24 Mar 2006
Teacher of the Year Ice Cream Social Set for April 5
DALLAS—The Dallas Independent School District has named four finalists for the 2006-2007 Teacher of the Year awards program.
The four finalists and eight semifinalists will be honored, along with the teachers of the year from all 217 campuses, at the district's annual Teacher of the Year Ice Cream Social, 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 5, at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave. H.E.B. Central Market and the Frontiers of Flight Museum are partnering 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 grades 7-8, has a total of 26 years teaching experience, seven at Fridia.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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 and will represent the district in the regional competition.