The excitement continues for Dallas Independent School District educators John McCollum and Youlonda Green-Fuller when their principals and colleagues surprise them with impromptu parties, complete with cake and balloons from Central Market, to congratulate each of them on being named the Dallas ISD 2009 Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year.

Mr. McCollum and Mrs. Green-Fuller were named winners of the Dallas ISD Teacher and Teacher Assistants of the Year Awards, respectively, at a ceremony Thursday evening that also honored their fellow finalists. Both awards programs celebrate education excellence in Dallas and pay tribute to educators who demonstrate the highest standards of public education.  Mr. McCollum will represent the district in the regional Teacher of the Year competition. 

A selection committee selected Mr. McCollum and Mrs. Green-Fuller as the Dallas ISD’s Teacher and Teacher Assistant of the Year based on essays and interviews covering teaching excellence; ability to inspire a love of learning in students; effective working relationships with students, parents and members of the community; and commitment and contributions to the teaching profession.

Central Market/H-E-B has partnered with the Dallas ISD on its awards program for eight years, contributing about $35,500 in support, including the $10,500 in cash awards for the finalists.

As a major supporter of public education, H-E-B annually contributes more than $4 million to education related programs.