Williams High School Teacher Awarded by 'Humanities Texas'

November 6, 2009

"'Project' is usually a dirty word to students," says Williams High School Teacher Jana Fry, but in her humanities class it's the one word that students use to describe what they love most about the two-year course.

For exhibiting exemplary leadership in her field, Ms. Fry has captured an "Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities" award from Humanities Texas / National Endowment for the Humanities, a nonprofit educational organization that supports research, education and public programs in the humanities.

Next week, Ms. Fry, who teaches Advanced Placement World History and humanities, will be presented with a $5,000 award and $500 for the Williams High School Humanities Program during an official visit by U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson.

Currently a curriculum and instruction doctoral student at the University of North Texas, Ms. Fry is constantly sharpening her teaching skills and is reinforced by fellow doctoral students that Williams High School and Plano ISD provide an exemplary humanities education program.

The following interview was published in Plano ISD's District Digest employee newsletter.

Digest: What sets Williams High School's Humanities Program apart from other programs?

Jana: An interdisciplinary approach to teaching. Students learn best when they can make connections across disciplines. Our academic teaching teams support groups of approximately 150 students each to constantly monitor student achievement and ensure their success. Math, science, social studies and English teachers all plan units together to support these small learning communities.

Digest: What is involved in the teaching of the district's humanities course?

Jana: Honor students in grades 9 and 10 enroll in humanities to earn an English credit and AP World History credit over a two-year period. Humanities I explores ancient civilizations through the Renaissance. In Humanities II, we study history and cultures of man from the Renaissance period through modern day.

Digest: What makes humanities such a unique course of study?

Jana: The humanities unlock creativity, which is one of the highest levels of thinking. By having students design lessons, projects, presentations and class discussions, my students operate at higher thinking levels.

District: What is the foundation of a humanities course?

Jana: The humanities are not just about developing an appreciation for all things cultural or artistic. True humanities courses focus on critical thinking processes that foster deep understanding, truth and problem-solving.

One other beautiful aspect of humanities is that the discipline fosters an appreciation for diversity in our world. My students are better prepared for college and beyond because they know how to think creatively, engage in intellectual discourse, cooperate with others and understand the diversity in the world that they must negotiate and will one day lead.

District: What do you most appreciate about teaching humanities?

Jana: I have always been drawn to history and cultures, but I do not teach history, first and foremost, I teach kids. History is simply the vehicle. I love teaching the humanities class because we get to explore all of the cultural aspects of history such as art, music, philosophy and literature.

Ceiling tiles in Jana's classroom illustrate her students' creativity.

District: What is your favorite thing about teaching high school students?

Jana: I've always wanted to teach older kids. We get each others' humor, we can communicate at a more intellectual level, and it is at this level that students are truly learning the skills to be independent young adults.

District: How do you stay abreast of emerging best practices in the teaching of humanities?

Jana: I am currently a student myself right now, pursuing a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at the University of North Texas. I want to teach in a college of education at the university level to teach future teachers how to be great teachers.

More About Jana

Education

• 2008-present- Doctoral student at University of North Texas seeking a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction
• 1989- M. Ed. from Texas Tech University- Secondary Education
• 1988- B.S. in Secondary Education from Texas Tech University- certified in Composite Social Studies

Professional Experience

Williams High School, 2003-Present

• Social Studies Department Chair
• Gifted and Talented Specialist
• Instructional Specialist
• Differentiation Coach
• Professional Learning Period Implementation Team
• World History Team Leader
• Teacher- Humanities G/T program
• Teacher- AP World History
• Mentor teacher
• Coach- Speech, Debate, and Oral Interp Team

Curriculum Writer, 1998-Present

• 2008-2009- Will be developing curriculum for Humanities, the high school G/T program
• Currently developing and writing on-line curriculum for high school World Geography and World History
• 1998-2003- Curriculum writer for 6th grade World Cultures, 7th grade Texas History, and 8th grade U.S. History

Hendrick Middle School, 1989-2003

• Social Studies Department Chair
• Teacher- 6th grade World Cultures, 7th grade Texas History, and 8th grade U.S. History
• National Junior Honor Society Sponsor
• Whiz Quiz Coach
• Future Problem Solving Coach

Professional Honors and Achievements

• 2009- Recipient of Humanities Texas Excellence in Teaching Award
• 2007- Nomination to Who's Who Among American Women
• 1997- Nomination to Who's Who Among American Teachers
• 1996- Hendrick Middle School Experienced Teacher of the
• 1990- Hendrick Middle School Beginning Teacher of the Year

Recent Professional Development

• AP Summer Institute- University Texas at Dallas; Carolyn Buchanan, presenter
• AP Summer Institute- University Texas at Dallas; Paul Phelp, presenter
• Gifted and Talented Certification
• Institute for the Study of Islamic Culture, University of Texas, Austin
• AP World History Reading- University of Nebraska and Colorado State University

Quotes from Colleagues

Mark Wellborn, director of professional learning and advanced academics: "As educators, we all should know our 'stuff,' but what makes Jana infinitely more effective in the classroom is, in addition to her 'knowing her stuff,' she knows and cares about young people and how to communicate with them. Every student knows he/she matters! Jana brings this focus and these skills into our program meetings and decisions and helps us all remain student-focused."

Tina Pilgrim, Murphy Middle School science department chair and co-writer of Jana's award nomination: "Jana possesses the gift of being great with kids of all ages. She understands them and 'gets' their humor. She diligently works to stay current in her field. She's very passionate about education and finding ways to reach all of her students. She challenges her students to think critically and come up with solutions. Her calm demeanor sets the tone for her classroom, and her students know she cares about them."