12 Mar 2004
District's Annual Teacher of the Year Ice Cream Social Set for April 14
DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District has named four finalists for 2004-2005 DISD Teacher of the Year.
The four finalists and eight semifinalists will be honored along with the teachers of the year from all 218 DISD campuses at the district's annual Teacher of the Year Ice Cream Social to be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at the Infomart, 1950 N. Stemmons Freeway.
A committee of judges selected the finalists based on interviews and essay packets that described their teaching philosophy, professional background and interactions with students, parents and members of the community. The finalists are:
•Felicia Gibbons, W. H. Gaston Middle School. Gibbons teaches seventh grade language arts. She has six years of teaching experience, all at Gaston Middle School.
•Kendall Ann Hasse, Woodrow Wilson High School. Hasse teaches 10th grade English. She has been in her present position for seven years and has eight years of teaching experience.
•S. Elaine Thomas, Pleasant Grove Elementary School. Thomas teaches music to students in grades K-6. She has been in her current position for three years and has 34 years of teaching experience.
•Karen Wilt, George Peabody Elementary School. Wilt teaches bilingual prekindergarten. She has been in her current position for 13 years and has a total of 29 years of teaching experience.
The teacher of the year will be announced at a banquet in May. The winner will receive $5,000 and will represent the district in the regional competition.