Phyllis King – South Hills High School
Angela D. Paulos Chair for Teaching Excellence in Visual Arts
Total Years as a Teacher: 24
Total Years in the FWISD: 12
Education: East Texas State University (1976) Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drawing/Sculpture; The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1987) Master of Fine Arts, Mixed Media 2D/3D; University of Cuernavaca (2009) Spanish for Educators Certified, Language/Culture Spanish; numerous certifications in sculpture, painting, and leadership advisory.
Notables:
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International Association of Collage Artists member
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National Council of Education for Ceramic Arts member
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Texas Artist Coalition member
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Texas Arts in Education Association member
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United Educators Association member
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Campus Teacher of the Year, Daggett Middle School (2006)
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Most Excellent Teacher of the Year, FWISD Secondary Art Exhibit (2007, 2008 & 2009)
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Advanced Placement Teacher of the Year (2010)
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1st Place Award – Teacher/Student Art Exhibit, Miseracordia Gallery, Chicago (2012)
From Phyllis: “I try to always teach these students with patience because it often takes time to see the creative process evolve. I encourage my students to take risks, and I remind them that, like their other academic courses, they cannot learn the content/skill/techniques without practice, repetition and determination. My classroom is very important. It is where my students have an opportunity to experience and learn skills/techniques/ideas that they can use to interpret their environment throughout their lifetime.”
From her former principal: “I walk into Ms. King’s room to find her teaching her heart out and the students engaged in some new project she’s come up with. She is an innovative teacher infusing her students with tremendous motivation and instilling in them an appetite for the arts for life.” - Nancy W. Sticksel
Sara Montañez – J.T. Stevens Elementary School
Bayard H. Friedman Chair for Teaching Excellence in Performing Arts
Total Years as a Teacher: 5
Total Years in the FWISD: 4
Education: University of North Texas (2004) Bachelor Degree in Music Education
Notables:
Sword of Honor, Sigma Alpha Iota (2002)
Ruby Sword of Honor, Sigma Alpha Iota (2003)
Kodaly Training Level I (2007)
Kodaly Training Level II (2010)
From Sara: “Kodaly training has been rewarding on many levels. I am pleased to see the musical progress my students have made over the years. It is so exciting to see the children not only singing, dancing and playing instruments, but also reading and understanding written music. I am proud that my efforts have allowed them to develop those skills.”
From her former acting principal: “… She is constantly busy planning and participating in activities that engage students in various activities that expose them to music. … Clearly, she has a passion for sharing her love for music with others and is an integral part of the children’s love of music as well.” - Vernal Elliott
Renee Peters – North Side High School
Chase Bank Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English
Total Years Teaching: 10
Years in the FWISD: 10
Education: Tarleton State University (2002) Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
Notables:
- Certificate for Leadership in Secondary Literacy (2006-2007)
- Certificate of Appreciation for Presenting at the 13th Annual Hispanic Conference(2007)
- Certificate of Award Coaching UIL Team (2008)
- Campus Teacher of the Year, J.P. Elder Middle School (2007-2008)
From Renee: “I am the encourager who nudges my students towards being successful no matter how much they have struggled in the past. I am the enthusiastic advocate for my students that never gives up on them and won’t let them give up on themselves.”
From her assistant principal: “Renee is not only an outstanding teacher, but she is an excellent leader in her department. … The thing that impresses me the most about her is her commitment to her students. Mrs. Peters always keeps me in the loop about her students’ accomplishments and setbacks.” - Valerie Ayala Bruce
Darcy Deupree – Southwest High School
Crescent Real Estate Chair for Teaching Excellence in Career and Technology Education
Total Years Teaching: 5
Years in the FWISD: 5
Education: Texas Christian University (2005) Bachelor of Science, Broadcast Journalism Minor in Education and Political Science; University of North Texas (2008-2009) T&I Certification, NOCTI Certification
Notables:
- Students placed second in the nation in both the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years in Broadcast News Production. They also placed first in both District and State of Texas Broadcast News Production contests for both of those school years.
- Invited to be part of the National Education Team for Broadcast News Production in 2012.
- Advanced Media Program named a Gold Star program the past two years. This recognition is for the top 5 programs in the state and includes all schools from 1A-5A.
- United Educators Association member
- Kappa Delta Pi member since 2005 (International Honor Society in the field of Education).
From Darcy: “One of my strengths is seeing the potential in each of my students and developing that potential into a concrete reality that is not only known by them, but also is a progress that can be tracked through our AMP (Advanced Media Program) broadcasts all year. Through this experience, students leave the four-year program with characteristics of dedication, trustworthiness, strong communication skills and a passion for storytelling.”
From her former principal: “Darcy is a self-starter, highly motivated individual who demonstrates high levels of ability in the most critical areas: leadership, instructional management, and student management. These strengths are evident in that she works with instruction to draw from students their best work.” - Yassmin C. Lee
Jennifer Nicholson – North Side High School
Freese and Nichols, Inc. Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Mathematics
Total Years Teaching: 11
Years in the FWISD: 6
Education: Angelo State University (1992) Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Teacher Certification; Abilene Christian University (2002) Master of Arts in Religion
Notables:
- Member of Collegeboard - Recognized for completing 100+ hours of training in AP Calculus and Pre-AP Mathematics
- Recognized for 100% of students passing TAKS, spring of 2007 at North Side High School
- Recognized for Outstanding Support of Library Activities (2009-2011)
- Superintendent’s AP Scholar Teacher (2009-2010)
- Campus Teacher of the Year, North Side High School (2010-2011)
From Jennifer: “My practice of teaching is founded on building relationships with my students and relying on those relationships to create a positive environment where students feel safe enough to develop mathematical skills, experience mathematics in community, discuss their ideas with one another, make mistakes and learn from them, and realize the importance of becoming life-long learners.”
From her assistant principal: “Jennifer is not only an outstanding teacher, but she is an exceptional leader. Jennifer serves on North Side’s leadership team as department chair, coaches the Whiz Quiz team, writes district curriculum for the geometry department, attends AP summer training for calculus, mentors teachers, taught campus level professional development, and is extremely involved with campus level math interventions.” - Valerie Ayala Bruce
Jimmie S. Nealy Jr. – West Handley Elementary School
Kroger Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education
Total Years Teaching: 14
Years in the FWISD: 14
Education: University of North Texas (1997) Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Studies; Lamar University (2009) Master of Education in Teacher Leadership
Notables:
- Fort Worth Alliance of Black School Educators – Outstanding Educator (2006 & 2011)
- Campus Teacher of the Year, West Handley Elementary School (2006-2007)
- Fort Worth Alliance of Black School Educators, Vice President
- National Alliance of Black Educators member
- Texas Alliance of Black School Educators member
- National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice member
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Assistant Keeper of Records
- The Ambassadors of Fort Worth, Inc., Assistant Secretary
From Jimmie: “As a teacher, first and foremost I am a believer in my students. I often have said to my students, “I believe in you because I can see your potential and future already and I am working to make sure you get there.” I am a teacher and have to give my best everyday so my students will give me their very best.”
From his principal: “He is a gifted teacher that has a love and passion for all students that many teachers today do not have. He is also very supportive of his students’ parents. He stays abreast of the latest research in best practices for instruction by attending conferences and other professional development workshops and seminars and is able to share that information with our parents due to the relationships that he has developed with them.” - Felicia Moody
Natalie Ayala – Daggett Montessori
Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Chair for Teaching Excellence in Health & Physical Education
Total Years as a Teacher: 3
Total Years in the FWISD: 3
Education: Texas Christian University (2007) Bachelor of Science in Movement Science-Kinesiology; Texas Christian University (2010) Teacher Certification
Notables:
Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance member
American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance member
National Association of Sport and Physical Education member
Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce member
United Educators Association member
From Natalie: “I truly believe my job is an answer to many prayers, and I am very fortunate to be where I am. Some days are more challenging than others, but I am rewarded daily when I see my students enjoy purposeful physical activity disguised as FUN and GAMES!”
From her principal: “All of the activities Ms. Ayala has led have included a parent involvement component and the response has been very positive. Parents and students alike respect and admire Ms. Ayala and appreciate what she is accomplishing at Daggett Montessori School.” – Susan Wade
Kimberly McKinley Greer – Lowery Road Elementary School
Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Mathematics
Total Years Teaching: 11
Years in the FWISD: 11
Education: Texas Tech University (2000) Bachelor of Science, Human Development/Early Childhood; Texas Tech University Graduate School (2001) Master of Education, Elementary Education; University of Texas-Arlington Graduate School (2011) Quality Teacher of Mathematics Certificate
Notables:
Campus Teacher of the Year, Lowery Road Elementary School (2005-2006)
District Curriculum CORE Writer (2006-2008)
Teacher Quality Grant Cohort Member (2009-2011)
National Council of Mathematics Teachers member
Texas Council of Mathematics Teachers member
United Educators Association member
Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society member
Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society member
Association of Childhood Education
From Kimberly: ”I am a teacher who is a student of life. I believe the moment I stop learning is the moment I become a stagnant teacher. Experiences are what make us unique. We all have different experiences, therefore, we all have different things to teach and learn.”
From her principal: “Ms. Greer began her tenure at Lowery Road as a kindergarten teacher. She had high expectations for student success, while allowing students’ natural curiosity to fuel their learning. Her talent as an early childhood teacher allowed her to find new ways to work with students of all ages.” - Debra Williamson
Debbie Stewart – Como Elementary School
Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Science
Total Years Teaching: 34
Years in the FWISD: 14
Education: Tarrant County College (1974) Associate of Arts in Elementary Education; North Texas State University (1976) Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Wake County Technical School (1997) Advance Technology Certificate of Completion; Phil Mickelson/Exxon Mobile Math and Science Academy, Washington DC (2007) Math and Science Certificate of Completion; Space Exploration Educators Conference (2009) Math and Science Certificate of Completion; Fort Worth Zoo (2010) Texas Registered Turtle Watcher Certificate of Environmental Studies.
Notables:
- National Leaders of Economic Studies
- National Education Association
- Texas State Teachers Association
- Environmental Studies for the Department of Parks and Wildlife
- Campus Teacher of the Year, Como Elementary School
- Regional Teacher of the Year, Lake Worth Independent School District
From Debbie: “As a teacher I have dedicated over half of my life, 34 years, to educating young people of the world. I have witnessed my students become highly successful individuals and they have become great assets to society. The students always come back to let me know how they are doing. I let them know that if they still need help, I am there for them.”
From her principal: “She has an excellent record of observations, is able to motivate the students whom seem unmotivated to learn, is very well loved by the parents, students and staff and is always helping other teachers as well as students strive toward excellence in every area and in every grade level.” - Brenda Whitlock
Rhonda M. McGuire – L. Clifford Davis Elementary School
Outreach Communications Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Reading
Total Years as a Teacher: 10
Total Years in the FWISD: 10
Education: University of North Texas (2002) Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies; University of Texas-Arlington (2005) Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Master Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist
Notables:
- Kappa Delta Phi Honor Society in Education
- Enrolled at Lamar University pursuing principal certification (Anticipated completion date: December 2012)
From Sara: “As a teacher, I try to find creative, engaging and understandable methods and best practices to help my students achieve in school. … Overall, my practice as a teacher reflects my own professional teaching philosophy, which is that every person is capable of learning and is deserving of a quality learning experience.”
From her principal: “Mrs. McGuire also has an excellent rapport with people of all ages, especially children. Her ability to connect and bond with students assisted in creating a positive, productive and safe school climate.” - Pamela Henderson
Cara Kuhl – McLean Middle School
Quicksilver Resources Chair for Teaching Excellence in Acquisition of Language
Total Years as a Teacher: 6
Total Years in the FWISD: 7
Education: University of North Texas (2002) Bachelor of Arts in French
Notables:
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages member
American Association of Teachers of French member
Teacher of the Month, Leonard Middle School (November 2009)
From Cara: “I work to create a welcoming and supportive environment in French class where even the shyest of students quickly become comfortable. … I believe every student deserves the chance to feel great about what they are learning.”
From her principal: “Her classroom challenges students to reach their fullest potential. Every opportunity is filled with students being engaged with the acquisition of French. Her utilization of technology to engage students is unparalleled in my experience as an educator.” - John Engel
Iris N. Betancourt – Success High School
RadioShack Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Science
Total Years as a Teacher: 20
Total Years in the FWISD: 20
Education: Southwestern Adventist University (1985) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Secondary Education, Secondary Chemistry Certification and Secondary Biology Certification
Notables:
Campus Teacher of the Year, J.P. Elder Middle School (1998)
Campus Teacher of the Year, Newcomer’s Academy (2000)
Campus Teacher of the Year, Success High School (2008 & 2011)
Science Teachers’ Association of Texas member
National Science Teachers’ Association member
From Iris: “Over the last 20 years, I have been fortunate to be able to teach a large variety of students, including ELL’s (English Language Learners) and at-risk in the middle and high school. As an immigrant, I know the importance of providing students with a safe and positive classroom.”
From her principal: “As a teacher, she exemplifies excellence in everything she does. Her passion for teaching and learning, leadership skills and ability to bring out the best in every student are attributes that set her apart as a teacher. In a school designed for the most at-risk students, these are qualities that are essential in order for every student to perform to his/her potential.” - Ingrid Williams
Bethanne Chimbel – Arlington Heights High School
Sewell Lexus of Fort Worth Chair for Teaching Excellence in Humanities
Total Years as a Teacher: 8
Total Years in the FWISD: 2
Education: Texas Christian University (2002) Bachelor of Arts in History; Texas Christian University (2003) Master of Education, Secondary Curriculum and Instruction and Social Studies Composite Credential
Notables:
- Actively involved in Project HOPE
- Participates in the Fort Worth After School Program
- Lead Content Teacher for Social Studies, Arlington Heights High School (2011-2012)
- AVID Mentor, Arlington Heights High School
- Campus Teacher of the Year, Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas ISD
From Bethanne: “I am fortunate in that I have an excellent rapport with teenagers and most students are willing to work much harder for me than they ever thought possible. … I teach BECAUSE of my kids, not despite them.”
From her principal: “Bethanne is a team player and is always willing to help in any way that she can. She is a leader in her department, even though she is not the Department Chair. … She also mentors new teachers. She puts great effort into each project she undertakes and is very detail-oriented.” - Jason Oliver
Courtney Butler – Sam Rosen Elementary School
Target Chair for Teaching Excellence in Library Information Science
Total Years in the FWISD: 10
Total Years as a Librarian: 3
Education: Tarleton State University (1999) Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/English; University of North Texas (2010) Master of Science in Library Science
Notables:
- Campus Teacher of the Year, North Hi Mount Elementary School (2008-2009)
- American Library Association member
- American Association of School Librarians member
- Texas Library Association member
From Courtney: “ … As a librarian, I am equally a teacher. It is my purpose to support the academic goals of the students. I want them to develop an interest in what they are learning in the classroom and extend their learning through the use of library resources.”
From her principal: “Mrs. Butler has been the librarian at Sam Rosen for three years. In that time span she has created a spirit and synergy of change with our students. … Our library truly is the heart of our school as our families and staff embraces all that Mrs. Butler offers. Her commitment to moving our library to an exemplary level is without question.” - Maria D. Lewis
Gillian Nash – Sunrise-McMillan Elementary School
XTO Energy Inc. Chair for Teaching Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Total Years Teaching: 17
Years in the FWISD: 14
Education: Alabama A&M University (1995) Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Notables:
- Teacher of the Month, Sunrise-McMillan (September 2008, November 2011)
- Campus Teacher of the Year, I.M. Terrell Elementary School (1998-1999)
- Campus Teacher of the Year, Sunrise-McMillan Elementary School (2011-2012)
- Fort Worth Alliance of Black School Educators
- National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
From Gillian: “I believe wholeheartedly that every child is a unique individual with something invaluable to contribute to this world. Each child needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere. I help all of my students grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.”
From her former principal: “Her enthusiasm, her innovativeness, and her dedication to education are exemplary. Her flexibility in working with students and teachers has earned her an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about people.” - Dr. Marion Mouton.