TI Foundation names 2009 Innovations in STEM Teaching Award recipients
 First Row, L to R: Dr. Patricia Crisp (Regional Representative, U.S. Dept. of Education) Kevin Cieszkowski (Richardson ISD), Glenn Samford (Dallas ISD), Dr. Nancy Mack (Dallas ISD), Michele Poovey (Plano ISD), Natalie Buxkemper (Dallas ISD), Sam Self (TI Foundation chair).
Second Row, L to R: Rich Templeton (TI Chairman, President and CEO), Dr. Michael Gayles (Dallas ISD), Daniel Brown (Dallas ISD), Joseph Selvog (Dallas ISD), Stephanie Schinnerer (Plano ISD), Dr. Sardul Singh (Dallas ISD), Torrence Robinson (TI Director of Public Affairs).
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The Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation recently announced 10 recipients of the Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teaching Award. The TI Foundation established the STEM Awards in 2006 to recognize instructors in Dallas, Plano and Richardson Independent School Districts' (ISDs) middle schools, junior highs and high schools who are increasing students' interest and achievement in math and science.
As fellows in the TI Foundation STEM Teaching Academy, the 2009 recipients will join previous awardees for professional development programs in early October and mid-summer. These sessions provide an up-close look at the future of technology, exposure to senior technology leaders, and the opportunity to share ideas about quality STEM education.
The award recipients were inducted into the academy during a reception hosted by Rich Templeton, TI chairman, president and CEO and Sam Self, chairman of the TI Foundation board of directors. Honorees from the previous two years attended, along with about 100 community leaders, educators and elected officials.
Each honoree received $10,000, half of which is directly awarded to the teacher. The other $5,000 is used at the teacher's discretion for professional development or instructional technology.
The grants are awarded through the Dallas Education Foundation, the Richardson ISD Excellence in Education Foundation and the Plano ISD Education Foundation.
"Science, technology, engineering and math skills are core subjects crucial to remaining competitive and succeeding in today's high-tech economy," said Self. "These awards acknowledge effective teaching, and we hope other educators will be motivated to cultivate interest in and build excitement for these disciplines among their students."
"We're delighted to be able to be a part of getting young people excited about science, technology, engineering and math," said Torrence Robinson , TI director of education and workforce, who reviews the nominations and conducts classroom visits to choose the awardees. "At TI, we have a stake in stoking the interest in and teaching of these subjects because the future competitiveness of the next-generation workforce depends on the development of STEM skills."
Since the awards program began, participating districts have retained all of the outstanding teachers who were named STEM Fellows. Retention rates for math and science teachers typically range from 67 to 85 percent over a five year period.
Principals nominated teachers for the STEM awards based on criteria such as demonstrating and documenting teaching effectiveness, establishing classroom innovation, participating in education activities outside of the classroom, encouraging curiosity, and generating excitement in STEM subjects among their students.
This year's 10 award recipients are:
- Daniel Brown, Hillcrest High School, Dallas ISD, who teaches high school science.
- Natalie Buxkemper, Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School, Dallas ISD, who teaches eighth-grade math.
- Kevin Cieszkowski, Berkner STEM Academy, Richardson ISD, who teaches pre-AP physics.
- Dr. Michael Gayles, North Dallas High School, Dallas ISD, who teaches high school science.
- Dr. Nancy Mack, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Dallas ISD, who teaches high school video technology and communication graphics.
- Michele Poovey, Frankford Middle School, Plano ISD, who teaches sixth-grade science.
- Glenn Samford, Science & Engineering Magnet High School, Dallas ISD, who teaches high school math.
- Stephanie Schinnerer, Bowman Middle School, Plano ISD, who teaches sixth-grade math and honors math.
- Joseph Selvog, Gaston Middle School, Dallas ISD, who teaches eighth-grade science.
- Dr. Sardul Singh, Thomas Jefferson High School, Dallas ISD, who teaches high school math and science.
The TI Foundation's primary intent is to improve STEM education and increase the percentage of high school graduates who are math and science capable.
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