2 May 2008
An Awards Program is Scheduled for May 20
DALLAS–The Dallas Independent School District has named five finalists for the 2008 Teacher Assistant of the Year awards program, which honors outstanding instructional support staff in the district.
The Dallas ISD Teacher Assistant of the Year program values the many contributions of campus teacher assistants for the dedication and support they provide to students, teachers, parents, and the community.
"Teacher Assistants play a very important role for the schools' instructional teams," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "Their work and dedication will help us to achieve the goal of becoming the best urban district by 2010."
A selection committee, composed of representatives from staff development, curriculum and instruction, the Dallas PTA Task Force, support employee organizations, teachers, teacher assistants, and principals, selected the finalists from more than 100 nominations and interviews with 20 semifinalists.
The finalists for the 2008 Dallas ISD Teacher Assistant of the Year are:
The first Dallas ISD Teacher Assistant of the Year, Maria del Carmen Arellano, is now a second grade teacher at Arthur Kramer Elementary School. Ana Barbosa of J.L. Long Middle School, the second individual honored as Dallas ISD Teacher Assistant of the Year, will announce the 2008 Teacher Assistant of the Year at a reception for the finalists on May 20, at the Old Red Courthouse.