5 Apr 2006
Teacher of the Year Ice Cream Social Set for April 5
DALLAS—The Dallas Independent School District today named Cynthia Anzaldua, David Benn, Jamie Davis and Paula Paulos as the four finalists in the 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year awards program.
The four finalists and eight semifinalists were honored, along with the teachers of the year from all 217 campuses, at the district's annual Teacher of the Year Ice Cream Social, held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Avenue. H.E.B. Central Market and the Frontiers of Flight Museum partnered to provide support for the event.
A committee of judges selected the semifinalists and 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:
Cynthia Anzaldua, Otto Fridia Jr. Alternative High School (9-12).
Anzaldua, who teaches visual arts for high school, has a total of 26 years teaching experience, seven at Fridia.
According to Anzaldua, "students learn best in a positive and affirming environment. A teacher has to work with the whole student – the spiritual aspect, physical capabilities, emotional health,and learning styles to achieve the student's academic goals. Art is a celebration of cultures, and a multicultural approach allows me to help students relate what they learn to their everyday environment."
David Benn, W.E. Greiner Exploratory Arts Academy (7-8).
Benn teaches language arts and has a total of 26 years of teaching experience, four at Greiner.
"Some of my most memorable experiences have been associated with an interdisciplinary unit I designed with colleagues from other core academic areas," said Benn. "It was designed around the issues of intolerance, ethnic cleansing, and the Holocaust. Many former students have returned to tell me how unforgettable that unit was. The students 'bought it' and learning occurred."
Jamie Davis, Lenore Kirk Hall Elementary School (4-6).
Davis teaches mathematics. She has four years of teaching experience and is in her first year at Hall.
"I think it's important to teach my students that education will benefit them in all areas of their lives, not strictly in academic settings," said Davis. "However, I believe the single most important aspect of inspiring a joy of knowledge and success, academic or otherwise, is recognition. I also believe that all children, no matter their advantages or disadvantages, need a sense of identity and pride."
Paula Paulos, Stonewall Jackson Elementary School.
Paulos teaches reading and has 24 years of teaching experience. She is in her third year at Stonewall Jackson.
In Paulos' classroom everyone is challenged by learning sign language together. "This gives me a chance to model enthusiasm for my own new learning, which is clearly contagious," said Paulos. "After all, what could possibly be more exciting to young children than finding a new way to communicate with one another? I guess you might say, for me it's as easy as baiting the hook and reeling them in!"
The finalists combined teaching experience totals more than 80 years.
The semifinalists are:
• Laura Driscoll, Thomas C. Marsh Middle School
• Michael Elliott, George Peabody Elementary School
• Erlecia Gabbin, Robert L. Thornton Elementary School
• Shelly Hostetter, Harrell Budd Elementary School
• Deloris King, James Madison High School
• Andrea Martin, Alex W. Spence Talented and Gifted Academy
• Swadesh Mutreja, George Bannerman Dealey Montessori Vanguard
• Terry Stotts, Multiple Careers Magnet Center
The Dallas Independent School District's 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet on Monday, May 8. The winner will receive $5,000 from H.E.B. Central Market and will represent the district in the regional competition.