News Releases

Dallas Ed. Foundation And TI Foundation Announce 2007 Teaching Awards Recipients

4 Jun 2007

Awards Focus On Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

DALLAS–The Dallas Education Foundation, in partnership with Texas Instruments Foundation, recently announced the 2007 Texas Instruments Foundation Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Teaching Awards recipients.

The award was created by the Texas Instruments Foundation to honor innovative classroom teachers who are greatly enhancing student achievement and increasing interest in science, technology, engineering and math classrooms.

“We are extremely proud of these teachers,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. “They are a shining example of excellence and innovation in teaching with their hard work and dedication to our students. Also, we are truly appreciative of Texas Instruments’ partnership and commitment to Dallas ISD.”

School principals nominated science, technology, engineering and/or math teachers at the secondary level (grades 7 to 12).

The seven award recipients are:

• Katy Guzman, Thomas Jefferson High School. Guzman teaches Pre-AP Algebra II, Pre-AP Pre


• Heather Hinds, Thomas Jefferson High School. Hinds teaches multimedia and video technology for grades 10-12.


• Robert G. Martin, School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center. Martin teaches Pre-AP Computer Science I, AP Computer Science I (A), AP Computer Science II (AB) for grades 9-12.


• Natalie Mathew, W.H. Gaston Middle School. Mathew teaches seventh grade science.


• Theresa M. Oriabure, Hillcrest High School. Oriabure teaches Biology, Pre-AP Biology, AP Biology and AP Environmental Science for grades 9, 10 and 12.


• Tamika Prentiss, David W. Carter High School. Prentiss teaches 10th grade Geometry and a Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Preparation Course.


• Kathleen Weaver, Hillcrest High School. Weaver teaches AP Computer Science II, AP Computer Science I, Computer Science I, and Pre-AP Computer Science Webmastering.

The recipients each will receive $10,000, of which $5,000 is directly awarded to the classroom teacher and the other $5,000 is to be used at the discretion of the teacher for professional development and/or instructional technology.

“The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math disciplines are the tools of the 21st century and we at Texas Instruments view this award as our way to acknowledge the importance of STEM teaching in hopes that others will follow and instill the love of science, technology, engineering and math in their students," said Torrence Robinson, director of Public Affairs, Texas Instruments. "

The mission of the Dallas Education Foundation is to unite community and resources for excellence throughout Dallas ISD. The goals are to increase student achievement by promoting, identifying, and recognizing excellence; to require high expectations and systems of accountability; and to create champions for public education.

Texas Instruments will recognize all winners at an awards ceremony in the fall.