A surprise phone call from iHeartRadio鈥檚 Billy the Kidd left Atherton Elementary School teacher Kim Vasquez speechless. The host shared that Vasquez was selected for powered by , and would receive a $5,000 DonorsChoose gift card to fund supplies for her first-grade classroom.

鈥淚 was absolutely shocked to learn that I was one of four winners across the United States,鈥� said Vasquez. 鈥淚t is such an incredible honor and blessing to have been chosen. I am so proud to represent Atherton Elementary and 精东影业 ISD!鈥�

This recognition is especially meaningful for Vasquez as the nomination came from a parent whose two children were once students in her class.听

鈥淪he is one of the teachers I recommend for her kindness, caring, and genuine love for education. I have seen her work with students with unique skills and handling it professionally,鈥� said parent Kimeko Stigger. 鈥淪he has never backed down from a challenge, and she has done it with grace. It's time for the world to know how wonderful she is as a teacher.鈥�

Vasquez has taught at Atherton Elementary for 20 years. She plans to use some of the funds to go toward her "classroom store" that opens every Friday. Students can earn 鈥渂ucks鈥� throughout the week and cash in to redeem prizes, helping build practical financial literacy skills.

She also plans to invest in resources that will benefit the campus as a whole, specifically funding the creation of a campus motor lab for students.听

鈥淭he motor lab will provide purposeful movement and sensory activities that support coordination, focus, self-regulation, and readiness to learn,鈥� said principal Bianca Gholston. 鈥淲e are grateful for her commitment to using this opportunity to benefit every Atherton All-Star!鈥�

While she is honored by the recognition, Vasquez said this award reflects the overall campus culture and school leadership.

鈥淚 truly feel that Atherton is the best school,鈥� Vasquez said. 鈥淚 was so proud to say my school on the radio, and it's not just my school, it's 精东影业 ISD.鈥�

We are so proud of you, Mrs. Vasquez!

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Teachers at 精东影业 ISD's Beckham Elementary are making big goals for their students and developing innovative strategies to meet them.

Teachers use the strategies to help their students move beyond surface-level learning and develop a deeper understanding of academic content.

Last year, Beckham administrators led the charge in developing aligned rubrics tied to their campus WIGS, or Wildly Important Goals. For math, the Blazers worked to improve daily math problem solving skills using the UPS Check (Understand, Plan, Solve) system. To strengthen written responses in reading and science, administrators implemented the RACE (Restate, Answer, Cite, Evidence, Explain Your Thinking) and CER, (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) methods. Teams of teachers defined clear expectations for student mastery at each grade level, creating a progression toward high-quality writing.

鈥淐reating an environment in the classroom where students have to restate the question and give it an answer has really developed them,鈥� said Ashley Rodriguez, a fifth grade English and writing teacher. 鈥淭hey communicate better with their peers and teachers, and their writing has improved.鈥�

In Nadeen Fattal鈥檚 fifth grade science and math classes, students use an 鈥淚 do, you do, we do鈥� approach that encourages them to develop answers independently, with a peer, and then with the entire class.

鈥淪ometimes their peers can give them advice that I would not have thought of, and it prompts their communication with each other,鈥� Fattal said. 鈥淭hey are also typing every day, which is helping them since testing is all online.鈥�

Both Fattal and Rodriguez鈥檚 mastery of the rubric contributed to a significant reduction in students scoring zero on written responses, with the ELAR (English Language Arts and Reading) benchmark decreasing from 50% to 9% and the science benchmark decreasing from 50% to 16%

With communication being a vital part of any career, teachers at Beckham are encouraged by the impact of the RACE method, which is giving students the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom. Two additional teachers at Beckham have demonstrated full mastery of the rubric, sixth grade math teacher Aarion Williams and fourth grade math teacher Hayley Cook.

In math classrooms, teachers have adopted the UPS Check system, which prompts students to understand, plan, solve, and check their work.

鈥淲e have a 鈥榩roblem of the day,鈥� which is a released that applies to whatever we are currently learning,鈥� Williams said.

She explained that at first, students were required to use UPS Check, and once they demonstrated a deep understanding, they were given the choice to continue using the model.

鈥淚 believe in giving students a choice,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淚 love the intrinsic motivation they show. It started with me encouraging them, and now it has become natural.鈥�

With educators like Williams demonstrating 94% student growth with 85% passing, and Cook鈥檚 fourth grade math classes achieving a 91% pass rate on the most recent benchmark, teachers at Beckham are proud of what their students have accomplished.

鈥淚 think boosting their morale with praise and showing them their growth really gets them excited,鈥� Cook said. 鈥淥nce they had that 鈥榓h-ha鈥� moment, they continued to grow into better problem solvers in math and in life.鈥�

Watch videos on each teacher's methods:

Ceremony honors students and teachers

Extra work?

That didn鈥檛 sound too good to Julio Favela at the beginning of the school year. The sixth grader at Goodman Elementary was about to start the Read 180 program at school.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to do it 鈥� because I just didn鈥檛 want to do extra work,鈥� Julio said.

Fast forward to the end of the school year, and Julio has changed his tune. In fact, he excelled in Read 180 and was honored last month as one of the top Read 180 students in the entire country.

鈥淎mazing,鈥� he said about the award he received at last month鈥檚 Read 180 and Math 180 celebration. 鈥淚 would just focus on it. My teacher was really good.鈥�

The HMH听听补苍诲听听programs are designed to help students who are behind in reading or math make rapid gains. And the spotlight students who have overcome personal and academic challenges to make remarkable gains and educators who go above and beyond to deliver meaningful instruction, foster student achievement, and champion equity through intervention.

鈥淩ecognizing听Read听180听teachers and student winners is a way to showcase and celebrate their hard work, growth and perseverance 鈥� building confidence, inspiring a love of听reading and promoting a proud culture of literacy and learning in our school community,鈥� said Michelle Webb, an 精东影业 ISD intervention specialist.

The 180 Awards recipients are nominated by fellow educators, coaches, intervention specialists, parents and school leaders from across the country.

Remarkable success is the standard

Remarkable success in the Read and Math 180 programs has become the standard in 精东影业 ISD, where producing national 180 Award winners is an annual tradition. And this year, it wasn鈥檛 just Julio. Two other amazing students earned the national recognition for their achievement. Martina Jiminez Ramon, a Rankin Elementary third grader originally from Spain, was also awarded for her monumental progress through Read 180.

On the math side, Rodriguez Junior High seventh grader Brianna Mayen Garcia was one of only five Math 180 winners in the entire country and the only one in Texas.

鈥淛ust stay positive,鈥� said Brianna, who is known for always helping others in her class. 鈥淜eep going. Don鈥檛 give up.鈥�

Student growth is only possible with great teachers, and three of 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 also received national recognition as top Read and Math 180 educators, including:

• Joanna Butcher, Read 180, Rankin Elementary
• Sandy Emerson, Read 180, Ousley Junior High
• Alicia Parr, Math 180, Ousley Junior High

Congratulations to these dedicated teachers and students!

精东影业 ISD to pilot TIA at 24 schools

精东影业 ISD has officially been approved to become a (TIA) district. The state-funded program will give 精东影业 ISD teachers the opportunity to earn a higher income while remaining in the classroom, making a difference in the lives of students.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited about this because TIA will help us recognize and reward the exceptional work our teachers do every day,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith. 鈥淚t will provide pathways for teachers to earn additional compensation while continuing to do what they love most, teaching students.鈥�

The TIA program, created by the Texas Legislature, recognizes effective teachers, supports higher compensation, and strengthens recruitment and retention, especially in schools that have the greatest needs. Once fully implemented, 精东影业 ISD teachers in the program will be able to achieve certain designations that can lead to higher pay 鈥� up to $36,000 more.

精东影业 ISD will pilot its TIA program at 24 schools. Full implementation at those schools will take the next two school years, and awarded teachers will receive their first payouts in July of 2028.

"Implementing TIA in 精东影业 ISD has been a significant undertaking, and the work will continue as we move into the implementation phase," said Dolloress Johnson, Executive Director of Human Resources. "It is work worth doing because it allows us to recognize and reward the exceptional teaching already taking place in our classrooms while supporting our efforts to attract and retain outstanding teachers. Ultimately, the greatest benefit will be for the students we serve each day."

honored some of 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 top educators at its annual Awards of Excellence banquet on Monday, celebrating teachers who go above and beyond to impact students across the district.

This year鈥檚 event recognized 82 nominees from campuses across 精东影业 ISD, including a record 20 high school nominees. Teachers were honored in five grade-level categories, with finalists, runners-up, and winners recognized for their dedication, leadership and commitment to student success.

The 2026 AWARE Award winners are:

• Early Childhood-First Grade: Anzie Beckers, Burgin Elementary
• Second-Fourth Grade: Sarah MacQuarrie, Ditto Elementary
• Fifth-Sixth Grade: Samantha McCoy, Ditto Elementary
• Junior High: Hunter Hendrickson, Gunn Junior High
• High School: Carolyn Peterson, Project SEARCH

During the ceremony, presenters highlighted the educators鈥� creativity, passion, and ability to build meaningful relationships with students. Many nominees were recognized not only for academic achievement in their classrooms, but also for creating supportive learning environments where students feel valued and inspired.

精东影业 ISD superintendent Dr. Matt Smith joined district leaders, trustees, and community supporters in celebrating the educators and thanking the AWARE Foundation for its continued commitment to recognizing excellence in education.

Since 1989, the AWARE Foundation 鈥� 精东影业 Will Award and Recognize Excellence 鈥� has honored outstanding 精东影业 ISD teachers and their lasting impact on students and the community.

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Yes, those are fresh flowers on all the tables in听your local听Chick-fil-A.听And they were arranged by floral student at 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.听听

Through a partnership with Chick鈥�fil鈥�A owner and operator Carmenza Moreno, students in Megan Brundrett鈥檚 Advanced Floral Design class design and place fresh floral arrangements in two North 精东影业 Chick鈥�fil鈥�A restaurants throughout the听school听year. 听

Moreno said the partnership addresses a听long鈥�standing听challenge in听maintaining听fresh听dining鈥�room听d茅cor.听听听

鈥淭here鈥檚 always a huge struggle to keep flowers fresh in my dining rooms, so we reached听out听and the CTC class now provides the flowers for both of my stores,鈥� Moreno said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very grateful for the partnership because it keeps the dining rooms听looking fresh and sharp for our customers.鈥�听

To meet the expectations of a large听business, Brundrett鈥檚 students begin the school year by planning their floral designs months in advance. This preparation allows them to听modify听arrangements weekly based on holidays, approved Chick鈥�fil鈥�A colors, and seasonal flower availability.听听

For students, the experience offers both creative fulfillment and professional growth. 听

鈥�It鈥檚听really enjoyable听to be able to go somewhere听that鈥檚听a huge establishment like听Chick鈥�fil鈥�A, especially with my family members, and get to say, 鈥業 made one of these in class,鈥欌�� said Martin High School senior听Ally Kaychatwell. 鈥淭hen I get to post them and add them to my floral portfolio and say that I鈥檝e worked with听Chick鈥�fil鈥�A听by making designs that go on their tables.鈥澨�听

Brundrett emphasized the value of providing students with听real鈥�world听experience while teaching them to meet customer expectations. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great foundation on which my students can build their floral portfolio and gain experience on event work, meeting听timelines, and听creating听concepts and designs, so I hope it never ends,鈥� laughed Brundrett.听听

The flower arrangements on the tables have helped raise awareness about the CTC鈥檚 programs, and now several other businesses have contacted the school to explore potential partnerships across various career fields.听

Moreno said giving back to the community is a key motivation for her continued involvement. 听

鈥淲e get a lot of compliments听about听our听flowers,听and I think it鈥檚 important to give back听to听your community and invest in our youth, so that鈥檚 the reason why I do it,鈥� Moreno said.听听

精东影业 ISD teachers took center stage yesterday as the celebrated its 65th annual Teacher of the Year event, recognizing the district鈥檚 top educators and nominees from every campus.

The annual celebration 鈥� complete with a barbecue lunch from 鈥� brought together teachers, principals, and community members to honor the impact educators make every day.

鈥淭his celebration is the highlight of our Kiwanis Club,鈥� said Kiwanis Club president Larry James. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the most important community project that we do to honor teachers for all the work they do in our community.鈥�

Following his welcome, James invited campus principals to introduce this year鈥檚 three Teachers of the Year:

• High School Teacher of the Year: Dr. Rebecca Clesse, English teacher at 精东影业 Collegiate High School
• Junior High Teacher of the Year: Heaven Tello, math teacher at Barnett Junior High
• Elementary Teacher of the Year: Pamela Lewis, fourth-grade teacher at Morton Elementary

Each of the three honorees received a $500 award from the Kiwanis Club of 精东影业 along with an additional $500 from .

The celebration didn鈥檛 stop there. Nine additional outstanding educators were surprised with special recognition and $500 awards:

• Lisa Richburg, Wood Elementary
• Johanna Baker, Little Elementary
• Falon Hanson, Butler Elementary
• Joshua Lewis, Duff Elementary
• Roanda Velasquez, Jones Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language
• Eddie Oliver, Workman Junior High
• Josephine Chaney, Rodriguez Junior High
• Erica Capella, 精东影业 High School
• Teresa Menard, Seguin High School

The Kiwanis Club鈥檚 long-standing tradition of honoring 精东影业 ISD educators dates back to 1962, when then 精东影业 ISD Assistant Superintendent Woodrow Counts served as club president. Counts later became 精东影业 ISD superintendent from 1979 to 1985, and the award now bears his name 鈥� the Kiwanis Woodrow Counts Teacher of the Year Award.

In honor of National School Librarian Day this Saturday, we鈥檙e taking a moment to celebrate the dedicated educators who serve as librarians in 精东影业 ISD schools. These certified teachers do so much more than check out books.

鈥淲ith their expertise, school librarians enrich the educational experience for every student in the district,鈥� said library services coordinator Lesley Cano. 鈥淭hey ensure that both students and teachers have access to relevant resources that align with the curriculum and help students explore subjects on a deeper level. By collaborating with classroom teachers, librarians help design lessons that incorporate these resources, making learning more interactive and engaging.鈥�

Instructional Support

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 librarians are certified teachers with an average of 10 years of classroom experience and three professional degrees. They are dynamic partners in student success, bringing the TEKS curriculum to life in every library. They help students foster a love for reading and then so much more. Librarians also provide lessons on digital citizenship and often introduce students to all kinds of hands-on technology, like coding and 3D printing. 精东影业 ISD libraries are where hands-on innovation meets academic excellence.

Family Engagement and Support

Librarians serve as a vital connection between the school and home, providing parents with curated digital resources and tools to support learning at every level. Through regular communication, librarians share proven best practices for nurturing a lifelong love of reading and creating literacy-rich environments at home. Beyond providing reading materials to build home libraries, librarians take great pride in celebrating student progress, whether it鈥檚 mastering a new research skill or reaching a personal reading milestone, they ensure every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged in their academic journey.听

Reading Challenges and Promotions

Across the district, 精东影业 ISD libraries are vibrant hubs of literacy, offering a wide array of reading challenges and interactive opportunities designed to spark a lifelong love of books. From daily excitement like Scholastic Book Fairs to creative student-led 鈥渂ook talks,鈥� library programs make reading a visible and celebrated part of school culture. Teachers model their passion for literacy and learning by highlighting their own favorite books and engage students in high-energy events like 鈥淢asked Reader鈥� competitions and Texas Reading List contests. Whether it鈥檚 a seasonal literacy challenge or a friendly campus competition, our librarians make every student鈥檚 reading journey an adventure.

Thank you, 精东影业 ISD librarians!

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Visiting International Teacher (VIT) program is closing its second year with remarkable momentum, thanks to a growing group of educators whose global perspectives are making a significant impact on students. As the district prepares to welcome a third cohort of teachers from Spain, the program continues to strengthen student learning, enrich campus culture, and advance professional growth.

鈥淭eaching in the U.S. allows me to face new challenges, adapt to a different educational system, and connect with students from diverse cultural backgrounds,鈥� Rankin Elementary teacher Cristina Ramon said. 鈥淚 continue to grow more flexible and creative in the classroom while strengthening my communication skills in a bilingual and multicultural environment.鈥�

The , promoted by the Embassy of Spain in the United States in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, has brought more than 10,000 Spanish teachers to more than 30 states in the past 35 years to teach for one to three years.

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 participation ensures high鈥憅uality instruction in every classroom while preparing students to thrive in a global society.听

鈥淢oving to the United States through the VIT program was one of the most meaningful and challenging decisions of my life,鈥� Goodman Elementary teacher Carla Rodriguez Carballo said. 鈥淚 felt guided and valued during my adaptation to both the school and the district. My team leader and colleagues have also been kind, patient, and always willing to answer questions, no matter how small.鈥�

The accomplishments at Rankin and Goodman highlight how the VIT program is strengthening classrooms across 精东影业 ISD. These educators are not only adapting to a new country and school system, they are contributing to campus life in ways that enrich the entire school community.

With two successful years now nearly complete and a new cohort on the way, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 VIT program is emerging as a signature initiative, one that reflects the district鈥檚 belief that diversity is a strength, global readiness is essential, and every student deserves access to exceptional instruction.

Surprise!

What began as a normal school day inside the culinary arts classroom at Lamar High School quickly turned into a moment Anyatta Nicole Ward and her students will never forget.

Ward was surprised with a $5,000 classroom grant through powered by , recognizing her commitment to excellence and the life-changing opportunities she creates for students every day.

Students watched in disbelief as representatives from the Dallas Cowboys entered the classroom, joined by Cowboys legend Joe Looney, team mascot Rowdy and Reliant鈥檚 Hugo the Armadillo. Ward was presented with a personalized Cowboys jersey, a commemorative football and the $5,000 grant to invest directly back into her culinary program.

The surprise brought cheers 鈥� and a few tears.

Ward, who brings more than two decades of pastry and bakery experience into her classroom, has built a program that blends technical culinary skills with professionalism, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. A graduate of The Art Institute of Dallas for Culinary Arts and co-owner of , Ward has appeared on the and won the Season 9 Miss America Challenge on in 2013. But in her classroom, her focus is squarely on her students.

鈥淭his is just part of my journey, part of my testimony,鈥� Ward said during the celebration. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such a blessing. I just love my kids. This is my passion, and it makes me so happy knowing I鈥檓 making a difference in their lives. I鈥檓 exactly where I鈥檓 supposed to be 鈥� teaching at Lamar High School. I wouldn鈥檛 change it for anything.鈥�

Lamar principal Lesley Maroney said the recognition reflects the impact Ward makes daily.

鈥淢rs. Ward lives out our belief of being more than a diploma,鈥� Maroney said. 鈥淭hrough her culinary program, students gain real-world skills, confidence, and pride in their work. This surprise was a powerful way to celebrate a teacher who gives so much of herself to her students.鈥�

The $5,000 grant will support classroom equipment, supplies and expanded learning opportunities, ensuring students continue to gain hands-on, industry-relevant experience.

The Cowboys Class Acts powered by Reliant program honors outstanding educators across North Texas with surprise recognitions and classroom grants, investing directly in teachers and the students they serve.

When piano and music theory teacher Jose Cubela teaches his students at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), he brings an international perspective, having performed and taught abroad.

Most recently, it was in Taiwan.

Six cities, more than 1,500 students, and countless performances shaped last summer for Cubela. He spent six weeks in Taiwan serving as an examiner for the . From late June through early August, he traveled across the country, working with piano students and teachers in churches, universities, and music schools.

The experience was both exciting and eye-opening.

鈥淚t is so cool,鈥� Cubela said. 鈥淭o visit different towns and big cities 鈥� it鈥檚 crazy.鈥�

Throughout the summer, Cubela assessed performers ranging from beginners to advanced students and worked directly with both students and teachers to address technical and musical challenges. The Committee鈥檚 curriculum closely mirrors the system 鈥� a globally recognized, structured music education framework offering graded levels of study from beginner to advanced for various instruments and voice 鈥� with expectations increasing at each level.

鈥淚 worked with students all the way from beginner to advanced. Some teachers didn鈥檛 know how to fix technical issues or problem-solve, and that鈥檚 where I come in.鈥�

Cubela鈥檚 journey began in Tainan, Taiwan鈥檚 oldest city, where he spent nearly three weeks examining students. From there, he traveled to Guiren and Hsinchu, where he visited the historic Hsinchu City God Temple, a cultural landmark located in the center of the city鈥檚 night market.

One of the most memorable stops was Hualien, a coastal city on Taiwan鈥檚 eastern shore. The train ride there 鈥� through mountains and along the Pacific Ocean 鈥� offered some of the most striking scenery of the trip.

The trip concluded in Taipei, Taiwan鈥檚 cultural and educational center and home to the Taipei Philharmonic Foundation. There, Cubela spent ten days continuing examinations and teaching, while also visiting landmarks such as Taipei 101, once the world鈥檚 tallest building.

For Cubela, the most rewarding moments came from seeing growth happen in real time.

鈥淚 loved it when the students and teachers left their work with me happy because they found something they could use. The problems that they were having 鈥� now they have a solution.鈥�

He also emphasized the ripple effect of working with educators.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really cool when teachers can take information, see quick improvement, and then apply it to their own studio,鈥� he said.

The lessons Cubela shared in Taiwan are part of the reason he is such a successful teacher here.

鈥淚 have worked with Mr. Cubela twice in 精东影业 ISD,鈥� said CVPA principal Thomas Flagg. 鈥淚 hired him to join the fine arts and dual language academy at Gunn Junior High, and then he left to assume this position at the CVPA. Our students are receiving world class piano instruction because not only is he a phenomenal teacher, but he is also an incredible pianist. In the few years I've worked with him, he's performed in Spain, Portugal, and Taiwan. Our students are getting lessons from a well-respected practitioner, which makes a difference.鈥�

Flagg also highlighted Cubela鈥檚 ability to connect with students at every level.

鈥淢r. Cubela is a kid magnet,鈥� he said. 鈥淗e can and will work with any student, even the most difficult students loved working with him. As a middle school teacher, he was a favorite among parents and students. Many of his former students come to study with him to this day. I know this is a high school, but he's providing college-level piano and music theory, and we're all the better for it.鈥�

Music has always been central to Cubela鈥檚 life. He began playing piano as a child, learning from neighbors who played, and later built a career rooted in performance and education. That passion continues back home at 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 CVPA.

鈥淚 love teaching the students here,鈥� Cubela said. 鈥淭hey are just so talented, and they love being here, too.鈥�

She knew she could do it.听

鈥淢y district thinks that I can do this. My school thinks that I can do this. This family behind me thinks that this is part of my job, and I can do this.鈥澨�

Those were听some of听the thoughts that swirled through Lori听Marsalko鈥檚听mind听as she jumped into action.听

The first grade teacher at Hale Elementary was monitoring the pick-up line after school last fall when she noticed the young sibling of a student suffer a medical emergency and become unresponsive. 听

Marsalko听responded听immediately听补苍诲听used听her听district CPR and readiness training.听

By the time first responders from the arrived, the child was responsive again.听

鈥淭hanks to her swift and skilled intervention, the child is expected to make a full recovery,鈥澨齭aid听精东影业 Fire Department听fire听chief听Bret Stidham.听听

Stidham and several 精东影业 firefighters visited Hale last week to听honor听Marsalko听and present her with a certificate of commendation听

鈥淭he听精东影业 Fire Department听commends Ms.听Marsalko听for her life-saving actions, knowing she was truly the right person at the right place at the right time,鈥澨齋tidham said.听听

Taina Northington, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 chief communications officer, then听presented听Marsalko听with the district鈥檚 Employee of the Month听award.听Northington praised听Marsalko听for听embodying听the district鈥檚 values and culture听with听her heroic actions.听听

鈥淚鈥檓 glad that I was there and that [this incident] has given us all the opportunity to bring training to our campus to be aware, because I believe that all of us can do this,鈥澨齅arsalko听said.听

For听Martin High School听visual art teacher Sharon Miller, it was just another day in the studio.听

That is, until Hugo, the听听armadillo, strolled into her classroom, followed by cheers, cameras, and听听legend听.听

鈥淚 was just in complete shock,鈥� Miller said.听

Miller was honored as the听听Teacher of the Month for December, presented in partnership听by听Reliant Energy and the Dallas Cowboys,听to celebrate teachers who go听above and beyond听in shaping the future of young minds.听

The award also included a personalized Cowboys jersey, a signed football from Walls, and a $5,000 check to support Miller鈥檚 classroom and student projects.听

鈥淚 know exactly where the money is going,鈥� she said. 鈥淎 big passion project that we have done with our students was taking an old courtyard and renovating it.鈥�听

The project, completed by students from multiple programs at Martin High School, brought the space back to life. Woodworking听students built听benches, art students painted them, and culinary students worked on vegetable beds.听

鈥淏ut it鈥檚 missing one thing 鈥� some lights,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淭he best part of the courtyard,听where the banners听are,听is still听really dark, so听that鈥檚听where that money is going to go. Everyone has contributed to this.听We鈥檝e听got some easels we want to get and some drawing horses so that kids can come out here and hold a class, and it gives validity to the program.鈥�听

Miller鈥檚 impact reaches far beyond her classroom.听

鈥淪haron is an excellent teacher who encourages, motivates, and challenges her students to grow,鈥澨齅artin High School principal Marlene Roddy听said. 鈥淪he finds ways to help her students use the visual arts in projects that improve our facility and our community.鈥�听

Students feel that听impact听every day.听

鈥淢any of her students will tell you that she is one of the best teachers they have ever had,鈥� Roddy said. 鈥淪he has expanded the visual arts at Martin in multiple ways, and the students feel honored to be a part of that expansion.鈥�听

That dedication is exactly what led to the courtyard project.听

鈥淪he recreated one of our courtyards into a community and campus space that promotes student work throughout the building,鈥� Roddy said. 鈥淪he has applied for听numerous听grants, and her attention to detail and specificity of work has resulted in lots of grant dollars for Martin High School. I am proud of her and her students鈥� accomplishments.鈥�听

And听that鈥檚听just one of the many reasons Miller is听a class act.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 humbling,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淭here are so many teachers who do so much all the time. Visual arts听takes听a backseat on a lot of things, especially compared to athletics and things like that. The fact that听we鈥檙e听able to make a difference and an impact that is effectively being noticed by those that听don鈥檛听generally notice听visual arts.鈥�听

Congratulations to Sharon Miller for this well-deserved honor and for exemplifying the passion, creativity, and dedication that inspire students every day!听

Teachers learn how to teach flag football

Jesse Bradley caught the football and quickly turned up field, all under the watchful eye of a coach.

But Bradley doesn鈥檛 play for the Cowboys. He stars for 精东影业 ISD as a P.E. teacher at Peach Elementary.

Bradley caught the pass during 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 professional development day last month, when the Dallas听Cowboys听partnered with the district to host an NFL听FLAG-In-School training session for elementary physical education teachers. More than 100 P.E. teachers from across the district participated in the hands-on 鈥� or flags-on 鈥� training at Key Elementary.

The professional development was part of an ongoing collaboration between 精东影业 ISD and the Dallas听Cowboys听to expand high-quality physical education opportunities for students and promote healthy, active lifestyles.

鈥淥ur elementary P.E. teachers left ready to bring this exciting flag football program to students across our district,鈥� said Matt Bostick, 精东影业 ISD health and physical education curriculum coordinator. 鈥淭his curriculum offers more than just sports skills 鈥� it promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence in a fun, engaging setting. We look forward to seeing our elementary students active, motivated, and having a blast while learning important life skills on the field.鈥�

In August, the Dallas听Cowboys听donated NFL听FLAG-In-School kits to all 52 精东影业 ISD elementary campuses, launching the partnership with a special district-wide kick-off event at Remynse Elementary.

Teachers at last month鈥檚 training also received Dallas听Cowboys听gear and had the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic skills while engaging in the curriculum activities.

"What an incredible experience!鈥� Bostick said. 鈥淭hank you to the Dallas Cowboys for providing quality training and donating the necessary equipment our students can utilize for years to come!"

Four students and two teachers win national recognition

Omar Rodriguez is one of those students who encourages others and celebrates fellow classmates on their achievements. But last month, it was Omar鈥檚 turn. 精东影业 ISD celebrated the Workman Junior High eighth grader for being one of only 11 students in the entire country to win the Math 180 Award.

Omar was joined at the awards ceremony by three other 精东影业 ISD students 鈥� Oscar Aguilar from Bailey Junior High, Ja'Breon Jones from West Elementary and Christian Gutierrez from Ousley Junior High 鈥� and two teachers 鈥� Nia Jackson-Yow from Lamar High School and Dagmar Cox-Sanchez from Johns Elementary 鈥� who won national Read 180 Awards.

The HMH and programs are designed to help students who are behind in reading or math make rapid gains. And the 180 Awards spotlight students who have overcome personal and academic challenges to make remarkable gains and educators who go above and beyond to deliver meaningful instruction, foster student achievement and champion equity through intervention.

鈥淩ecognizing听Read听180听teachers and student winners is a way to showcase and celebrate their hard work, growth and perseverance 鈥� building confidence, inspiring a love of听reading and promoting a proud culture of literacy and learning in our school community,鈥� said Michelle Webb, an 精东影业 ISD intervention specialist.

The 180 Awards recipients are nominated by fellow educators, coaches, intervention specialists, parents and school leaders from across the country.

鈥淭he 180 Awards are a testament to the resilience and determination of our students and the incredible impact our educators make every day,鈥� said Matthew Mugo Fields, general manager, supplemental and intervention solutions at HMH. 鈥淭heir stories of growth and leadership remind us that with the right support and resources, every student can achieve remarkable success.鈥�

Remarkable success is becoming standard in 精东影业 ISD, where producing national 180 Award winners is now an annual tradition.

鈥淥ur 180 community of winners has doubled in the past three years, with more teachers and students being nominated and selected as national winners each year,鈥� Webb said. 鈥淭his recognition has brought awareness to our district around the importance of celebrating student and teacher achievement for all."

Third annual CTE Impact Awards

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 career and technical education programs are all about impact 鈥� impacting students to achieve future success. That impact is real thanks to the incredible CTE junior high and high school teachers across the district. That鈥檚 why the CTE department recently hosted the third annual CTE Impact Awards to honor those CTE teachers for inspiring and equipping their students to succeed. 听

鈥淥ur CTE community bridges education and industry, equipping students with real-world skills through engaging, hands-on experiences,鈥� said Susan Patterson, 精东影业 ISD director of career and technical education. 鈥淭he CTE Impact Award night is to celebrate our incredible teachers 鈥� the heart of CTE. Their dedication, passion and hard work inspire and prepare our students for bright futures. Simply put, our teachers are amazing.鈥�

One of those amazing teachers, Anai Arzola, was honored as the CTE Teacher of the Year. The culinary teacher at the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center is known for being able to do it all and for inspiring greatness in her students.

Other CTE Impact award winners included:

BREAKOUT Award听(excellence and achievement for CTE teachers new to 精东影业 ISD)

• Darrell Brown 鈥� Ousley Junior High
• Cecilia Hernandez 鈥� Bowie High School
• Dre Hill 鈥� Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center
• James Japport 鈥� Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center

INNOVATOR Award听(outstanding achievement for teachers who have implemented new ideas and approaches to make learning exciting, engaging and effective)

• Charles Ferrell 鈥� Lamar High School
• LaDean Houck 鈥� Lamar High School
• Dr. Tarnisha Green 鈥� Seguin High School

LIFESAVER Award听(for efforts that go above and beyond the call of duty)

• Natalie Argo 鈥� Martin High School
• Tiffany Barlow 鈥� Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center
• Melissa Zahn 鈥� Sam Houston High School

CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS/CLUB SPONSOR OF THE YEAR: Megan Brundrett from the Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center听for her outstanding work with the districtwide FFA CTSO.

SYNERGY Award (new award to highlight the importance of bringing the CTE community together): Chris Grimaldo of 精东影业 High School for efforts that have united schools, businesses and community organizations to enhance career development.

Coach Levels named Lamar's Teacher of the Year

Slam-dunk your worries and shoot for the stars.听

That鈥檚 the mindset Lamar High School teacher and basketball coach Errin Levels instills in her students and players every single day.听

鈥淲e have to share the good days and bad days,鈥� Levels said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the consistency of showing up for each other every day and knowing that we have the support of each other.鈥澨�

Levels started her career in 精东影业 ISD at Shackelford Junior High before moving to Lamar in 2006.

As Lamar鈥檚 varsity girls' basketball coach for the last 17 years, she has guided multiple teams to regional tournaments, a testament to her leadership and commitment to excellence.

鈥淭hose teams were alike in their work ethic and dedication,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey loved each other, and they loved to win.鈥澨�

This season, that dedication helped her team achieve a long-awaited milestone 鈥� making it to the playoffs after a six-year hiatus.听

鈥淕oing to the playoffs this year was so much fun,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e had been working toward this goal for two听years. Behind the scenes we worked in the summer, running cross country and participating in the fall league. It was hours of work to lead into the season. We really bonded as a unit during those hours, so for us to reach the goal together was so fulfilling.鈥澨�

The team finished second in the district and made a strong run before falling in the area round.听

But it鈥檚 not all about basketball for Levels. Her impact extends far beyond the court as she instills in her students a drive for excellence in academics, leadership and life.听

鈥淏eyond the wins on the court, she truly wants the best for our students,鈥� said Lamar principal Leslie Maroney. 鈥淭o her, education goes beyond the game. She ensures her players understand the world around them and develop a mindset of lifelong learning.鈥澨�

In fact, she鈥檚 helped secure college opportunities for every player she has coached over the last five years.听

鈥淚t all started from me receiving a graduation announcement with a picture from a former student,鈥� Levels said. 鈥淚 decided to make a board and post it in my office window. Naturally, the kids saw the board and asked me about the kids on it. I explained that they were former students who were graduating college and that I wanted to see them on the board, too. From there I talked to them about college, and they just bought in. They all know the expectation is for them to go to college after high school. It's been really neat how they come back and visit after graduating. Their presence is a simple reminder of their possibilities.鈥澨�

Levels鈥� impact has been nothing short of transformational. 听

鈥淯nder her leadership, the girls' basketball team has flourished,鈥� Maroney said. 鈥淪he embodies what it means to be a true educator, mentor and leader. Her unwavering commitment to student success, both in the classroom and in athletics, sets a powerful example for our entire school community. Watching her push students to reach their full potential and then celebrate their achievements is truly inspiring. She represents everything we strive for at Lamar 鈥� dedication, perseverance and an unshakable belief in the greatness of all students. And she does it with a big smile.鈥�

That鈥檚 also why Levels was named the Lamar High School Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 school year. 听

But she couldn鈥檛 have done it without her students, too. 听

鈥淚'm so proud of my kids,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e played through so much adversity and became resilient. They developed so much pride in themselves and our team. We learned how to play for something bigger than ourselves, and that is a lesson you can use for a lifetime!鈥澨�

February is CTE Month

Just a year ago,听Mariaisabel Guerrero听was walking the halls of Sam Houston High School getting ready to graduate. Today, she鈥檚 still in 精东影业 ISD, but now she鈥檚 a PE teaching assistant at Wimbish World Language Academy. And she has her sights set on becoming a teacher.听

Education isn鈥檛 just a career path for Guerrero 鈥� it's a calling. 听听

As we highlight , Guerrero鈥檚 journey is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and career preparation.听It all started with her time in the Education and Training program at the 精东影业 ISD Dan Dipert Career + Technical Center (CTC) during her senior year. 听

鈥淭his program really put me into shape,鈥� Guerrero said. 鈥淚t made me want a career. I wasn鈥檛 even sure that I wanted to go to college before then.鈥�听

Through the CTC, Guerrero had the opportunity to explore different types of teaching and work directly with students at Rankin Elementary, which ultimately fueled her passion for education. The program introduces high school students to careers in education and familiarizes them with the processes for developing curriculum, coordinating educational content and coaching groups and individuals.听

鈥淕etting to be hands-on in the classroom, working with kids, it made me fall in love with teaching,鈥� she said. 听

Stacey Crawford, Guerrero鈥檚 education and training teacher and coordinator at the CTC, says Guerrero鈥檚 passion was undeniable.听听

鈥淢ariaisabel was an exceptional student,鈥� Crawford said. 鈥淪he took her role as an education intern very seriously and always strove to make a positive impact on her students at Rankin Elementary and on her peers at the CTC.鈥� 听听

Understanding the power of mentorship, Guerrero now strives to provide the same guidance and support that her own educators 鈥� like Crawford听鈥撎齩nce gave her.听听

鈥淚 loved my mentors,鈥� Guerrero said. 鈥淚 would love to be a mentor for others. I want to try my very best to be that structure they need or might not have. I love building connections. It starts from a young age, shaping young minds and helping them grow into future leaders. I just really want to be a part of that journey and help them shape what it is that they want to do.鈥澨�听

After graduating from Sam Houston in 2024 and joining the Wimbish Wolves back in September, Guerrero also launched a cheer program at the school. With over 20 students, she hopes to continue to grow the program even more.听听

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think I'd be in this position without the hands-on experience I gained,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really helped me establish the cheer program here, too. I create lesson plans and goals I want them to accomplish. It鈥檚 been such a fun opportunity.鈥澨�听

Looking ahead, Guerrero plans to continue pursuing her passion by earning her teaching certificate.听听

鈥淚 couldn't be prouder of Mariaisabel's success as a teaching assistant at Wimbish,鈥� Crawford said.听鈥淚t's wonderful that she's able to work in the district while she strives for her ultimate goal of becoming a certified teacher in 精东影业 ISD. I'm so proud of Mariaisabel. Her passion for education is truly inspiring!鈥�听

Learn more about CTE opportunities in 精东影业 ISD here. 听

精东影业 ISD is celebrating Hispanic Heritage this month, and today we highlight and welcome five visiting teachers from Spain.

Everything is new for visiting teachers from Spain

In 2004, Ruth Martin was a young teacher from Spain who thought a year teaching in Texas would be a neat cultural experience.

But 20 years later, she鈥檚 still here. In fact, Martin 鈥� now Dr. Ruth Martin 鈥� is a lead specialist in 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 world languages department.

And on the exact day this summer that she arrived in Texas 20 years ago, Martin welcomed five new teachers from Spain to 精东影业 ISD.

They are part of the same program that brought Martin to Texas two decades ago.

The , promoted by the Embassy of Spain in the United States in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, has brought more than 10,000 Spanish teachers to more than 30 states in the past 35 years to teach for one to three years.

Of course, Martin taught for more than three years and eventually dropped the 鈥渧isiting鈥� part of her title. Toward the end of her first year in Texas 鈥� she was teaching in Fort Worth ISD 鈥� she met someone and decided to stay one more year. That someone eventually became her husband, and Martin has never left Texas.

New adventures

Though Martin is personally familiar with the Visiting Teacher program, 精东影业 ISD is not. This is the first year the district has participated in the program. Finding enough bilingual teachers is a challenge for all districts, so 精东影业 ISD took this opportunity for the first time to hire five highly qualified and experienced bilingual teachers from Spain.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e the top candidates from Spain,鈥� Martin said. 鈥淥ne of our teachers has four master鈥檚 degrees.鈥�

They are also adventurous.

鈥淚 think that鈥檚 the European mentality 鈥� they just want to go explore the world, learn about other cultures and other instructional methods,鈥� Martin said.

That is definitely true of Rosario Pastor, a teacher from the region of听 with more than 20 years of experience. She is a pre-K teacher at Crow Leadership Academy this year.

鈥淚 am always interested in trying new things in order to improve my teaching practice,鈥� Pastor said. 鈥淚 have worked in cooperation with other schools from Spain and Europe, and I needed something different for a while. I have many friends that had worked in Texas and told me about the experience. So, I decided to give it a try.鈥澨�

Mireia Vila Huguet decided to give it a try, too. She is originally from a small city called Manresa in but had experienced living abroad before 鈥� in London 鈥� and was eager to do it again. Now she is teaching kindergarten at Goodman Elementary.

鈥淪ince I was at university, I have always been interested in traveling, knowing different cultures and keep learning and growing personally and professionally by seeing different educative systems and by living experiences abroad.鈥�

Those are exactly the kinds of experiences these five teachers are getting. But as exciting as the adventure is, there is also a huge transition and culture shock.

Starting from scratch

鈥淭hey come with just two pieces of luggage,鈥� Martin said. 鈥淭hey start from scratch.鈥�

The teachers arrived only weeks before their new teaching jobs were set to begin, and there was so much to deal with, like apartments, cars, insurance, social security cards, bank accounts, where to get groceries and on and on.

鈥淲e arrived the 15th听of July, and in less than a month we had to adapt to a new country, a different culture and system, to find accommodation, a car and to complete a very long list of paperwork and procedures that anyone moving to another country to live and work must do,鈥� said Vila Huguet.

Fortunately, Vila Huguet and her fellow Spaniards got a lot of help from Martin and her 精东影业 ISD team.

鈥淚 know the difference between living here and there,鈥� Martin said. 鈥淚 tell them, 鈥楾his is going to be shocking for you, but this is completely different here.鈥欌��

Martin and her team helped the new arrivals move into their apartments and even collected furniture and dishes for them. In fact, someone donated a whole house of furniture, which Martin then stored in her garage all summer until the teachers arrived.

鈥淢y biggest challenge is being far from home, but I consider myself very lucky because I have received lots of help from听Ruth听since the first beginning,鈥� said Maider Novillo, a native of in northern Spain. Novillo is teaching kindergarten at Speer Elementary.

Even with the help, there鈥檚 still a lot to get used to.

鈥淓verything!鈥� Pastor said when asked about what is different here. 鈥淏ut I am loving it. Although it becomes very stressful from time to time, it is definitely worth it. The thing is that the lifestyle is quite different. Also the distribution of places 鈥� you need to use your car to go anywhere, while I am used to go walking. But then, you have the Globe and AT&T stadiums for sport and music. That is great!鈥�

It鈥檚 not just the culture that is a big change. Even though all five teachers are very experienced, school systems are different here than they are in Spain.

鈥淭he schedule, the methodologies used, the subjects, the procedures, the planning, the rules and even the organization at school are handled very differently in both countries,鈥� Vila Huguet said. 鈥淎lthough I have had tough moments, I think that I am definitely learning and growing as a person and as a teacher.鈥�

Even the Spanish is different here. There are lots of Spanish-speaking students, but their Spanish is often very different than the Spanish the five teachers know.

鈥淚 am dealing with my Spanish and the Spanish that I am learning here, which is quite different from mine and interesting,鈥� said Maria Herran, a first grade teacher at Thornton Elementary originally from , Spain.听

Rave reviews

Even with all of the adjustments, the new teachers are doing well. And their principals have rave reviews.

鈥淚t has been wonderful,鈥� Burgin Elementary principal Carin Tuffs said about her school鈥檚 Spanish teacher, Pablo Noguero, who is teaching fifth grade. 鈥淢r. Noguero is doing a fabulous job and adds to our already diverse staff. I love his positivity with all the uncertainty upon their arrival. He has navigated through so much and with our recent student assessment, his students performed so well.鈥�

Thornton Elementary鈥檚 principal Alicia Rodriguez feels the same way about their Spanish teacher.

鈥淢s. Herran is doing really well!鈥� Rodriguez said. 鈥淪he brings in a lot of enthusiasm and positivity to an already awesome first-grade team. She has acclimated very well to our campus and is off to a great start. It has been great working with Ms. Herran.鈥�

And it has been great having all five here in 精东影业. Hopefully, the culture shock will wear off soon and they will come to think of 精东影业 as their home away from home.

Amanda Huck does it all

From the classroom to the world stage, triathlete Amanda Huck does it all.听听

As a runner, a swimmer and an amazing instructional coach, Short Elementary couldn't be more proud to call her a Shorthorn.听听

鈥淪he truly is a role model for our students,鈥� said Short Elementary principal Betsy Berkebile.听听

That鈥檚 why the school came together to celebrate one of her most remarkable accomplishments 鈥� competing in the .听听

The journey to that stage started more than 20 years ago after Huck was inspired by the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.听

鈥淪wimming and running have always been a part of my life,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been participating in triathlons for almost 13 years now.鈥�听

After a brief hiatus to focus on her two kids, Huck was determined to get back into the groove.听

鈥淎fter you have kids, it takes some time to feel like yourself again,鈥� she said.听

She took a huge stride in 2023 when she placed in the top three at the 2023 nationals - her ticket to representing the United States at the World Triathlon Aquathlon in Australia in August this year.听听

鈥淚t was a once in a lifetime opportunity,鈥� Huck said. 鈥淵ou want to go to something like this and show what you are capable of, so I really put in the work. Being on that starting line with people from all over the world was a really amazing experience.鈥�

After two runs and a 1,000-meter swim, Huck finished seventh and was the top finishing American in her age division.听

鈥淲hen I finished it was this overwhelming feeling of I did it,鈥� Huck said. 鈥淚 was so proud of myself and I felt really good. I didn鈥檛 have a single negative thought in my head. When you pour so much energy into something, it鈥檚 a really great feeling to cross that finish line.鈥�听

But it was more than just a victory, it was a personal milestone that hit close to home.听

鈥淚n order to be the best mom, I want to be the best me,鈥� she said. 鈥淒oing this made me feel like I鈥檓 finally back to who I was.鈥�听

And she couldn鈥檛 have done it without the support of her community at Short.听听听听听听

鈥淭his school is just amazing,鈥� Huck said. 鈥淏efore I left, they signed a huge banner for me. I felt so much love. From the beginning to the end, they have been my greatest supporters.鈥澨�听

In return, Huck shared her story as an inspiration for the entire school.听听

"She鈥檚 showed how hard work really pays off,鈥� Berkebile said. 鈥淭hat if you put in the work each and every day, you can achieve your greatest goals.鈥�听

But the journey for Huck doesn鈥檛 end there as she is currently training for her last race of the season. And she plans to continue doing what she does best.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 beyond a hobby,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a part of me.鈥�听

UT 精东影业 will prepare 75 aspiring teachers for 精东影业 ISD

The College of Education at The University of Texas at 精东影业 is creating a bridge to Texas classrooms through its Alternative Certification Program (ACP) 鈥� a 100% online program designed for candidates with a bachelor鈥檚 degree who are pursuing careers in teaching.

The 300-hour program is a non-credit approach to alternative teacher certification. It was designed by the college鈥檚 faculty and staff, in collaboration with district partners, using the framework of UTA鈥檚 existing educator programs.

During the two-phase program, candidates will receive training and mentoring to ensure their preparation for certification exams and their future roles as classroom teachers. ACP students will also complete either an internship or clinical teaching stint in a classroom to fulfill Texas Education Agency requirements.

鈥淭here are students who want to give back to their community by becoming teachers. This program is just another means of supporting their preparation as they embark on successful careers in the classroom,鈥� said College of Education Dean Tim Jacobbe. 鈥淭he ACP adds to our commitment to mobilizing highly-qualified educators who can meet the high demand in our state鈥檚 classrooms.鈥澨�

School districts in North Texas and across the state continue to struggle to fill vacancies with highly-qualified teaching candidates. According to state records, nearly one in three new teachers hired across Texas last year lacked certification. The ACP is an alternative pathway to combat the national teacher shortage and bring qualified teachers into classrooms.

To align with strategic plan and its aim to redefine the University鈥檚 community impact, UTA will be preparing 75 aspiring teachers for 精东影业 ISD. UTA currently fills nearly 33% of 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 teaching positions. The partnership will ensure schools have the teachers they need to educate the K-12 student population in 精东影业.听听

鈥淭his new partnership with UT 精东影业 represents a groundbreaking investment in top-tier educators, ensuring our students have every opportunity to excel,鈥� said Dr. Matt Smith, superintendent, 精东影业 ISD. 鈥淲e are excited to welcome highly qualified and passionate teachers through this collaboration.鈥�

For more information, students interested in applying can visit the .

ASPIRE develops school leaders

The 2023-2024 school year is over. The classrooms are empty, the hallways are quiet and graduation parties have been in full swing.

But before the school year ended, 精东影业 ISD celebrated the tireless work of the principals, assistant principals and school leaders this year.

Its ASPIRE program recently recognized dozens of its teacher leaders, school administrators and central office leaders during its 鈥淟eadership Honors鈥� banquet at the in 精东影业. Inside a ballroom decked with beaming blue and gold lights and chic decorations, the event highlighted the work of participants of a program conducted by the Office of School Leadership.

The department is responsible for the management, direction, supervision and evaluation of schools and school principals in 精东影业 ISD.

It also ensures that adequate resources, support and accountability are provided to campus leadership teams in an effort to realize district student achievement targets.

While addressing the crowd, coordinator of leadership development Jennifer Fuller said APIRE鈥檚 mission is to 鈥渃reate, refine, and sustain exceptional leadership development programs for teacher, school and central officer leaders in order to positively impact students鈥� learning and well-being.鈥�

鈥淛ust as gold antique picture frames preserve and showcase cherished memories, our leadership programs serve as the framework for our participants鈥� growth and success,鈥� Fuller said, referring to the frame image on the event鈥檚 glossy program book.

Besides fruit, strawberry shortcake, key lime pie and apple crisp crumble, the educators were treated to humor from the event鈥檚 emcee, Micah Green 鈥� 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 fine arts coordinator of theatre and dance.

Before diving into the field of education, Green was a professional actor who performed in Broadway shows and musicals all over the country. He also sang with various symphonies and had a stint sailing the high seas with Disney Cruise Lines. So, it wasn鈥檛 hard for Green to keep the busy educators entertained.

Shortly after getting on the mic, Green reminded the educators of how the school year was quickly coming to an end.

鈥淏ut who鈥檚 counting, right?鈥� Green joked.

Making connections

During the event, Green called out the names of the celebrated individuals who spent countless hours learning to enhance their educational leadership skills. The different programs were the following: National Board Candidates, District Lead Teachers; ASPIRE Leadership Academy and Principal Residency; Microbadging Project Prodigy; Cahn Fellows and Allies; Learning Facilitators; Administrators in Mentorship (AIM) and Lead Principals. Each program had different expectations and lengths.

Regardless of their program, the participants were encouraged to network with one another. At the start of the banquet, they were asked to reflect on their proudest moment in leadership this year, as well as one piece of advice they wish they had received at the beginning of their leadership journey. And then they shared their responses with someone before switching partners.

The question 鈥淲hat do you listen to on your way to work each morning that motivates you?鈥� led to a candid reaction from the attendees. While pairing up, Monica Leal, an instructional coach for Rankin Elementary School, shared how she jams out to music by Elvis Presley with Ginger Cole-Leffel, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 director of professional development. Cole-Leffel loudly stated that Leal鈥檚 answer challenged her to give up her 鈥渂oring鈥� and 鈥渟erious鈥� podcasts.

鈥淪o, it鈥檒l be Elvis Presley tomorrow!鈥� Cole-Leffel said, drawing a roar of laughter.

Introduced by Green as the 鈥渙ne, the only Dr. Matt Smith,鈥� 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 superintendent offered some inspiring words. Having stepped into the position in January, Smith said he could relate to their journeys, reminding the educators that they don't have to be perfect. He also applauded their commitment to growing as leaders.

鈥淎t the heart of it all, we have people in this room who are dedicated to improving. Why? Because our kids deserve it,鈥� Smith told the attentive audience. He added that 精东影业 ISD needs leaders who are not afraid to 鈥渄o what is right for our students.鈥�

鈥淧ublic education, as you know, is at a very interesting crossroads. And there are a lot of opinions throughout the state and the nation about public education,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淏ut my answer to that is, 鈥榃atch what our leaders do.鈥� By taking bold steps forward for the sake of every student in our system, we鈥檙e going to make sure that that public trust comes back, and it comes back to 精东影业 ISD.鈥�

Providing guidance

Dr. Stepanie Lee already leads 12 schools in her role as executive director of strategic support network (SSN). However, she was thrilled to attend the banquet as a participant of microbadging 鈥� a yearlong program that involves professional learning, application and coaching. ASPIRE is a key component for the educators鈥� success as leaders, she said.

鈥淚 think it is a critical step in their leadership journey to be able to be poured into by a department that is just focused on developing leaders,鈥� Lee said. 鈥淚t also gives them an opportunity to apply what they are learning in their current role. No matter what that role is, from teacher all the way up to executive director.鈥�

Lorena Carlton, an instructional coach at Bryant Elementary School who is aspiring to become a principal, was invited onstage to share how ASPIRE has boosted her communication skills when addressing her fellow educators, students and parents.

鈥淚 learned to adjust my language, tone and content to resonate with each group ... The sea of accountability has helped me to inspire, collaborate and connect with others on a deeper level,鈥� Carlton said.

Katina Martinez, principal of Patrick Elementary School, thoroughly enjoyed the festivities. A lead principal for the past four years, she has mentored 14 individuals, which she said involves giving them hands-on, learning experiences.

鈥淚 think (ASPIRE) is critical because everything that we try to do is job-embedded. We want to make sure that it is very practical. That they see the real experience of what principals go through, so it is not sugar-coated,鈥� Martinez said.

Sometimes, Martinez said, this means having tough talks.

鈥淚鈥檓 there as their thought partner,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 coach them. I give feedback. Sometimes, I have to have real conversations with them as they are aspiring into that next role.鈥�

Martinez, a 25-year educator and 14-year principal, said she tells them, 鈥淵ou gotta make sure you maintain that level of professionalism, follow-through. Because campuses are going to be depending on you.鈥�

Outside of her everyday principal responsibilities, Martinez has to work extra hours to prepare for her time spent with those she mentors. But she said, 鈥淭he work is really worth it when you see them go into their principalship.鈥�

听鈥淏ecause I鈥檓 not going to be here forever, I want to build capacity in future leaders to know that whatever our vision is, as a district, it鈥檚 going to sustain itself,鈥� Martinez said. 鈥淎nd that they can go, take that and apply it at a campus.鈥�

听鈥淎nd you can still then be there for them,鈥� she added. 鈥淏ecause even though they are not your mentees anymore, they are always your mentees.鈥�

Random Act of Helpfulness

Blair Hansard is the kind of teacher who is used to getting called into the principal鈥檚 office, so it was no big deal last Wednesday when he was summoned by 精东影业 High School principal Stacie Humbles.

But what happened once Hansard got to Humbles鈥� office was a big deal.

Hansard was surprised by the with a during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Hansard, who teaches engineering and aviation unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) was given $5,000 in equipment that will help in everything from drones to 3D printing for his students. Hansard鈥檚 service dog Alfie was also given a few surprises.

鈥淭his is huge,鈥� said Hansard, who is in his third year at 精东影业 High. 鈥淭his is a complete shock. I don鈥檛 have words. I鈥檓 more lucky with the group of kids that I get to work with than anything else.鈥�

While Hansard was quick to give praise to his students, there鈥檚 a reason he was nominated for the award. Whether it鈥檚 having his students build a drone from scratch or put together a robodog named Cupcake who accompanied Hansard and his students to Humbles鈥� office for the surprise, he does an outstanding job of connecting with his students.

鈥淲hat he does for his kids in the classroom every day is amazing,鈥� Humbles said. 鈥淎t 精东影业 it鈥檚 so important for people to get out of their cave and find ways to connect and bring the school together and bring the kids together. He does that in so many ways. Schoolwide, he wants to make a difference with his students, and we can see it all the time.鈥�

The equipment given to Hansard by the North Texas Honda Dealers will allow his students to build more stuff for the drones and more equipment for Cupcake. Having the correct tools to work with will make a huge difference. Among the items he was given included five 3D printers and a new computer.

Hansard has focused a lot of his classroom attention on drones because there is such a demand for drones and people who can work with them in the workforce. His students can build them better, program them better and modify them better because of the gift he received last week.

鈥淭hese tools to work with will be amazing,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 so thankful for this opportunity for my students. This changes our world.鈥�

Halloween wasn鈥檛 supposed to be this scary.

But even though the day started off so frightening, thanks to Brittany Isbell, it didn鈥檛 end that way. The Beckham Elementary School nurse wasn鈥檛 wearing a superhero costume that morning, but she should have been. She not only saved the day, she saved a friend鈥檚 life.

It started like a normal, busy day. Students were starting to stream into Beckham on the crisp, cool morning of Oct. 31. The teachers were getting ready for a fun Halloween day.

Isbell stepped out of the nurse鈥檚 office and into the hall when she saw three teachers heading toward her. One obviously wasn鈥檛 feeling well.

They got her into the nurse鈥檚 office and Isbell immediately began quizzing her to figure out what was wrong. She examined the teacher, took her blood pressure, and knew something wasn鈥檛 right.

As the teacher鈥檚 condition deteriorated, Isbell got concerned.

鈥淚 looked at my secretary Shawnda and I said, 鈥楬ey, I鈥檓 going to have to call 9-1-1.鈥� I鈥檓 very concerned at this point.鈥�

While Isbell was in the process of calling 9-1-1, the teacher鈥檚 condition suddenly worsened. She stopped breathing and her lips turned purple.

Isbell couldn鈥檛 find a pulse.

The Right Person at the Right Time

Isbell is no stranger to medical emergencies. She used to be a nurse in the cardiac ICU and neuro ICU at several hospitals. She鈥檚 given to patients multiple times.

But a couple of years ago, Isbell decided she was ready for something different.

鈥淪chool nursing was a big change for me,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I love it.鈥�

Isbell started at Beckham last September and specifically chose the school because of the needs of its students. Beckham is home to many special education students and individuals with severe and profound disabilities.

There鈥檚 rarely a dull moment for the Beckham nurse or a medical issue she hasn鈥檛 seen.

But Halloween was something new. She had never given CPR to a 鈥渇riend.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely different when you do it on someone you鈥檝e gotten to know,鈥� she said.

CPR

When Isbell couldn鈥檛 find a pulse, she immediately started rescue breaths on the teacher, and Beckham鈥檚 security guard helped apply the school鈥檚 .

Isbell continued CPR until paramedics arrived about five minutes later. By that point, the teacher had become responsive and was breathing again.

鈥淚t was a pretty rough morning,鈥� Isbell said. 鈥淲hen you do CPR on someone you鈥檙e friends with, it takes a toll.鈥�

The teacher spent several days in the ICU and more than a week in the hospital. But the week after Thanksgiving, she returned to Beckham.

鈥淚 saw her the first day she came back, and we hugged, and she cried and I cried,鈥� Isbell said. 鈥淚鈥檓 just so glad that she鈥檚 back on campus. She鈥檚 such a light on this campus, so I鈥檓 just so glad that everything fell into place that day so that she is still here to share her impact with the students and even the staff.鈥�

Though Isbell performed the CPR, she credits her fellow Beckham teachers and staff who also helped that morning. And she says 精东影业 ISD helps make sure they are prepared for the emergencies everyone hopes will never happen.

鈥淚 just want to give a huge thank you to Annette [Minnerly, director of 精东影业 ISD health services] and Sarah [Heroman, coordinator of health services] and the steps that they take to make sure that we are ahead of the game,鈥� Isbell said. 鈥淚 feel like ahead of other districts to make sure we鈥檙e prepared as nurses and clinic assistants.鈥�

Beckham鈥檚 principal, Christi Wilks, is thankful, too, for the nurse she has on campus.

鈥淚t was really a terrifying day,鈥� Wilks said,鈥� and I鈥檓 just very thankful 鈥� she [Isbell] has been that person from the beginning. She always handles things with such grace and a calm presence. It鈥檚 who she is. She鈥檚 fantastic.鈥�

Staff were trained in CPR and AEDs听

Seguin High School golf coach Ruston Laurence doesn鈥檛 feel like he鈥檚 a hero.

The same goes for Lamar High School golf coach Gary Webb.

You can add Lamar athletic trainer Bryant Grice to that list, too.

No, all three feel like all they were doing when they performed life-saving measures on student-athletes recently was what they were trained to do in a time of crisis.

While they might not consider themselves heroes, their actions in a time of need were certainly heroic. And life-saving.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really wild that this happened twice in such a short time,鈥� 精东影业 ISD athletic director Eric White said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of those great things when you can have the end results we had. That鈥檚 a credit to our coaches, our trainers and district athletic trainer [Steve Guadalupe]. Steve does a great job to make sure we manage that. You think it鈥檚 something you鈥檒l never have to do. When we do, we鈥檙e ready. We鈥檙e fortunate with the way things turned out.鈥�

Laurence and Webb were both at Lake 精东影业 Golf Course for a tournament earlier this month when one of Laurence鈥檚 golfers started to feel lightheaded. The golfer then collapsed on the first hole at the golf course with Laurence next to him.

听The golfer had no pulse or heartbeat and Laurence called for help before beginning . One of the coaches who heard the call for help was Webb, who came to help Laurence from the clubhouse and had the course鈥檚 [AED] with him. They used the AED on the student and there was no response. Webb then helped with the CPR before they administered the AED again.

The second try with the AED worked as the student began to stir. Paramedics then arrived and took over from there with the student responsive at that time. The student is now recovering.

鈥淚 think God put us in a situation that could not have been more perfect,鈥� said Laurence. 鈥淚f he had been on the other side of the golf course, it鈥檚 a different story. I don鈥檛 know that we did anything special; we were just the first men up. There were coaches going into action all over the place. We just happened to be the ones right there. Now he鈥檚 getting help he needed that he might not have gotten.鈥�

Were the coaches fortunate or lucky that the outcome was as good as it was?

鈥淎 little bit of both,鈥� said Webb. 鈥淗e could have been anywhere on this golf course. The fact he was 30 seconds by cart from the golf shop was huge. There鈥檚 no doubt the CPR bought time. There鈥檚 no question the AED saved his life.鈥�

Neither Laurence nor Webb had administered CPR on a person before in the time they鈥檝e been with the district. Laurence has been with the district for 21 years and Webb for 28.

Just don鈥檛 call them heroes.

鈥淚t鈥檚 more relief,鈥� Webb said. 鈥淚 told someone it鈥檚 almost like you survived a car wreck. You don鈥檛 celebrate when you survive a car wreck. You just say, 鈥楾hank goodness everything worked out.鈥欌��

Their life-saving action at the course was something they had never done. But it wasn鈥檛 the first time a member of the athletic department has had to perform CPR and use the AED on a student-athlete this month!

That distinction goes to Lamar athletic trainer Bryant Grice.

Grice was the trainer at the Lamar girls' basketball game against Irving Nimitz in early November. During the warmups, one of the Nimitz basketball players collapsed.

Grice was in another gym when basketball coach Errin Levels called him in for help. Grice came and thought the player had a seizure. She was unresponsive and Grice called for the AED. Dallas firefighter Kenneth Zacharie was in the stands because his wife is the Nimitz basketball coach.

Grice began CPR on the athlete while Zacharie prepped the AED device. It took three rounds of CPR, three administrations of the AED and the arrival of paramedics for the student to finally get a normal heart rhythm. She鈥檚 now recovering.

Grice felt like he was just doing what he鈥檚 trained to do.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not a coincidence or happenstance,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 there at work. I鈥檓 supposed to be there. The coincidence of everything is that a paramedic happened to be there. He gets just as much credit as I do. We were both there.鈥�

Like Laurence and Webb, Grice is trained in administering CPR and using the AED, but he鈥檇 never had to use one on anyone in his 12 years at Lamar.

He鈥檚 had time to reflect on the day and is just happy the outcome was what it was.

鈥淚鈥檓 not sure there鈥檚 been much of a reaction other than people thanking me and congratulating me on a job well done,鈥� Grice said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not that it鈥檚 a reason to celebrate. Her life is a reason to celebrate. I was doing my job. It鈥檚 our duty to react and respond in those situations.鈥�

Fitness grant will help buy new P.E. equipment

Called to the principal's office of Johns Elementary School, gym teacher Zachary Jenkins had no idea what was coming next.

Kiddos in trouble? An unhappy parent?

鈥淚 was super scared,鈥� said Jenkins.

Nerves quickly turned to shock as he walked in to see , the Dallas Cowboys mascot, and a check for a $5,000 grant from the waiting for him. Jenkins was nominated as the first 2023 Funds for Fitness Grant recipient of the season on behalf of the , the and the Dallas Cowboys.

The grant awards innovative educators who are making an impact on student health through physical education, coaching, mental health and character leadership across Texas.

鈥淲hen I walked in I could not contain the emotions,鈥� said Jenkins.

One of the only staff members to know of the surprise was Johns Elementary principal Grecia Lopez, whom Jenkins had asked about fitting cup-stacking equipment into the budget a week prior.

鈥淚 knew this was coming, but I had to tell him no, so I'm excited for him,鈥� said Lopez.

Jenkins plans to involve his students and teaching partners in the spending of his new grant. With brand鈥搉ew equipment 鈥� for much more than cup stacking 鈥� his students will have the chance to try new things, enjoy coming to school and build lifelong active habits.

鈥淚t means a lot,鈥� Jenkins said. 鈥淲e will be able to afford more equipment and make my program more enjoyable and fun for the kids.鈥�

Shortly after receiving the grant, the announcement was made over the intercom for the entire school.

鈥淚鈥檝e been at this campus for seven years, and this is a first,鈥� said Lopez. 鈥淛ohns is a hidden gem. It鈥檚 nice to bring some publicity to our campus, especially for something so positive like this.鈥�

With high fives from Rowdy and a soon-to-be growing P.E. program, it was a happy Friday for the Johns community.

鈥淚 am a huge Cowboys fan,鈥� Jenkins said. 鈥淭his is life-changing money, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity that they are giving me.鈥�

Learn more about .

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Ashworth Elementary dyslexia teacher Kim Harris is straightforward when she talks about her fight with cancer.

鈥淐ancer is rough,鈥� said Harris. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nasty. I just pray nobody has to go through this because it鈥檚 no fun. No fun.鈥�

The no-fun stage of life for Harris started last spring break when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Since then, Harris has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy and will have a lumpectomy next week followed up by 33 rounds of radiation.

No fun for sure. Making it tougher on Harris was the fact that after one of her rounds of chemotherapy, she had to go to the hospital because she wasn鈥檛 feeling well. During that stay, she had to have a blood transfusion. There was just one issue 鈥� the hospital didn鈥檛 have any of the blood type needed for Harris.

She had to stay an extra day until the hospital could get the blood she needed.

While that wasn鈥檛 a happy time, it did spur on everyone at Ashworth to do their part to help Harris and others needing blood.

Last Friday everyone at the school wore pink. It made sense for several reasons. October is , and the school also wanted to show its support for Harris. It also made sense because outside the school were two buses parked and collecting much-needed blood.

鈥淭his just makes my heart happy,鈥� said Harris, who has been at Ashworth since 2001, which was when she started in the district.

It was a no-brainer for the school to find a way to help.

Harris mentioned to someone at the school about the need for blood. Once principal Stacey Maddoux found out, she reached out to see if the school could get set up as a donation spot.

Maddoux then reached out to everyone in the Seguin community to get volunteers. More than 50 people signed up to donate, and by the time the event wrapped up, 50 people had donated and seven others were deferred.

鈥淭o be able to give back for Kim is one more way we can support her, but also for our community because this is truly a crisis for our community,鈥� said Maddoux as she was laying down and giving her own O+ blood. 鈥淲e鈥檝e supported Kim in many other ways, but this is a big one. We weren鈥檛 really aware that there was such a blood crisis in the community until that happened. Everybody鈥檚 really shown up. We鈥檝e had parents and teachers from other campuses.鈥�

Of course, there were Ashworth staff members on hand, too. Ashworth librarian Wafa Ihweil spent some time giving blood. She had company, too, as across from her was her daughter Aya.

鈥淎nything I can do to help Kim I鈥檒l do,鈥� said Ihweil, whose daughter is a frequent donator and just happened to see that one of the drives was at Ashworth. 鈥淚 was really shocked to hear there was a shortage of blood in Tarrant County. I wanted to do my small part to help. The fact that Kim shared her story means a lot because it鈥檚 very personal. She has an army of people here that are backing her up. Anything we can do to help in the process to make it a little easier we鈥檙e all over it.鈥�

It wasn鈥檛 just the people giving blood that were helping. Ashworth staff members who couldn鈥檛 give blood covered classes while others were outside donating.

鈥淭his just makes my heart so happy,鈥� said Harris. 鈥淭o know that we had more than 50 people give blood that will help others is just amazing.鈥�

CBS anchor presents award to Buksa

Last week, Speer Elementary celebrated 鈥淏uksa Day鈥� 鈥撎齛s her students听called it 鈥� here in 精东影业 ISD. The school recognized fifth-grade teacher Sarah Buksa for the dedication that she pours into her students and their families.听听

The one thing about the day was that Buksa had no idea it was coming.听

That鈥檚 what happens when you鈥檙e surprised to find out you鈥檙e the first recipient of the CBS 11 Crystal Apple Award.听

Thinking that she had a meeting with principal Stephanie Savala, Buksa was surprised to hear, 鈥淏uksa! Buksa! Buksa!鈥� coming from students through the cafeteria doors as she walked down the hall.听

As soon as she saw KTVT morning news anchor Brooke Katz, she knew it was much bigger than a meeting with Savala. As the star that Buksa is, every single student wanted to congratulate their teacher with a hug before heading back to class.听听

鈥淚 felt honored... they鈥檙e my little people,鈥� said Buksa. 鈥淚 know I put a lot into the kids, and it feels nice to be appreciated.鈥澨�听

Following in her mother鈥檚 (Janie Buksa, a kindergarten teacher at Burgin Elementary) and grandmother鈥檚 footsteps, Buksa is in her eighth year of teaching. She was inspired to become a teacher after her mom sparked the idea of substitute teaching. After her first day, she knew that the classroom was exactly where she was meant to be.听

Her teaching is more than just reading and writing. It鈥檚 about growing her students as people, too. Just ask Lakenda Williams, mother of Saniyah Williams 鈥� one of Buksa鈥檚 students 鈥� who nominated Buksa for this award. 听

鈥淢s. Buksa has changed my daughter's view of education,鈥� said Williams. 鈥淪he challenges her, she advises her and she uplifts her... she鈥檚 a cheerleader for the whole class.鈥�听

Not only has Williams seen Buksa鈥檚 positive impact on her daughter, but she also feels the impact on herself. Experiencing the love Buksa has for her students motivated Williams to return to school to study education. And better yet, she gets to learn right next to Buksa as a teaching assistant at Speer.听

Buksa is also famous for her implementation of 鈥淔un Friday.鈥� Her kiddos earn their end-of-the-week celebration with completed work and good behavior. One of the students' favorite parts about Fun Friday is spending their classroom money on fun prizes 鈥� all of which are paid for out of Buksa鈥檚 own pocket.听

鈥淪he genuinely cares about every student, and she acknowledges their differences,鈥� said Savala. 鈥淪he encourages them to meet their goals and be who they want to be.鈥�听

Teachers like Buksa, who leave a positive mark on their students, is what teaching is all about here at 精东影业 ISD.听听

鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of work, but it鈥檚 not anything that I would trade,鈥� said Buksa.听

听If you know a teacher like Buksa, you can nominate them for the next 听听

Summer mentors fill the gap

Most of us can remember what it鈥檚 like to be a new kid in school. Whether you just moved, just started kindergarten or just moved up to junior high or high school, it was overwhelming and filled with uncertainty.

So, you can imagine what it might be like for a brand-new teacher 鈥� new to the career, new to the school and new to their students. It can be just as overwhelming and filled with uncertainty.

But in the 精东影业 ISD, these new teachers are not alone. And now the support they receive starts in the summer, well before they ever step foot in their new classrooms.

The 精东影业 ISD professional learning department launched a districtwide mentor program for new teachers last spring. But the professional learning team noticed something was still missing.

鈥淭here was still a gap between when someone gets hired in 精东影业 ISD and when they actually show up on campus,鈥� said Jennifer Cummings, professional learning specialist.

So, they launched the summer mentor program this past summer to fill the gap.

鈥淲e wanted the focus to be relationship and community, so connecting the new teachers with the larger 精东影业 ISD district and helping them feel a part,鈥� Cummings said.

The professional learning team identified 22 veteran 精东影业 ISD teachers from every level who could serve as mentors to recently hired new teachers. Then they gave them training and tools to use throughout the summer. Once new hires went through orientation, they got assigned to a mentor.

The mentorship was designed around six structured contacts that included email, phone calls and in-person meetings. It was all about getting the new teachers acclimated and ready for the new year 鈥� everything from getting their email set up to talking through questions and expectations.

鈥淚 had a fantastic experience with the summer mentoring program,鈥� said Shey Anderson, a summer mentor and teacher at Venture High School. 鈥淭he mentees were happy to have someone who could explain district stuff and be their support. We met on several occasions at their school and for lunch. However, texting was the best since things pop up throughout their day.鈥�

One of Anderson鈥檚 mentees was Summer Hall, a new art teacher at Sam Houston High School. Anderson invited Hall to lunch, along with a veteran teacher from Sam Houston so Hall would have an immediate connection at the school.

鈥淭he information she gave me helped me have a smooth transition and made me feel prepared and equipped for AISD,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淚t also made me feel important, wanted, and not just a number. This training and many other accomplishments make AISD stand out among other school districts. Consequently, because of this training, I am prepared and never felt overwhelmed, setting me up for success with my future career at AISD and Sam Houston.鈥�

Hall鈥檚 experience is exactly what Cummings and her team were going for when they introduced the program.

鈥淲e want to keep teachers,鈥� Cummings said. 鈥淥ne of the big parts of that is making sure people feel valued 鈥� they are a part of this larger community. I think that the summer mentors really helped drive home that this is 精东影业 ISD and this how we care for and develop our people.鈥�

Part of a longer relay

The summer mentors were just the first part of the bigger mentorship program.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a continuum of support for our first-year teachers, and our summer mentors were the first leg of the relay,鈥� Cummings said.

The mentors then passed the baton to Cummings and Renee Pope, 精东影业 ISD professional learning coordinator, who provided training and orientation during 鈥渘ew teacher week.鈥� And now that school has started, the baton is in the hands of 250 campus mentors.

Those campus mentors are helping the 344 new teachers in the district acclimate to their new careers and the 精东影业 ISD. They will carry that baton all year.

鈥淭he role of the New Teacher Mentor is to guide and walk alongside the first year and bridge substitute teacher,鈥� Pope said. 鈥淭hey are responsible for collaborating with mentees in the selection of interactions that meet their unique needs and interests.鈥�

They continue what the summer mentors started, building relationships and community and providing operations and instructional support for the new teachers.

Learn more about the district鈥檚 new teacher induction program.

School librarians are librarians all year long 鈥� even during the summer.

That鈥檚 certainly true of Williams Elementary librarian Amy Haynes.

She鈥檚 been Williams鈥� librarian for 13 years and is always trying to get her students to read 鈥� even on Saturdays in July.

In fact, on four Saturdays last month, Haynes set up a book giveaway station for 精东影业 ISD students at , a central location for many Williams students. She spread the word that she was giving away free books with flyers to neighboring apartment complexes, on social media and through summer school teachers.

The inspiration for Haynes鈥� book giveaway came from 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Bookmobile, ARLO (精东影业 ISD Raises Literacy Outcomes).

鈥淚 volunteered with ARLO the previous year and saw how excited and grateful the families were to be receiving free books,鈥� Haynes said.

She wanted to volunteer again this summer with ARLO, but the district鈥檚 bookmobile now primarily operates as a support to campuses during the school year instead of the summer.

So, Haynes launched her own summer book giveaway with support from 精东影业 ISD library media services, which offered to supply all the books.

鈥淩eading is like exercising,鈥� said Lesley Cano, 精东影业 ISD library media services specialist, explaining why it鈥檚 so important to read during the summer. 鈥淛ust like exercising keeps our muscles in shape, reading helps to keep our brains in shape. It's estimated that students lose, on average, about 20% of the past school year's gains in reading during the summer.鈥�

It鈥檚 so important to read over the summer, but that requires books. Thanks to Haynes, around 50 students got free books to take home and read this summer. She distributed more than 100 books to the students.

鈥淲hen children have books at home, they are more likely to read for enjoyment and talk about what they read with their families, which builds vocabulary and comprehension,鈥� Cano said. 鈥淩esearch has shown that children who have books in their homes are also more likely to have increased academic success across all content areas.鈥�

35+ teachers model their classrooms

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 hallways were turned into runways for current and new teachers at this year鈥檚 New Teacher Week.听

New Teacher Week is a special time dedicated to the specific needs of new teachers to prepare them for a successful start to their first year of teaching.听听

For the first time, model teachers were selected to lead hands-on, in-classroom experiences as a part of New Teacher Week.听听

More than 35 精东影业 ISD teachers modeled their classrooms for incoming teachers to help them have a great start in their new profession.听听

Model teachers may not walk in fashion shows, but they sure do set the perfect example. From practicing lunch line-up to classroom hand signals, this was a fantastic way for first-year teachers to learn and apply how experienced teachers successfully manage and instruct their students.听听

Around 190 new teachers participated in training, orientations and community-building across the district this week.听听

Ashworth Elementary fifth-grade teacher Pamela Barnes had a full class of newbies learning from her Tuesday morning.听

鈥淲e wanted to focus on the first day and first-week routines,鈥� said Barnes. 鈥淚t is important for them to build routines because once you are in the classroom, you must have a system in place.鈥澨�听

One of the primary goals of New Teacher Week is to ensure a balance of operational, relational and instructional support. The exercises help teachers feel confident when stepping onto their campus with knowledge and skills to employ immediately as they begin to collaborate with campus colleagues and engage with students and families.听听

鈥淭o be able to see a model teacher is different than hearing about it in school,鈥� said incoming Little Elementary teacher Ashley Turner. 鈥淚t is interesting to see different teacher perspectives. I have accumulated things I want to add to my classroom and things I want to do differently.鈥澨�听

The outpouring of support from the district鈥檚 model teachers has helped make an easy transition for its growing community.听

精东影业 ISD is excited to welcome incoming teachers and ready to take on the 2023-24 school year!听

Teachers completed 18 hours at UTA to teach dual credit

The surprise visit with balloons was a nice way to end the year. Actually, to end the last two years.

It鈥檚 been two years of hard work that three 精东影业 ISD teachers were celebrated for last month as the school year came to a close.

Jeanne Maxwell, 精东影业 ISD coordinator of postsecondary partnerships, and several of her teammates walked into the classrooms of Misty Mellor at 精东影业 College and Career High School, Travis Canon, also at ACCHS, and Sandra Miller at Lamar High School unannounced, bearing balloons. They were there to congratulate the teachers for completing the requirements of the Dual Credit Faculty Expansion Grant.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so proud of you,鈥� said Brenda Lohse, the district鈥檚 coordinator of fund development, to Mellor in her classroom. 鈥淚t was an undertaking because at the beginning we didn鈥檛 know how this was going to play out 鈥� Thank you for just sticking through and making it happen.鈥�

Mellor 鈥� and Canon and Miller 鈥� completed 18 hours of courses at to earn their postsecondary credential to teach dual credit classes. The grant from the Texas Education Agency reimbursed them for their tuition, textbooks, fees and mileage. It鈥檚 part of a partnership among 精东影业 ISD, UT 精东影业 and Tarrant County College District and makes them eligible to apply to be embedded instructors at TCC.

鈥淲e know that going to school and teaching full-time and all the other things that are part of life are really difficult, and you persevered through all of it with grace and we are very proud of you,鈥� Maxwell said to Canon as several of his surprised students looked on.

The purpose of the grant program was to increase the number of educators eligible to teach dual credit courses on high school campuses in order to expand academic pathways, including offering dual credit courses, for students.

As the district offers more dual credit courses, particularly at ACCHS, 精东影业 Collegiate High School and the four P-TECH programs, having the teachers certified to teach these college-level classes is imperative. With dual credit teachers embedded in the high school faculty, scheduling those classes is much easier and it expands opportunities for students.

鈥淲e are very excited to have dual credit professors embedded in our Lamar staff,鈥� said Carolyn Longoria, Lamar P-TECH assistant principal. 鈥淎s you can imagine, coordinating college schedules and high school schedules, as well as transportation between the two campuses can be challenging and could limit other opportunities for a student at their home high school campus. Embedded professors allow the high school to more easily provide college instruction on the high school campus that works within the students鈥� desired schedule but still maintains the high academic standards and credentialling required of staff members teaching for the college.鈥�

Case in point 鈥� thanks to Miller鈥檚 new dual credit certification, Lamar P-TECH students will get to take dual credit math with Tarrant County College in the fall. Miller, of course, will be the professor.听 听

鈥淚've always thought that high school students deserved to be able to take math dual credit as well as the other dual credit courses we offer, but I never thought I'd have the chance to be one of their teachers,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淚'm really looking forward to starting this process with our P-Tech kids this fall.鈥�

In addition to expanding dual credit opportunities, the three teacher鈥檚 coursework and certification also improve the quality of instruction for students.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a real benefit for students to have teachers who understand both teaching high school and college rigor,鈥� said Traci Thomas-Bragg, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 director of postsecondary partnerships.

As it turned out, it was also beneficial for the students to simply see their teachers continuing their own education.

鈥淚 was thankful for the grant,鈥� Mellor said. 鈥淚t allowed me to continue my education in order to be able to teach dual credit science in the future. It was also great for the ACCHS students to see their teachers being students. They would often ask me and Mr. Canon how our classes were going, and they celebrated with us upon completion.鈥�

Helpful Honda reps show up at surprise ceremony

It鈥檚 already been a banner year for Ashworth Elementary second-grade teacher Donnetta Norris.

Norris, who has been with the 精东影业 ISD for 14 years, was selected as the Ashworth teacher of the year for the 2022-23 school year. That honor got Norris an invite to the luncheon as well as the district鈥檚 teacher of the year banquet earlier this year.

That would have been an outstanding year for most, but there was more in store for Norris. Last week, the North Texas Honda Dealers surprised Norris with a Random Act of Helpfulness during Teacher Appreciation Week.

That meant Norris received $5,000 in school supplies for her classroom in a surprise announcement in the school鈥檚 gym.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a year,鈥� said Norris, who was also the teacher of the year at Roark before moving to Ashworth. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been overwhelming. I love being a teacher. What I do, I do it because I love being a teacher. But to be recognized for it makes it a little sweeter.鈥�

While it was a surprise for Norris, it wasn鈥檛 for Ashworth principal Stacey Maddoux. She nominated Norris for the honor. Once she found out Norris was going to receive it, the school staged an assembly in the gym that included 精东影业 ISD superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos.

Cavazos said he wanted to honor Norris and needed some help. In came the blue-clad North Texas Helpful Honda reps with wagons full of the latest and greatest classroom supplies.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so special to have Mrs. Norris recognized because she鈥檚 such an integral part of what we do here,鈥� Maddoux said. 鈥淪he truly does reach out and take care of everybody else. She spent all week last week and this week sneaking in people鈥檚 rooms and dropping off something for them without them knowing. She cares for everybody, and she makes sure that every kid in her class never escapes learning. They learn and they are engaged. They love her.鈥�

While Norris will already have the basic school supplies for her students this fall, the Random Act of Helpfulness goes above and beyond. Instead of construction paper, tissues and pencils, the gift includes the kind of technology supplies teachers want but often can鈥檛 afford like iPads and headphone sets.

鈥淚鈥檓 going to have to learn how to use some of the stuff to be perfectly honest with you,鈥� Norris said. 鈥淏ut that鈥檚 what鈥檚 great about this, we can learn it together. The kids need the technology skills. It鈥檚 going to make the learning entertaining and engaging, so I鈥檓 excited about that.鈥�

It's Teacher Appreciation Week

Depending on who you ask, Teacher Appreciation Week is either this week or next. Either way, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 teachers deserve appreciation all year long. But this is a great opportunity to say thanks to all of our teachers and to highlight the teachers of the year and the AWARE Foundation鈥檚 teacher award winners.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so grateful for every single teacher in our district,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. 鈥淭hey are passionate about education and pour so much love into their students. We know teaching is not easy and takes so much work both in and out of the classroom. But the impact teachers have on students 鈥� the lives they change for the better 鈥� makes it so rewarding.鈥�

精东影业 ISD has thousands of thriving students, and behind every one of them is a dedicated teacher.

鈥淥n behalf of the board of trustees, I want to say thank you to all of our teachers,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD board president Melody Fowler. 鈥淎s a teacher myself, I know what it takes. I鈥檓 just so proud of you for your unwavering commitment and dedication to the students. It鈥檚 almost the end of the year, so I鈥檓 sure you鈥檙e pretty tired. But you鈥檙e just a few weeks away from a much-deserved summer break. Thank you!鈥�

2022-2023 Teachers of the Year

The teachers of the year from each of the district鈥檚 77 schools were honored recently with a banquet at the 精东影业 ISD Professional Development Center. The tacos and enchiladas served at the event, along with the messages of thanks from Cavazos and Fowler, were but small tokens of appreciation for jobs incredibly well done.

See all 77 teachers of the year.

members were also at the event to honor the Kiwanis Woodrow Counts Teachers of the Year, first announced at the 62^nd annual Kiwanis teacher-of-the-year celebration on April 5. The winners were:

• High School 鈥� Alan Austin, a history teacher at 精东影业 High School
• Junior High 鈥� Charnae Jordan, a seventh grade math teacher at Nichols Junior High
• Elementary 鈥� Corrine Brookshire, a fifth grade teacher at Little Elementary.

AWARE Foundation Awards

The all-volunteer AWARE Foundation has been rewarding exceptional teachers in the 精东影业 ISD since 1989 and recently announced their finalists for this year:

• Danielle Brigham 鈥� Farrell Elementary (Pre-K-1^st Grade category)
• Jamie Hesser 鈥� Bryant Elementary (2^nd鈥� 4^th听Grade category)
• Corrie Brookshire 鈥� Little Elementary (5^th-6^th Grade category)
• Francelia Jame 鈥� Workman Junior High (Junior High category)
• Rylee Russell-Bruton 鈥� Venture High School (High School category).

Congratulations to all the award winners, and thank you to every educator in the 精东影业 ISD!

Teacher leaders walk the red carpet

Sequin dresses and swanky suits filled the as teachers from across the district were honored for their leadership last night. Puttin鈥� on the Glitz was the first celebration of its kind for the district's teacher leaders, and the school leadership department pulled out all the stops for the red carpet affair.

It felt like a Hollywood movie premiere night as nearly 700 teachers walked down the red carpet while paparazzi snapped pictures of their radiant smiles. The CVPA was decked in black and gold d茅cor and appetizing hors d鈥檕euvres and dinner options lined the lobby.

While teachers filled up on roasted chicken skewers and an array of delectable desserts, they received encouragement from Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, Board of Trustees members, the executive leadership team and principals from across the district.

鈥淟eadership matters in every part of the organization, but it really matters at the teacher level,鈥� said Cavazos. 鈥淭hey have stepped up and assumed positions to lead other teachers, and this is an inspiration for us, because it鈥檚 best that this kind of work is distributed. I鈥檓 proud of all these teachers here today and the staff that works with this program.鈥�

From the superintendent to the school leadership department, the goal of the event was to honor and empower teacher leaders to continue making a difference on campus.

鈥淎SPIRE is a network of leadership programs, and we specifically target teacher leaders in one of three of our pathways,鈥� said Jessica Estillette, director of leadership development. 鈥淲e have opportunities for level and department leads, model teachers, instructional coaches and mentors. We want them to be seen as instructional leaders on their campus, so we want to support in their development.鈥�

By the overwhelming turnout for the event, it鈥檚 evident that teacher leaders are getting the support they need to grow and step out of their comfort zones.

Some school groups even showed up dressed in the same color scheme or matching tiaras. And one school arrived in a limo. These campus leaders just can鈥檛 resist bringing school spirit everywhere they go. Needless to say, everyone left with bellies and hearts full.

Gratitude filled the air as hundreds gathered to reflect on this year鈥檚 accomplishments.

鈥淎s an educator, you don鈥檛 do it for celebrations like this, but it鈥檚 always a plus,鈥� said Gordon Stephens, Lamar High School calculus teacher and girls wrestling coach. 鈥淵ou do it because you want to see kids succeed, but it鈥檚 so kind of the district to acknowledge our efforts. It gives us a push to keep going.鈥�

ASPIRE

If you are a teacher in the 精东影业 ISD and you鈥檙e ready to go to new heights, apply to be a part of the ASPIRE teacher leadership program today. If you teach outside of the district and you鈥檙e ready to switch things up, now is the perfect time to join the 精东影业 ISD and take your leadership skills to the next level with ASPIRE.

No matter what track you鈥檙e on, ASPIRE will help you do just what it says 鈥� rise higher in your career.

Dallas Cowboys and Reliant Energy honor Carly Glass

What started out as a late lunch period ended up being a big surprise for Miller Elementary School teacher Carly Glass. The and stormed into her classroom to award her with the Cowboys Class Acts award for November.

Glass was in shock when the entourage walked in, and her students leaped with excitement as the Cowboys鈥� and Reliant鈥檚 mascots, Rowdy and Hugo, met them with hi-fives.

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Glass is one-of-a-kind teacher

While Glass is kind, patient and caring, she鈥檚 anything but your average teacher. She teaches deaf and hearing-impaired students in kindergarten and first grade. So, while the surprise was happening, she communicated with sign language to keep her students in the loop. She wanted them to be able to celebrate the special moment with her.

鈥淚 have always had a passion for helping others,鈥� said Glass. 鈥淢y younger sister has a disability and struggled in school, and I knew I wanted to go out and be the voice for those that didn鈥檛 have one. I decided to go to school to help students with any kind of disability. I found my heart in the deaf education community, and I never looked back.

鈥淚 am so honored, especially because I鈥檓 surrounded by so many amazing teachers who bring so much to this school and to our students.鈥�

A few other people were in on the surprise, too. 精东影业 ISD superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, former Cowboys linebacker Bradie James and a Reliant rep were on hand for the surprise.

鈥淚 come from a family of educators, and I know how important it is for them to be celebrated,鈥� said James. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not a selfish job, so I wanted to be here to thank Ms. Glass for doing an awesome job.鈥�

Glass was blown away when the group handed her a $4,000 check to be used to improve her classroom, a personalized jersey and an autographed football. Glass now joins a group of six other teachers from 精东影业 ISD who have received the award since the program鈥檚 inception.

鈥淢s. Glass represents our teachers exceptionally well,鈥� said Cavazos. 鈥淭his enthusiasm and love you have for your students is outstanding, and you have that every day. It鈥檚 no surprise the Dallas Cowboys and Reliant are celebrating you.鈥�

Although Glass is only a second-year teacher, her positive impact and passion are evident. She continues to be an inspiration to teachers at Miller and those around her.

If you鈥檙e not sure what it takes to be a substitute teacher in the 精东影业 ISD, you can always ask Duff Elementary fourth-grade teacher Tori Kennedy for some advice.

If that鈥檚 not good enough, you can head over to Butler Elementary where second-grade teacher Yssa Gilmore would probably offer up some similar tips.

Why similar?

Because both Kennedy and Gilmore got their teaching careers started as substitutes in the 精东影业 ISD. It makes sense that their careers followed the same path because they are sisters who went down the same teaching route 鈥� graduating from the University of Texas at 精东影业, subbing in the 精东影业 ISD, student teaching in the district and then landing full-time teaching jobs in the same district the Martin High School graduates went to school.

That sub sister life is a path others can take, too, as the district is always looking for outstanding substitutes. This week we鈥檙e honoring our extraordinary substitutes as we celebrate Substitute Appreciation Week.

The Sub Path

The sub path to teaching is something the sisters would recommend.

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鈥淚 started subbing because I knew ever since I was in first grade that I wanted to be a teacher and I could not wait to get my foot in the door,鈥� said Gilmore, who subbed and student taught at Duff and is in her first year as a full-time teacher. 鈥淪ubbing for me was the perfect experience. I got to experience so many different classrooms, different classroom settings, environments. I got to work with different age groups, different students and it was just a great learning experience for me.鈥�

Big sister Kennedy followed a similar path. She subbed at Ashworth Elementary, where her mother Pamela Barnes is a teacher, before student-teaching and subbing at Starrett Elementary. She鈥檚 now in her seventh year at Duff.

鈥淚 thought it was going to be really good experience if I was going to go into this field,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淎s a sub you really get to experience what it鈥檚 like to be on your own in the classroom and deal with any obstacles that may come your way. I felt like it was really good experience to be on my own in the classroom and being able to get that teaching experience I would use later in my career.鈥�

Gilmore knew teaching was the path she wanted at a younger age than her sister. She would set up her bedroom as a classroom when she was in elementary school. While Kennedy wasn鈥檛 so sure at a young age, being a sub helped her cement her future career.

鈥淢y sister and I both grew up wanting to be teachers,鈥� Kennedy said. 鈥淚 kind of floundered around deciding what I wanted to do. In the end, I saw my mom in her job at Ashworth Elementary and really liked what she was doing. From my experience subbing and tutoring in her building, that really kind of solidified that I wanted to teach, too.鈥�

The sisters subbed at different schools, but the experience they gained from the work was similar. And they didn鈥檛 have the same responsibilities they do now as teachers because most of the planning was done for them.

They just had to be ready to work with the students, whatever grade level they were teaching at the time.

It鈥檚 something that helps them today, too.

鈥淩egardless of whether you choose to go into teaching as a profession, it鈥檚 just awesome to work with kids and see what鈥檚 going on in the school system,鈥� Gilmore said.

Sub in the 精东影业 ISD

Does the path the sisters took to teaching sound good to you? You can take the first step by applying to be a substitute teacher in the 精东影业 ISD. Apply !

Sixth 精东影业 ISD teacher named Cowboys Class Act

Last Monday might have been rainy, but the weather couldn鈥檛 stop the joy at Bowie High School. Students and staff were all smiles when the and surprised Sammy Epps with the Cowboys Class Acts honor for October.

Epps is a health teacher and coaches football, track and cross country. Even with a full plate, he does whatever he can to be there for his students, peers and family.

It was evident as students and coaches surrounded him and showered him with hugs as he was honored. In excitement, the football team even broke out a few dance moves with the Cowboys mascot, Rowdy.

鈥淸Head football] Coach [Joseph] Sam really got me with this one,鈥� said Epps. 鈥淚 thought I was coming in here for a meeting.鈥�

It was probably the most celebratory and unconventional meeting he鈥檚 ever been in. Epps received a personalized jersey from former Cowboys linebacker Bradie James, an autographed game ball and a $4,000 grant.

Epps was speechless.

鈥淲ithout him and coaches like him, I wouldn鈥檛 be here today,鈥� said James. 鈥淛ust being here and celebrating Coach Epps is another way of giving back.鈥�

Epps is now the sixth teacher in 精东影业 ISD to receive the Cowboys Class Acts distinction. The Cowboys and Reliant started the program to honor teachers that exemplify excellence in and out of the classroom and a commitment to their community.

鈥淚鈥檓 extremely proud our coach was honored,鈥� said David Morrow, Bowie assistant principal. 鈥淐oach Epps is dedicated to the service of teaching all of his students and being a great coach as well.鈥�

His dedication to students spans 30 years as a teacher and coach in the district. The honor may have been shocking for him, but it was no surprise to everyone who knows him.

鈥淚 thank the Dallas Cowboys and Reliant because it鈥檚 important for us to recognize teachers but it鈥檚 also important for our partners,鈥� said Dr. Marcelo Cavazos, 精东影业 ISD superintendent. 鈥淥ur teachers and coaches love our students, they love the community, and Coach Epps, you demonstrate that exceptionally well. Thanks for being a role model in our district.鈥�

There is no doubt Epps is a class act because of his daily service to the community with love, care and kindness.

鈥淚t鈥檚 always about giving back,鈥� said Epps. 鈥淚 serve and give back every single day. I always knew I wanted to do something to educate our youth, and I love helping them find their way into adulthood.鈥�

You wake up in Limerick, Ireland, on a breezy, summer day. As bright, white clouds fill the blue sky, you begin to get dressed to play ultimate Frisbee with your friends. What started off as a few fun games becomes a third-place finish at the . It may sound like a dream, but that鈥檚 the reality for Krystina Morris, a U.S. history teacher at 精东影业 High School.

Morris got a chance to compete with her team, Soar, at the championship against 18 teams from around the globe, including Canada, Singapore, England, Colombia and more. Soar is a not-so-subtle play on words since her team and division are comprised of women aged 30 and older. The team qualified for the world championship after placing fourth at a Colorado tournament in July 2021 and couldn鈥檛 wait to compete in Ireland for a title.

The Dallas native鈥檚 love for ultimate Frisbee began brewing on an intramural recreation team at the University of Texas at 精东影业 where she received her bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees. Until then, Morris had never played a sport before.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 play sports and I never left this region growing up, but ultimate Frisbee opened so many new doors,鈥� said Morris. 鈥淚 even met my husband on a team I used to play on.鈥�

She has been able to cross some states off her travel list like Wisconsin, Florida, Virginia, Utah and Illinois while spending quality time with her husband playing a sport they both enjoy.

Ultimate Teacher

When she鈥檚 not vigorously training or competing, her time is spent trying to make history relatable for 16-year-olds.

鈥淚 always want to tell it like a story, so my kids can understand it better,鈥� said Morris. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about getting them to realize how history is impacting them, then it clicks for them.鈥�

Nearly a decade into teaching, her favorite thing is making connections with students.

The connections she鈥檚 making at 精东影业 High are undeniable because she was selected by the school鈥檚 dean of instruction and instructional coach to be a model teacher. Model teachers work closely with peers to promote and model excellent teaching through sharing effective practices. Basically, Morris opens her classroom to other teachers to show them how it鈥檚 done.

鈥淪he鈥檚 an outstanding teacher and team player in the building, so it makes perfect sense that she would be on a team that made it to such a high level,鈥� said 精东影业 High principal Stacie Humbles. 鈥淲hen I found out she was on the Frisbee team, I thought it was another unique and awesome quality she possesses. She鈥檚 the coolest.鈥�

That鈥檚 probably why she鈥檚 a level lead, too, making sure all the U.S. history teachers are on one accord when it comes to teaching the material and preparing their students for success. And a campus technology facilitator. In this role, she encourages teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms so students can take what they鈥檙e learning and apply it practically.

What鈥檚 next for Morris?

As she heads into her 12th year of playing ultimate Frisbee, she will continue playing with her team in local and regional tournaments. On more relaxing weekends, Morris plans to hang out with her nieces and nephew at the movies, carnivals and anything else that requires lots of fun. In the classroom, she wants to continue to give her students opportunities to learn about the country, themselves and how they can make an impact in the world.

鈥淓ducation gives opportunities,鈥� said Morris. 鈥淚 was awful when I first started playing Frisbee but after practicing and putting forth effort, I got better. It鈥檚 the same thing with education. Our position in life isn鈥檛 stationary. If you put the work in, you can always achieve results and succeed.鈥�

Whether it鈥檚 in the classroom or playing ultimate Frisbee, Morris is sure to leave it all on the field.

CTE Training

It鈥檚 all about building connections that last.

That was the theme as 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 career and technical education (CTE) teachers gathered at UT 精东影业鈥檚 SEIR Building on Wednesday for a professional development conference. The all-day event helped them prepare for the new school year.

鈥淭oday is the start of a journey to build lasting connections,鈥� said Susan Patterson, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 CTE director, to the room full of teachers.

She told them they already have the knowledge the students need. The key is to build the kind of connections and community in the classroom that will empower the students to receive that knowledge and use it to thrive.

Workforce Panel

To kick off the day of training, Patterson and Ginger Polster, principal of 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center, hosted a panel discussion on the current work environment and how it applies to students and education. The distinguished panelists included:

• Marcelo Cavazos, 精东影业 ISD superintendent
• Aziz Kobty, owner and chef
• Joe Rivas, vice president of human resources and TEXO board member
• Cara Lundquist, director, total rewards and workforce planning, strategy and development
• Judy McDonald, executive director

The panelists touched on a host of issues, but several themes stuck out, including advice for students entering the workforce, encouragement and a reminder to teachers of how important they are, and a wakeup call for higher education and the country as a whole.

Good advice

The panelists gave advice for students even though none were in the room. But the teachers can take that advice and pass it on in the classroom. Much of the advice boiled down to attitude.

鈥淭he attitude is what鈥檚 important,鈥� Rivas said. 鈥淲e鈥檒l teach you the other stuff.鈥�

Lundquist echoed Rivas and encouraged enthusiasm and engagement.

鈥淚t can be the most basic task in the world, but look excited,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd think critically. We鈥檙e always looking for people who will look at something and see it differently from an educated standpoint.鈥�

With a good attitude, employees can also collaborate and build strong relationships.

鈥淚t鈥檚 real important to learn how to build relationships,鈥� Rivas said.

McDonald explained that knowing how to get along and be flexible is basic to success 鈥� and it鈥檚 required in every job.

鈥淎t some point you鈥檙e going to have to work together,鈥� she said.

Encouragement

When the panelists were asked what the most important thing was they got out of high school, they became nostalgic and even emotional. Each one was impacted and inspired by their teachers. What they had to say must have encouraged the teachers and reminded them of the powerful role they play in their students鈥� lives.

鈥淭he most important thing I got out of high school was a sense of what I wanted to do after high school,鈥� Cavazos said. 鈥淚t was the teachers around me that helped me develop that.鈥�

Kobty, who graduated from Martin High School, admitted he wasn鈥檛 exactly a model student, but his coaches kept him accountable, and his teachers laid the foundation for his future.

鈥淭he building blocks of how to be successful started with my education,鈥� he said.

McDonald鈥檚 building blocks came from her teachers, as well. Encouragement from a teacher let her know that it was possible for a girl like her to go to college and have a successful career.

鈥淚 had a teacher in junior high say something very powerful to me that motivated me.鈥�

Wakeup Call

Cavazos turned the conversation to the shortage of teachers throughout the country. The need for teachers isn鈥檛 going away, but the pipeline for teachers is shrinking.

鈥淚t鈥檚 really a national crisis,鈥� Cavazos said.

Combine that with an aging workforce that will see many, including teachers, retire soon.

鈥淭wenty-five percent of our workforce is going to taper off over the next five years,鈥� Rivas said. 鈥淲ill we be ready?

The country won鈥檛 be without a renewed focus on developing and training new educators.

Universities and the federal government have poured money into research, engineering and science but have too often neglected education. It鈥檚 time for that kind of investment in teachers and education.

鈥淧eople will go into education if they鈥檙e inspired to do it and they have assistance,鈥� Cavazos said.

The inspiration starts with elementary, junior high and high school teachers and the impact they have on students. But then higher education 鈥� and the country as a whole 鈥� must provide resources, opportunities and incentives for young people to become teachers.

Ready for Monday

Schools starts on Monday and the CTE teachers are ready.

鈥淭here is room for every kid to be successful,鈥� Lundquist said.

That is definitely true in the 精东影业 ISD, where opportunities to match every student鈥檚 interest and passion are offered. And with the knowledge the CTE teachers have and the connections they are prepared to make, they are ready to inspire every student to learn and thrive.

If you haven鈥檛 registered your child for school, it鈥檚 never too late. Start the process online here.

CTAC Academy

In preparation for the 2022-23 school year, 精东影业 ISDs technology integration and innovation (TI虏) department is hosting a summer academy for the campus technology advisory committee (CTAC).

The objective of the academy is to equip teachers, librarians, instructional coaches, deans etc. with proper tools that make teaching students materials for the and STAAR exams simpler to comprehend and complete.

鈥淚t鈥檚 so important to speak with CTAC members about campus goals and how technology can be used purposely in classrooms and libraries,鈥� said Steve Simpson, the director of TI虏. 鈥淲e want our CTAC members to be the most skilled and knowledgeable educators because they serve as a model for their colleagues and can be a strong support system.鈥�

Teachers can learn too

For the TI虏 department, having CTAC members back in person for hands-on training was a breath of fresh air. Seeing their colleagues and having a space to share new ideas and techniques has been something they have looked forward to for the past two years.

For technology integration specialists Stephen Hayes, Lori Heaton, Susan Anderson and Levianne Mirabelli, each session and its area of focus has something unique to bring to the committee. Tools such as Edpuzzle, Canva, genially and learning.com allow the teachers and students to express their creativity.

The tools

The Edpuzzle platform taught by Hayes allows teachers to use interactive videos to ask questions or add notes to a video for students to answer and track their progress.

Canva, which is taught by Heaton, is a tool that assists in graphic design. Teachers can make posters, flyers, brochures, infographics, newsletters etc. The possibilities are endless, but what makes this platform one of the best to use in education is its versatility and capabilities.

鈥淚t鈥檚 truly a great tool for teachers and students to use and create and collaborate,鈥� said Heaton. 鈥淗aving multiple collaborators on one project is amazing and seeing what the students have learned on the platform makes it so much fun.鈥�

Learning.com is also a huge hit with the committee as the platform aligns directly with TEKS technology. One of the problems TI虏 and teachers have discovered is that students struggle with taking the STAAR test because it is now completely online. Navigating the test has been an issue and typing answers for the exam is also an obstacle. Well, platforms such as learning.com helps students familiarize themselves with taking tests online.

鈥淚t鈥檚 our technology textbook,鈥� said Mirabelli. 鈥淣ow that the STAAR test is online and students have to navigate the system and type their answers, this tool is great in preparing our students ahead of time for the exam. In turn they feel comfortable on the test and can be successful.鈥�

Learn more

To learn more about the TI虏 department, visit their page and check out the tools along with other great tools that will help your student throughout their academic career.

You don鈥檛 have to talk to many teachers to discover that this can be a very challenging career. Now more than ever.

Teachers are facing limitations everywhere they turn and are leaving the profession in droves. At 精东影业 ISD we want to help you remember why you chose this career in the first place.

You love teaching, and you love kids. If only it were that simple!

Teachers have no Limits

We find that teachers are always looking for opportunities to grow as leaders. For this reason, 精东影业 ISD offers the ASPIRE Leadership Program. The Teacher Leadership Pathway in ASPIRE offers a wide range of job-embedded leadership opportunities that will help you advance and grow past every limitation.

You鈥檙e committed to helping students grow to their fullest potential. And we鈥檙e committed to helping you grow to yours.

We know that teaching is one of the most challenging jobs in the world. But with the right support and growth opportunities, it鈥檚 also the most rewarding.

Join the Team

Joining our team and taking advantage of the ASPIRE Leadership Program is an investment in yourself and your future. This is your chance to take the next step in a lifetime of learning in a culture of care and stability. We can鈥檛 wait to meet you!

No one understands that teachers are leaders better than the 精东影业 ISD.

That鈥檚 why the district has a leadership pathway set up for teachers that will support them whether they want to be leaders in the classroom, grade level, district level or even advance beyond the classroom and move into new roles.

鈥淲e know we have so much untapped talent in our district, and we wanted to make sure we had a formalized way to tap into talent in our system across the board,鈥� said Dr. A. Tracie Brown, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 chief schools officer. 鈥淣o matter what role you鈥檙e in, we want to grow and develop every single person. We know that teachers make the most impact on what happens in the classroom. The better we can produce great leaders in the classroom, the better outcomes we will have for our kids.鈥�

That鈥檚 why the district started ASPIRE, its formalized leadership pathway. Teachers in the 精东影业 ISD can become department leads, level leads and model teachers all with the support of the district. There are also leadership academies that help teachers move from the classroom into roles like deans, assistant principals and principals.

If you want to teach in a district that supports and promotes from within, then join us Saturday, April 23, at our annual teacher job fair. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center. You can register and find out why it pays to teach in the 精东影业 ISD. And learn more about the teacher leadership pathway in the video below.

[embed]https://youtu.be/6kRVo_Rrcm8[/embed]

Bigger Impact

Who said the road to becoming a teacher had to be straight and narrow?

Just ask Burgin Elementary School second-grade teacher Tryniti Johnson.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_a5SdoZlOw[/embed]

The former speech therapist wanted to make a bigger impact on children, so she decided to change careers and take her talents to the classroom.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been amazing,鈥� said Johnson. 鈥淚 feel like each year I grow, get better and become more confident with my teaching practices. Understanding how to teach and reach my students is an area that I鈥檝e grown the most in.鈥�

She credits supportive administrators and mentors that helped throughout her transition from one-on-one interactions with students to full classrooms.

The Right Choice

Johnson had plenty of options as she sought out a career change, but a few things stood out to her about 精东影业 ISD.

鈥溇耙� is a district that really wants to see their students succeed, so in turn, they pour into their teachers and help them become the best they can be,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 really liked that 精东影业 is constantly building up and supporting their teachers, and that鈥檚 what I look for as I strive to be the best educator. That鈥檚 why I chose 精东影业.鈥�

She made a good choice, too. The support system in the district is unmatched, providing mentorship opportunities for rookie teachers and pathways for leadership development. Plus, you can get paid well while doing it. 精东影业 ISD is in the top 10 for highest-paid teachers starting off and top five for experienced teachers in Texas.

She may be in a new role, but she鈥檚 always had a love for kids and an even bigger passion to see them succeed. That鈥檚 the kind of heart teachers in 精东影业 ISD possess.

鈥淚 want students to feel like they are capable of anything they set their minds to, whether it鈥檚 something personal or academic,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want my students to see that they can grow and learn in spite of situations that might be happening at home.鈥�

If you鈥檙e ready to reach children by developing and encouraging their passions, then register today for 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 on April 23, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.听It pays to teach in 精东影业 ISD!

From Tresses to Teaching

What's your passion? Not sure?

Well, sometimes you must follow your interests like Augustus Bruton.

[embed]https://youtu.be/0MT8FlMVGms[/embed]

The Martin High School alumnus is completing his first year of teaching at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center (CTC), but he got the teaching bug while in high school.

鈥淢y teachers in high school had a lot of fun.鈥� said Bruton. 鈥淭hey seemed to really enjoy their jobs, which was nice to hear.鈥�

After graduation Bruton was faced with two choices - teaching or cosmetology. He went on to cosmetology school which allowed him to utilize his love for teaching while working at Paul Mitchell.

鈥淲hen you are in the salon you teach assistants,鈥� said Bruton. 鈥淵ou work on hair, show students what you're doing and show them how to blow dry and different things. People would say I鈥檓 a natural. Ironically, my dad would say you should work at that Dan Dipert building.鈥�

Teaching and Cosmetology!

Unsure if he met the qualifications to teach at the CTC, it was CTC principal Ginger Polster who reached out to him after he cut the hair of a close friend to see if he鈥檇 be interested in teaching. Bruton is honest when he says he was not the best student, but the passion to teach was always inside of him.

Bruton says he is having a great first year of teaching with the help of his colleagues and his wife, who is also a teacher in the 精东影业 ISD. Most importantly, it is the bonding and teaching the children that he enjoys the most.

鈥淜ids are fun,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 love joking with them and hearing about their day and their life. Being a teacher is what I'm meant to do.鈥�

Find your passion by registering for 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 . The job fair is Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the CTC.

If teaching is you鈥檙e calling, then mark your calendars for April 23 as the 精东影业 ISD is ready to help you answer that call.

The district鈥檚 annual teacher job fair returns to its traditional in-person format on Saturday, April 23, with a job fair at the Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center.

Representatives from every 精东影业 ISD campus will be on hand to meet with teaching candidates at the fair that runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The district has openings in elementary, junior high and high school.

In addition to bringing resumes and wearing comfortable shoes, attendees should be prepared to have their lives changed that day. There鈥檚 a chance for on-the-spot interviews for candidates as well as the potential to receive a conditional offer at the job fair.

鈥淚n the 精东影业 ISD, we understand how valuable teachers are,鈥� said assistant superintendent of human resources Scott Kahl. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we are traditionally among the top-paying districts for teachers, and we have systems in place to help support their success. We believe the 精东影业 ISD is a great place to teach, and our job fair provides a great opportunity to begin their journey with our district.鈥� 听

The 精东影业 ISD has a formalized leadership development program for all teachers, is among the top five in teacher pay across the Metroplex and is ready to take you to new heights as one of our teachers.

If you鈥檙e not sure what to expect from the job fair, we鈥檝e got you covered with an FAQ here. To take the first step, and we鈥檒l see you April 23.

Boomwhackers, thunder tubes, rain sticks and Orff instruments.

Those are just a few of the fun instruments you鈥檒l find in an 精东影业 ISD elementary music classroom. They are also some of the hands-on equipment included in the district鈥檚 new elementary music standards.

精东影业 ISD鈥檚 fine arts department is working on a plan to standardize elementary music instruments for each elementary school. Once the new standards are set, the district will use the 2019 Bond to purchase new instruments and equipment to bring every school up to the new standard.

This is going to mean outstanding new instruments at every school and ensure access to every student.

鈥淲e鈥檙e going to provide equitable access to music equipment, instruments and materials at every grade level K-6,鈥� said Barbara Keaton, 精东影业 ISD鈥檚 fine arts coordinator for elementary and choral music.

Why standardize?

鈥淓very student in 精东影业 ISD deserves access to the most modern equipment,鈥� said 精东影业 ISD fine arts director Dr. Christopher Anderson. 鈥淎s we open new schools and apply a new standard to our classrooms, it is imperative that we extend that standard to all schools in the district wherever possible.鈥�

By implementing the new standards, the district can ensure every teacher has the right equipment to support the curriculum. And every student has access to excellent instruments.

That means no more broken-down equipment.

鈥淭eachers don鈥檛 need to make broken instruments work,鈥� Keaton said. 鈥淲e needed to give them permission to say, 鈥楾his has served it鈥檚 50 years 鈥� it can go.鈥欌��

The updated standards will add to the district鈥檚 already outstanding fine arts program, nationally recognized year after year as a 鈥淏est Community for Music Education鈥� by the听.

鈥淲e are a Best Community for Education because we value elementary education as much as we value secondary education,鈥� Anderson said. 鈥淲e are practicing what we preach in that developmental fine arts programs are critical to success in academics as well as advanced work in the arts.鈥�

No one knows that more than the elementary music teachers.

鈥淪tudents are constantly on a mission of exploring new activities that are challenging to their minds and feed their curiosity,鈥� said Isui Rodriguez, music specialist at Speer Elementary. 鈥淗aving instruments in a classroom is a perfect outlet for these students to dive into a new form of creativity. Not only do instruments promote creativity, but they also provide students with lessons that they will be able to apply in junior high, high school and as they get older in life.鈥�

Developing the standards

The 2019 Bond gave Keaton and the fine arts department the green light to start developing updated elementary music standards. They started the process by consulting national experts on the ideal types of instruments and equipment for the youngest learners.

Then Keaton formed a committee of 16 elementary music teachers representing all areas of the 精东影业 ISD. Over the course of three meetings this fall, the teachers reviewed the national experts鈥� input, brainstormed the types of instruments and equipment they use and need in the classroom, and finally ranked all the items.

"We had them concentrate first on what helps them deliver curriculum to their own students, then collaborate with the whole committee and think about what would be best for all teachers and all students across the district," Keaton said.

After the meetings, Keaton and members of the committee began visiting every elementary school to take inventory for equipment. Once the inventory is complete, 2019 Bond funds will be used to buy new instruments and equipment.

鈥淲hen all the inventories have been tallied, purchases ordered and supplies delivered, we will arrive at a more equitable elementary music program than AISD has ever had before,鈥� said Ramon Alvarado, the music teacher and choir director at South Davis Elementary School. 鈥淣o student will be precluded from a rigorous music learning experience because of a lack of instruments or supplies, and every student will have equal access to such music instruction regardless of which school they attend.鈥�

The Standards

The essential items making the standards list fall into seven categories:

• Orff Instruments 鈥� These include a number of barred instruments like xylophones. The new Orff instruments the district will order are made with fiberglass, instead of the traditional rosewood. They still sound great and are impervious to temperature changes. That means they can withstand Texas summer heat.
• Wooden instruments 鈥� These include instruments like wood blocks and maracas.
• Metal instruments 鈥� These include instruments like triangles, finger cymbals and cowbells.
• Special instruments 鈥� These are instruments like thunder tubes, rain sticks or slide whistles.
• Props 鈥� Props are items like bean bags and parachutes.
• Miscellaneous 鈥� These include any number of items like a wireless mic for the teacher or flip-form risers.
• Classroom sets 鈥� Classroom sets mean that there is enough of the same instrument for each student to have one. The district will order classroom sets for items like recorders, ukuleles, rhythm sticks and boom whackers.
• Drums 鈥� There are all kinds of drums, like tubanos, congas, bongos and gathering drums.

鈥淚t's so important to show the students that there is a plethora of ways to make music,鈥� said Felipe Rosales, the music specialist at Corey Academy of Fine Arts and Dual Language.听鈥淢aking sure each campus has the instruments to do that is essential!鈥�

What鈥檚 next?

Once the inventory of all district elementary schools is complete, Keaton and her team will work on purchasing new instruments. This will make sure every Elementary music classroom is up to the new standards.

That鈥檚 music to the teachers鈥� ears.

The only team on a hotter winning streak than the may be the teaching team in the 精东影业 ISD.

William McAlister, a social studies teacher at Carter Junior High, and Adams Elementary third-grade teacher Tarri Miller were honored this week as the Dallas Cowboys/Reliant Energy Class Acts teachers of the month for September and October.

Both teachers were surprised on their campuses Monday as the Dallas Cowboys bus showed up with a Cowboys jersey, football, a check for $4,000 to use on campus, Cowboys mascot Rowdy and former Cowboys offensive lineman Joe Looney.

McAlister, who is also a coach, was heading to the gym when he was greeted by the Cowboys crew and 精东影业 ISD superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. His award was extra special as he is an Army veteran and the Cowboys wanted to honor him during their Salute to Service week.

鈥淚鈥檓 very honored by all of this,鈥� said McAlister, who was the district鈥檚 junior high teacher of the month in September. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all about the kids. Everything we do is 100 percent for the kids.鈥�

McAlister鈥檚 students swarmed him in the gym. They also got some words of advice from Looney. Looney鈥檚 message to them was there is always a right way and wrong way to do things and that you will be rewarded for doing things the right way.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very blessed and very thankful to have men like you doing what you do,鈥� Looney said to McAlister.

Miller thought she was heading to the front office for a meeting. Little did she know that just outside the office was the bus along with her students.

鈥淚 feel so valued here,鈥� said Miller, who is in her second year at Adams Elementary. 鈥淚鈥檓 freaking out. My heart is beating so fast. COVID had me losing my joy. I loved coming to work here every day last year. We had to persevere and be resilient. I love coming to Adams so much.鈥�

Miller got hugs from all her students and was picked up by Looney.

鈥淭his is her calling,鈥� Adams Elementary principal Lesley Maroney said. 鈥淓very day when she walks through that door she inspires me. She inspires her kids. She helps out wherever she can.鈥�

The 精东影业 ISD thanks the Dallas Cowboys and Reliant Energy for naming two 精东影业 ISD teachers as their Class Acts Teacher of the Month!

View photos from this awesome event and watch all of the excitement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVSIYyoj2C0

An introduction to Ken Foster

Akron, Ohio, is a city commonly known as the hometown of professional basketball player Lebron James. The Los Angeles Lakers star may have put the city on the map, but other living legends like 精东影业 ISD early childhood instructional specialist Ken Foster hail from there, too.

Foster had a more unconventional childhood in the suburb than most of his peers. Raised by two deaf parents allowed him to see the world from a unique perspective from an early age. With the help of his grandparents and older sister, Foster was taught to speak English, but American Sign Language was the dominant form of communication in their home.

His upbringing led him to Kent State to pursue a teaching degree. Halfway into his freshman year of college, he transferred to the University of Akron where he began working part-time for a payroll company to gain income. Ultimately, Foster decided to leave college and work for the company full-time.

His work ethic allowed him to move up the corporate ladder as far as he could without having a bachelor鈥檚 degree, and he eventually asked for a transfer to Nashville, Tenn., so he could work while pursuing his dreams of becoming a contemporary worship singer and songwriter. The self-taught guitar player always loved music and remained involved in church by singing and playing on the worship team. His visions began to align as he was granted a transfer to 鈥淢usic City,鈥� and it was there that he met the love of his life, Amy, at church, and they exchanged vows nearly two years later.

Faith in Uncertainty听

After the couple became pregnant with their first child, they received news early in the second trimester that would change their lives forever. Doctors said their son, Logan, had a condition called spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when a developing baby鈥檚 spinal cord fails to develop properly while in the womb.

鈥淲hen we found out, we just didn鈥檛 know what to expect,鈥� said Foster. 鈥淭he whole pregnancy was very traumatic for us.鈥�

Moments that were filled with sadness and confusion turned to joy and relief as doctors offered the couple a transformative surgery that would lessen their son鈥檚 complications and allow him to thrive even after a premature birth. The Fosters were the 81st couple to receive the breakthrough surgery which was successfully performed while their son was still in the womb. Twelve months later, the family expanded again as they welcomed another baby boy, Trevor.

鈥淭he experience of having our son taught me to have patience and hope and wait expectantly even in unforeseen circumstances,鈥� said Foster. 鈥淣ot knowing what to expect made us trust in God in a new way. You think have your whole life planned out.

鈥淭hen all of a sudden, when things happen so unexpectedly, it shakes you to your core.鈥�

Change became a constant in their family as they quickly learned how to navigate life with two young children, one with special needs. Another job transfer took the family to Dallas, his wife鈥檚 hometown. The move helped reignite a fire in Ken that had been dimmed two decades prior.

鈥淥nce I was here, I realized how unhappy I was in my job,鈥� said Foster. 鈥淭here was a sense of emptiness and I felt like I could do more, so I quit working at the company after 18 years.鈥�

Foster returns to School

Foster decided to return to school in 2006 to pursue his teaching degree. He received an associate degree from , where he made the Dean鈥檚 List. became his home for the next few years as he first earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree with magna cum laude honors and then a master鈥檚 degree.

During his senior year of college, he was placed in an early childhood internship at West Elementary in 精东影业 ISD. Foster originally thought he would teach older kids and possibly even coach athletics but working with kindergarten students at West motivated him to become an early childhood teacher. After graduating from UTA, he became a pre-K4 teacher at Kooken Educational Center and taught there for nine years. In 2017, he began working as an adjunct professor teaching early childhood-based courses at TCC, including classes on children with special needs; family, school and community; emergent literacy; and learning frameworks.

When the early childhood learning department started in the district, the department needed specialists, and Foster thought it was the perfect opportunity to utilize his skillset and experience.

鈥淏eing exposed to my parents and my son with special needs was very instrumental in shaping me for education,鈥� said Foster. 鈥淗aving a son with special needs helps you learn how to give your child the same kind of experiences as everyone else by making accommodations.鈥�

Considering those things has not only influenced my outlook on education, but it鈥檚 allowed me to be able to connect with those in education in a different way.鈥�

His current role as an early childhood instructional specialist allows him to create and support curriculum instruction for pre-K teachers and provide resources to set them up for success in the classroom.

While he continues to teach courses part-time at TCC, he encourages men to hop in the female-dominated field of early childhood learning. He believes men provide a unique perspective in the development of a young child, and children need to see a good balance of male and female role models as they grow, especially in the classroom.

Foster's plans for the Future

Ultimately, Foster desires to continue connecting with people and bridging gaps in early childhood education.

鈥淚 love sharing learning and building relationships with people,鈥� said Foster. 鈥淲hen I can connect with people and be able to share what I know with them and learn from them, I feel most accomplished, and that鈥檚 what motivates me to keep doing this every day.鈥�

Although he spends his days visiting classrooms and teaching people the most effective ways to teach young learners, connecting with his family remains a priority. With a wife who is a flight attendant, a son requiring extra care, and a son halfway through college, the Foster family鈥檚 schedule can get pretty hectic. To balance it, Foster ensures his family is intentional about the time they get to spend together by simply eating together as a family, playing games and participating in other activities that strengthen their bond while having fun.

Faith. Learning. Relationships. Those are the three most important values that come to Foster鈥檚 mind when reflecting on his time spent on earth and the principles, he wants to instill in those around him.

Whether he is at an elementary school assisting a teacher or at church leading worship, his heart to serve others in the community is evident. His dedication to living a purpose-driven life each day and his impact on countless pre-K students and teachers are what makes him a living legend.

Burlington鈥檚 newest North 精东影业 location opened its doors and heart to the community by donating $5,000 to Sherrod Elementary. The donation was made possible by the store鈥檚 partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting teachers and their students. The money will be distributed evenly among teachers and allow them to shop for classroom supplies and resources from nearly 30 education vendors.

Sherrod Principal Clarita Thompson and a few of her staff members were present to accept the gift and celebrate the grand opening last Friday.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so appreciative for the partnership between Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.org, and I know the teachers will be thrilled to get new supplies after the year they鈥檝e had,鈥� said Thompson. 鈥淭his means the world to us, and it鈥檚 such a huge blessing to Sherrod.鈥�

Burlington is committed to supporting education through its partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org. Each time Burlington opens a new store, the company celebrates by adopting and funding a local elementary school in their store鈥檚 community.

The leadership team at Burlington also expressed their excitement to give back to their new neighbors.

鈥淭eaching students can be very stressful and throwing the pressure of the pandemic on top of it made it even tougher,鈥� said Michael Dunnington, Burlington store manager. 鈥淲e applaud you for your service to our students, and we鈥檙e so excited to be able to give back to this special school in our community. What I love most about Burlington is that they love giving back to people, and that鈥檚 what makes my job special.鈥�

精东影业 ISD appreciates the kindness of and . The new store is now open for shopping at 200 Lincoln Square in 精东影业.

Burlington is no stranger to helping the district. Last year the company donated money to Burgin Elementary after it opened a store in south 精东影业.