Dallas ISD names its three teachers of the year

Dallas ISD named its three Teachers of the Year at a special reception on Jan. 17.

The 2017-2018 Teachers of the Year are:

• Josue Tamarez Torres, fifth-grade math, Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School
• Beth Poquette Drews, mariachi, orchestra, guitar for grades 6-8, L.V. Stockard Middle School
• Nedra Johnson, science for grades 6-8, Alex W. Spence Middle School

The three teachers, who will each receive $5,000 from Central Market, were among the 10 finalists for 2017-2018 Teachers of the Year. The other finalists, who were also recognized at the reception sponsored by Central Market, are:

Elementary Finalists

• Tamesha Connaughton, physical education, George Bannerman Dealey International Academy
• Gina Maffucci, fourth-grade reading language arts/social studies, Arthur Kramer Elementary School
• Sarah Jane Rust, second-grade math/science, Stonewall Jackson Elementary School
• Courtney Thomas, kindergarten, Urban Park Elementary School

Secondary Finalists

• Jennifer Cambre, Pre-AP Biology, Pre-AP Chemistry, AP Chemistry for grades 9-12, School of Science and Engineering
• Emily Schick, sixth- and seventh-grade Pre-AP science, Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School
• Kayla Takats, seventh-grade language arts, Ann Richards Middle School

All teachers named Teacher of the Year at their campuses were honored at a reception in October. This group of campus winners were invited to apply for the district award.

The application process included a review of the candidate’s community involvement, professional development, two written essays and required three endorsements from students, parents, colleagues or a mentor. A variety of current and former Dallas ISD school leadership, former winners and finalists and community supporters assisted in a blind review and scored the essays and endorsements. Separating the teachers by categories, the average of those scores led to the finalists who were interviewed by a panel.