Background
The Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence program recognizes outstanding classroom teachers in Fort Worth ISD. Recipients are awarded the title of Chair for Teaching Excellence and are granted a $5,000 honorarium. Modeled after the university-level Chair program the Fort Worth ISD program is unique in two respects:

1.     its role in a public secondary school setting, and
2.     its rigorous selection process.

Selection Process
Teachers in the designated subject area submit an extensive application that requires three recommendations. If selected to interview with the selection committee, the candidate must not only answer questions, but give a teaching demonstration. The selection committee selects the Chair based upon the application, recommendations, interview and teaching demonstration.

The Honorarium
The $5,000 honoraria are presented to the Chairs at an awards luncheon at the conclusion of the selection process. Teachers selected as Chairs are encouraged to pursue further education and training and share knowledge and expertise with colleagues.

2009-2010 Chairs for Teaching Excellence Honorees