Dallas Education Foundation And Texas Instruments Foundation Announce 2008 Innovative Teaching Awards Recipients

22 May 2008

Reception to Recognize Winners to be held Thursday, May 22, at 5 p.m.

DALLAS–The Dallas Education Foundation, in partnership with Texas Instruments Foundation, recently announced the 2008 Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teaching Awards recipients.

The award was created by the Texas Instruments Foundation to honor innovative classroom teachers who are greatly enhancing student achievement and increasing interest in science, technology, engineering and math classrooms.

"We are extremely proud of these teachers," said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. "With dedicated and talented teachers such as these, the Dallas Independent School District will become the best urban school district in the country. We are truly appreciative of Texas Instruments' partnership and commitment to Dallas ISD."

School principals nominated science, technology, engineering and/or math teachers at the secondary level (grades 7 to 12).

The seven award recipients are:

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• Kimberly Clark Ferguson, Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School. Ferguson teaches Pre-AP Science, (7th).
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• Rebecca McGowan Jensen, The School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. Jensen teaches AP Statistics, AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism for grades 11 and 12.
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• Loucia Mavrokordatos, Hillcrest High School. Mavrokordatos teaches AP Calculus BC, AP Calculus AB, and Pre-AP Pre-Calculus.
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• Cris Munoz, Moisés E. Molina High School. Munoz teaches Engineering Graphics, Architechural Graphics, Construction Systems, Research, Design and Development and Animation for grades 9-12.
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• Mary Rivers, W.T. White High School. Rivers teaches Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and Biology for 9th grade.
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• Comfort Ugwuh, The School of Business and Management at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. Ugwuh teaches CISCO Internetworking I and II, Web Master and IT Essentials for grades 10, 11 and 12.
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• Carol Wingard, George Bannerman Dealey International Academy. Wingard teaches 8th grade Mathematics and Algebra I.
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  The recipients each will receive $10,000, of which $5,000 is directly awarded to the classroom teacher and the other $5,000 is to be used at the discretion of the teacher for professional development and/or instructional technology.

  "Science, technology, engineering and math disciplines provide many of the foundational tools students need to be competitive in the 21st century. The Texas Instruments Foundation STEM awards are our way of encouraging and recognizing the key deliverers of these skills - the outstanding secondary teachers. We hope others will follow their lead in instilling the love of these vital subjects in their students," said Torrence Robinson, director of Public Affairs, Texas Instruments.

  The mission of the Dallas Education Foundation is to unite community and resources for excellence throughout Dallas ISD. The goals are to increase student achievement by promoting, identifying, and recognizing excellence; to require high expectations and systems of accountability; and to create champions for public education.

  Texas Instruments and Dallas ISD will recognize all winners at a reception, at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 22, at the Administration Bldg., 3700 Ross Ave., room 105.

  
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