2008 Teaching Chairs

Zelma and J.T. Luther, Jr. Chair for Teaching Excellence in Library Information Science
Presented by Patsy L. Cantrell and Jan L. Johnson

Cissy L. Mattingly • Woodway Elementary School, Grades K-5

School libraries hold a treasure of books - and technology. Because even elementary children are technically literate, Cissy Mattingly teaches Internet safety for research, and after her instruction in PowerPoint, students discover new ways to make reports, flip charts and more. She produces a parent newsletter, teaches a monthly computer class and keeps the library open late so parents can check out books or use computers. She enlists support from Adopt-A-School and community partners for book fairs, Family Reading Night, and reading, writing and math camps. For students, she promotes a visiting authors program; for teachers, she demonstrates ways the library supports their mission. Mrs. Mattingly’s actions exemplify the words of First Lady (and librarian) Laura Bush, who says, “School librarians help teachers teach and students learn.”

Mrs. Mattingly received a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Science in library and information science from the University of North Texas. She has served as a librarian for four of her eight years in the Fort Worth ISD.

Sewell Lexus of Fort Worth Chair for Teaching Excellence in Humanities
Presented by Kurt Haman

David J. Williams • North Side High School, Grades 9-12

After 10 years in the private sector, David Williams chose to teach, convinced no other job influences society on a greater level. Daily he energizes social studies and world geography students while working to become more innovative himself. An avid reader, he relates news from Web sites to curriculum, and he is a published writer, collector and re-enactor on American history topics. He sponsors the Close Up Club, based on teaching practical government and politics. As a highlight, students travel to Washington, D.C., for a Close Up Foundation event where they tour, meet peers and their congressional delegation. Thanks to Mr. Williams’ commitment, students who might not have foreseen such a journey enjoy an educational, life-changing experience.

Mr. Williams graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in history; he also earned an associate degree from Tarrant County College. He has taught for three years.

OmniAmerican Bank Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Math
Presented by Tim Carter

Cletis D. Cabbil, Sr. • Dunbar 6th Grade

Cletis Cabbil brings more than mathematics to students. He brings hope. Although many come from single parent, low-income backgrounds, he tells them that education can change the course of their lives. They respond by working hard. Competitive in math contests, students also narrowed the achievement gap in math last year by scoring well on TAKS. Mr. Cabbil, a lead content teacher responsible for facilitating learning at the highest level, has participated in specialized training at Michigan State University and collaborated on a national teacher project using new curriculum. A committed team player, he shares knowledge, strategies and techniques with peers who have expressed appreciation for his help. Yet look for no greater tribute than this: Former students are now teachers in science, art — and math!

Mr. Cabbil graduated from Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas, with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. He has taught in the Fort Worth ISD for 17 years.

Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Math
Presented by Paul D. Alexander

Leslie Glazener • Bruce Shulkey Elementary School, K-5

In Leslie Glazener’s classroom, children love to learn every day, says the principal where she taught last year. This year, she brings to Shulkey Elementary that same enthusiasm. She enjoys preparing students for math competition, then relishes their excitement on contest day, and she generously shares energy and knowledge with colleagues. To encourage parent involvement, she maintains an open door policy. After a conversation with a parent on reinforcing math skills at home, the teacher learned the parent adapted the strategies to prepare for her own GED test! Mrs. Glazener received a Teacher Quality Grant from the University of Texas at Arlington, which offered opportunities to enhance instruction, and she is a two-year presenter at The Conference for the Advancement of Mathematics Teaching.

Mrs. Glazener graduated from Hardin Simmons University with a bachelor’s degree in business studies and from the University of Texas at Arlington with a master’s in education. She has taught in the Fort Worth ISD for five years.

Lockheed Martin Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Science
Presented by Paul D. Alexander

Eric R. Nilsson • Atwood McDonald Elementary School, K-5

“Awesome!” That’s how Eric Nilsson describes students. Although demographically diverse, all want to feel respected and accepted, he says. And students are both respected and accepted in science class, where they learn to “ask why or how” and to use proper tools to investigate. This teacher taps the Internet to stay current in science, sponsors an after-school Science Club, coordinates Family Science Night and arranges science seminars for peers with college professors as speakers. He also has designed and built an Outdoor Learning Environment. First obtaining donated materials, he encouraged parents and volunteers to join students on weekends to plant, irrigate and add paths, fences and benches. “Contagious energy and enthusiasm!” That’s how others describe Mr. Nilsson.

Mr. Nilsson holds a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies and a Master of Arts in  interdisciplinary science from the University of Texas at Arlington. He also earned associate degrees from Meramec College, Kirkwood, Missouri. He has taught in the Fort Worth ISD for 10 of his 15 years in the profession.

Crescent Real Estate Chair for Teaching Excellence in Business and Technology
Presented by Suzanne Stevens

Danny Roberts • W.P. McLean Middle School, Grades 7-8

Some of Danny Roberts’ students are technically savvy and others are computer challenged, but all love to create, to be successful and to work on meaningful projects. For a NASA-designed unit on building a glider out of a shoebox, students took part in a NASA videoconference. One newcomer to technology tackled projects in video production, Web design and robotics, and now hungers for more. So popular are Mr. Roberts’ classes that there are waiting lists of students who want to get in! The teacher, who also coaches girls’ athletics, constantly monitors changes in technology so his instruction will be current and useful. He shares his findings at staff meetings and helps co-workers as needed. Colleagues say he is a master at his craft and of his subject.

Mr. Roberts graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies and from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Christian Education. Seven of his eight years as a teacher have been with the Fort Worth ISD.

The Molyneaux Foundation Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education
Presented by John Molyneaux

Francine Roberson • South Hills High School, Grades 9-12

For students with challenging intellectual and academic needs, Francine Roberson’s class in a Learning in Natural Communities (LINC) program is a godsend. Here she offers specialized instruction, helping students retain and use what they learn. Students may demonstrate reading, math and science skills during a cooking lesson or visit a chosen job site. A lesson on budgeting, using a calculator and making purchases, culminates with a city bus trip to a store to practice wise spending. Parents provide their child’s funds for this activity and are delighted that this valuable life skill is taught. Mrs. Roberson invests in children in other ways, too, through donations to groups providing college scholarships to those who might not otherwise attend. “As educators, we must give back to society.”

Mrs. Roberson graduated from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi, with a Bachelor of Science in special education/elementary education. She has taught in the Fort Worth ISD for 31 years.

Angela D. Paulos for Teaching Excellence in Visual Arts
Presented by Flora Brewer

Jennifer M. Bell • Glencrest 6th Grade

When Jennifer Bell says the skills students learn in her art classes lead to success elsewhere, she can describe a long list of student successes in art. For the 20th Anniversary Imagination Celebration Parade, for example, students used recyclables to make Egyptian costumes, and a laundry basket and papiermâché to build a cobra puppet. For the youth division of the Main Street Art Festival, students created and sold glass jewelry, winning best of show for their age group. Ms. Bell, an artisan of glass art, instructs other teachers, college students and parents who meet Saturdays while children are tutored. Passionate about art and teaching, Ms. Bell believes in high expectations. “Teaching is the profession that makes other professions possible,” she says.

Ms. Bell earned a Bachelor of Arts in fine arts/glass art from the University of Texas at Arlington; she is also a certified Montessori teacher. Five of her 18 years as a teacher have been with the Fort Worth ISD.

Bayard H. Friedman Chair for Teaching Excellence in Performing Arts
Presented by Martin C. Bowen

Michael C. Dawson • Wedgwood Middle School, Grades 6-8

There is more to band than making music, notes Michael (Mike) Dawson. Student musicians learn teamwork, independence and leadership skills. The band director, who proudly conducts concerts at University Interscholastic League festivals and other venues, has an award-winning band that earned a statewide Honor Band fourth-place ranking just a few years ago. Yet, despite more award-winning occasions since then, he has discovered that the experiences alone - the students’ hard work and the process of learning, improved skills and teamwork development - are more meaningful than awards. According to a colleague, Mr. Dawson treats students with dignity and enjoys their complete commitment. In return, it is his hope that they will apply the success, work ethic and confidence learned in his class to every aspect of their lives.

Mr. Dawson received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, Illinois. He has taught in the Fort Worth ISD for three of his 16 years as a teacher.

Outreach Communications Chair for Teaching Excellence in Elementary Reading
Presented by O.C. Hailey

Shawna Messina • Lowery Road Elementary School, Grades K-5

Student successes motivate Shawna Messina daily. A strong-willed student needing a challenge became a classroom role model and later earned a trip to the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. Another with a reading disability passed the reading TAKS and placed at the Science Fair. Attune to trendy music, fashion and television, Ms. Messina knows what’s “cool,” which keeps lessons lively and helps her understand how students connect popular culture to lessons. Even hobbies link to teaching. A SCUBA enthusiast, she developed units on the ocean and ecosystems. A Sudoku fan, she coached students successfully for math competition. Reading skills last a lifetime, says this teacher, responsible for the 5th grade literacy curriculum. She counts herself lucky. “I truly love what I do.”

Ms. Messina graduated from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and has taught in the Fort Worth ISD for eight years.

RadioShack Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary Science
Presented by Greg Pattakos

Sherri Chasteen • North Side High School, Grades 9-12

Sherri Chasteen says this about her students: “Amazing!” Despite potential barriers to success (socioeconomic, language, lack of confidence), 88 percent passed the 2008 TAKS in science! Her goal is to provide students a positive classroom experience leading to scientific literacy. Offering depth of knowledge as a former research chemist and a belief in student potential, she strives to develop mutual respect and inspire their self-confidence. One student, frustrated about Advanced Placement physics, said Ms. Chasteen persuaded her to continue the class, convincing her that success could be hers. The teacher also helped her apply for college and financial aid. Today the student is the first in her family to attend college. This new college student says Ms. Chasteen has helped countless others reach their goals.

Ms. Chasteen received a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Nine of her 14 years as a teacher have been with the Fort Worth ISD.

Pier 1 Imports Chair for Teaching Excellence in Acquisition of Language
Presented by Sara Lee

Patricia Aragon-Clingan • Rosemont Middle School, Grades 6-8

Students unfamiliar with American culture and with limited English language skills, especially academic language, are lucky to meet Patricia Aragon-Clingan. This English as a Second Language (ESL) and Texas History teacher provides students the academic skills to move successfully from a Language Center to regular classroom. A former student who arrived without English language skills recalls finding inspiration; a full-sized teepee, a Texas History project, remains a vivid memory. Today she is an architect. Mrs. Aragon-Clingan steers reluctant students toward sports, clubs, and writing camps she facilitates. After she and students were videotaped creating project rubrics (outlines of goals and definitions for success), colleagues viewing the video were impressed that ESL students took ownership of their projects. Not surprisingly, peers have twice named her Rosemont’s Outstanding Teacher.

Mrs. Aragon-Clingan earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Texas Wesleyan University and a Master of Arts in Spanish from Texas Woman’s University. She has taught in the Fort Worth ISD for 25 years.

Chase Bank Fort Worth Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English
Presented by Danny Smith

Rachel Lawton, Ph.D. • North Side High School, Grades 9-12

Literature allows us to experience life more intensely and helps us make meaning out of our world, says Rachel Lawton. After her students play chess with an Alzheimer’s patient after school or tutor a young student, they share their experiences in writing and make meaning of their world. In class, students portray Shakespearean characters for a Readers Theater, or they assume roles of book characters and put villains on trial for misdeeds. Colleagues say students leave Dr. Lawton’s class still discussing profound themes. Although many of her students may be at high risk of dropping out, more than 96 percent passed the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS); 17 percent had commended performance scores. These great students proved to themselves that they could achieve success, she says.

Dr. Lawton received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in English/sociology-criminology and her Master of Arts and Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She also earned an associate degree from Paris Junior College, Paris, Texas. She has 13 years teaching experience, two in Fort Worth ISD.

Perdue, Brackett, Flores, Utt & Burns, A Joint Venture Chair for Teaching Excellence in Health and Physical Fitness
Presented by Rita Rodriguez-Utt

Andrea Novelli Sandoval • Luella Merrett Elementary School, Grades K-5

In Andrea Sandoval’s gym classes, children develop stamina and learn the importance of lifelong physical activity. Their teacher reinforces curriculum, too. Students jump rope, spelling words or counting by 2s, 3s or 5s. For science, students “zoom through the solar system,” running laps (orbit) around a yellow hula hoop (sun), picking up balls (planets) with planet names written atop, then putting the balls in order. Students participate in a running club and Jump Rope for Heart. In addition, nutrition classes, ballroom dancing, a Bike Rodeo and bowling program boost parental interest in school. Mrs. Sandoval also mentors in an All ST.A.R.S. program, teaching at-risk students goal setting and behavior management skills. In her class, say her peers, every child feels like a superstar.

Mrs. Sandoval received a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology from the University of Texas at Arlington and a master’s degree in education from the University of North Texas. She has taught for six years, four of them in the Fort Worth ISD.

XTO Energy Chair for Teaching Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Presented by Joy Webster

Pamela Jean Sanchez-Irby • Bruce Shulkey Elementary School, Grades K-5

Pamela Sanchez-Irby, kindergarten teacher and former early childhood specialist, describes her students’ “bright eyes and energy” as challenge and inspiration. Feedback from parents is a delight. One dad said his son’s only interest was dinosaurs until he learned about the ocean and asked to visit one. “I wasn’t sure how much I was getting through to that particularly active little guy!” she recalls. She invites parents to monthly after school meetings and conversation, providing fun and easy crafts for them to do with their children. She is a popular trainer/presenter on early childhood for local, state and national  organizations. Colleagues appreciate her generosity and mentoring. Yet one of her greatest joys is receiving high school and college graduation invitations from her former prekindergarten and kindergarten students.

Miss Sanchez-Irby holds a Bachelor of Science in education from East Texas State University. She has 34 years teaching experience, 25 in the Fort Worth ISD.