Fort Worth Independent School District
The Chairs for Teaching Excellence program was created in 1994 to honor Fort Worth ISD educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact on student achievement. This distinguished program recognizes teachers who embody the highest standards of excellence in education and who serve as models of professionalism and dedication in their respective field.
Honorees are selected through a rigorous process that includes an application, principal recommendation, and a review of student achievement data. Applicants making it to the semi-final round will provide a video teaching demonstration and participate in a panel interview.
Each recipient is awarded a $5,000 honorarium, generously sponsored by our community partners.
Being named the Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education has been an incredible honor and affirmation of the work I am passionate about. It reinforces my commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where all students, especially those with disabilities, are valued, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to grow. I will cherish this honor forever; it will be a highlight of my career.
Briana Welch, Seminary Hills Park Elementary
Cook Children's Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education, 2025-2026
Timeline
Applications Open
Monday, September 28, 2026
Applications Close
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Semi-Finalist Video Demo Lessons
November 6, 2026
Semi-Finalist Candidate Interviews
November 11-13, 2026
Chairs for Teaching Excellence Awards Dinner
December 15, 2026
Application Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years in Fort Worth ISD. (current year may count as one of those years)
- Letter of recommendation from a current or former principal or assistant principal (of at least 2 years)
- Evidence of strong student achievement and/or growth
- Examples of teacher leadership or contributions to the profession
- Resume/CV
Screening Process
- Applicant written responses and classroom student data are evaluated
- Applications are screened for alignment with program criteria
- Applicants should select the Teaching Chair category aligned to their primary teaching assignment or the content area representing the majority of their instructional responsibilities.
- When an applicant serves in more than one content area, they should select the Teaching Chair category representing the greatest portion of their instructional assignment.
Finalist Selection
- Top applicants for each Teaching Chair move forward to the semi-final stage.
- Semi-finalists will submit a recorded teaching demonstration.
- Semi-finalists will participate in a formal panel interview.
Final Chair for Teaching Excellence selections are based on a comprehensive review of the application, student impact, interview, and instructional practice. This process ensures honorees represent the highest standards of excellence in Fort Worth ISD.
The Teacher Excellence Chair Award has strengthened my purpose as an educator in FWISD, reminding me that when students, educators, and leaders believe in one another, learning becomes transformational.
Erica Del Rio, Glen Park Elementary
Tarleton State University Chair for Teaching Excellence in Math or Science, 2025-2026
Chairs for Teaching Excellence Categories
Bilingual Education and World Languages
New category for 2026
Bilingual Classes, Spanish, French, German, American Sign Language, and other Languages Other Than English
Sponsor: Texas Christian University
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
CTE Programs of Choice: Agricultural Mechanics; Animal Science; Animation; Architecture; Automotive Technology; Aviation Maintenance; Business Management; Construction Technology; Cosmetology; Culinary Arts; Cybersecurity; Digital Communications; Digital Gaming; Electrical Technology; Fashion Design; Information Technology; IT Support and Services; Law Enforcement; Legal Studies; Lodging and Resort Management; Logistics and Supply Chain Management; Marketing; Medical; Software Development; Video Game Design; Welding.
CTE Programs of Study: Engineering; Entrepreneurship; Graphic Design and Illustration; Teaching and Training.
High school CTE Chair applicants must teach within an approved program of study offered at their campus, while middle school CTE Chair applicants must teach approved CTE courses offered at their campus.
Sponsor: Texas A&M Fort Worth
Early Childhood Education
Pre-K, Kindergarten, Early Learning, and designated Early Childhood instructional programs
Sponsor: Central Market
Elementary Reading/Language Arts
Elementary Literacy, English Language Arts
Sponsor: Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson LLP
Health & Physical Education
Health, Physical Education, and related Health and PE instructional programs
Sponsor: Texas Health
Humanities
Elementary Social Studies, U.S. History, World History, Texas History, Geography, Government, Civics, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, and other Social Studies courses
Sponsor: Sewell Lexus & Infiniti of Fort Worth
Math
New for 2026: Separate Chairs for Math and Science
Elementary Mathematics instruction; Secondary Mathematics, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Advanced Mathematics, and other secondary Math courses
Sponsor: Meta
Science
New for 2026: Separate Chairs for Math and Science
Elementary Science instruction; Secondary Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, and other secondary Science courses
Sponsor: Tarleton State University
Secondary English
Secondary English, Reading, Writing, Literature, and secondary English Language Arts courses
Sponsor: J.P. Morgan Chase
Special Education & Specialized Learning
Special Education, Resource, Life Skills, Self-Contained, and other Specialized Learning instructional assignments
Sponsor: Cook Children's
Theater, Dance & Drama
Theater, Dance, Drama
Sponsor: Broadway at the Bass (Performing Arts Fort Worth)
Visual & Performing Arts
Visual Art, Music, Band, Orchestra, Choir, and other Fine Arts programs except theatre, dance and drama
Sponsor: Friedman (Performing Arts Fort Worth)
Fort Worth ISD Chairs for Teaching Excellence is sponsored by:
Broadway at the Bass
Performing Arts Fort Worth
Chair for Teaching Excellence in
Theater, Dance & Drama
Central Market
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Cook Children’s
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Special Education & Specialized Learning
Friedman
Performing Arts Fort Worth
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Visual & Performing Arts
J.P. Morgan Chase
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English
Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP
Chair for Teaching Excellence in
Elementary Reading & Language Arts
Meta
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Math
Sewell Lexus & Infiniti of Fort Worth
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Humanities
Tarleton State University
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Science
Texas A&M Fort Worth
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Career & Technical Education
Texas Christian University
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Bilingual Education & World Languages
Texas Health
Chair for Teaching Excellence in Health & Physical Education