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A Passion for Fishing
EDITOR’S NOTE: Over the next few weeks, FWISD will feature profiles and individual acceptance speeches from Fort Worth ISD’s 2018-2019 Academic Chairs for Teaching Excellence.
Leo Vaughns Jr., an eighth-grade English language arts teacher at Kirkpatrick Middle School, is a fisherman.
“As an educator, it is my passion to go fishing,” said Mr. Vaughns, the 2018-2019 Chase Chair for Teaching Excellence in Secondary English, in his acceptance speech for the recognition, November 14, 2018. “Each day I put the bait of motivation, inspiration, encouragement, compassion and enthusiasm on my line as I present exciting and sometimes unusual lessons in my classroom. This bait is my hook, and when I reel it in, strong, positive relationships are built.”
Affectionately known to many in the Kirkpatrick community as “Mr. Kirkpatrick,” Mr. Vaughns joined the District 29 years ago as a music teacher. He takes great pride in his community, and his greatest joy is having strong relationships with his students and their families.
Mr. Vaughns taught music for several years before transitioning into ELA. Throughout his career, he’s participated with the after-school program at Kirkpatrick, produced all Kirkpatrick’s school plays, rewritten the school anthem and written curriculum, according to school board documents. He also founded Wildcat Brothers.
Last year, the FWISD Board of Education approved a motion to name the auditorium at Kirkpatrick for Mr. Vaughns. Plans are still underway to host a dedication ceremony once signage for the auditorium arrives, according to school officials.
Mr. Vaughns earned his bachelor’s degree in English and music from Texas Christian University. He has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.
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