As the nation's eleventh largest school district, Dallas Independent School District serves more than 164,500 students who come from homes where 58 different languages are spoken. Operating with a $1 billion dollar budget, DISD employs 19,234 employees including 10,500 teachers in 218 schools.
11 Oct 2001
Barbara Dorff Becomes First DISD Teacher Ever Named To State Honor
DALLAS—The Dallas Independent School District received word from the Texas Education Agency Tuesday morning, October 9, that Benjamin Franklin Middle School teacher Barbara Dorff, who recently transferred to the district from McKinney ISD, has been named as the Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year.
With the prestigious award, Dorff, a history and journalism teacher, becomes the first DISD teacher to receive the statewide honor for secondary teachers. During a news conference to honor Dorff, DISD Chief of Staff Carol Francois, herself former DISD Teacher of the Year, presented Dorff with two dozen red roses and a letter from General Superintendent Mike Moses.
"The Dallas Independent School District is honored to have Mrs. Dorff as an exemplary teacher who has been recognized throughout Texas for the dedication and talent she brings to the teaching profession," Dr. Francois said. "Mrs. Dorff holds the distinct honor of being the first Texas Teacher of the Year in the district’s history. We are proud of her and proud of the way she represents the teaching profession here in Dallas."
Dr. Moses said Dorff sends a very positive message to the public about the quality of teachers the district is attracting.
"We are excited about the message this award sends to the public about the quality of employees we are attracting to the district," Dr. Moses said. "Last year we made an all out effort to recruit good teachers and this announcement is a good indication of the success we achieved." As part of her award, Dorff will receive a $5,000 cash award and a SMART Board classroom technology package worth $7,225.