crucial part of providing the support they need.”

Regarding the most rewarding aspect of teaching, Fabbiani said, “There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that I am positively impacting the lives of my students. I feel immense pride when I see them applying problem-solving skills to everyday situations and communicating effectively with others.”

Looking ahead to the future, Fabbiani said, “Teaching is increasingly shifting towards a student-centered approach, providing teachers with the opportunity to facilitate instruction and mentor their students. With a greater emphasis on critical thinking, collaboration, and communication, students will become even more motivated, engaged and prepared for the future.”

The daughter of John White and Saundra and Lee Sigler, Angie and her husband, Robert Fabbiani, live in Early and have two children – son, Mason Ryden, and step-son, Mason Fabbiani and his wife Crystal – along with four grandchildren.

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BrownwoodNews.com will highlight one Brown County educator per day in the month of July, based on nominations received on our Facebook page, for our Teacher Feature series.