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Plano ISD Teachers Inducted as Fellows in TI Foundation Academy
August 27, 2009
Award recognizes local educators who improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering and math
Two Plano ISD teachers - Michele Poovey and Stephanie Schinnerer - were inducted into the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academy as fellows on August 26.
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).
Michele Poovey, sixth-grade science at Frankford Middle School. She encourages critical thinking, creative expressions and questioning. Her philosophy is that facts may be forgotten but the desire and thirst for knowledge and the love of learning last forever, and she seeks to instill that in her students.
Stephanie Schinnerer teaches sixth-grade math and honors math at Bowman Middle School. She is involved in the After School Academic Program at Bowman and is part of the Finish Strong Academy that provides extra math support for students.
Read more about the Plano winners in our April 8, 2009, report when announcement of TI Foundation Innovations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Teaching Award winners took place at a school board meeting. They were honored at the meeting by the Plano ISD Education Foundation and TI Foundation.
The Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation presented awards this week to 10 teachers from the Dallas, Plano and Richardson independent school districts. The TI Foundation established the Innovations in STEM Awards in 2006 to honor instructors at the secondary level who consistently demonstrate quality instruction, enhance student achievement and increase interest in the STEM disciplines.
As STEM fellows, the teachers participate in a unique professional development program at TI that provides an up-close look at the future of technology, exposure to senior technology leaders, and the opportunity to share their ideas about quality STEM education with peers. The award recipients also each receive $10,000, of which $5,000 is directly awarded to the teacher. The other $5,000 is to be used at the teacher's discretion for professional development or instructional technology.
Since the Innovations in STEM Awards program began, participating districts have seen a 100 percent STEM Fellow retention rate as compared to estimates elsewhere that range from 67 to 85 percent.
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 students.
About Plano ISD Education Foundation
Plano ISD Education Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with the mission to generate private support for priority projects identified by Plano ISD not funded by tax dollars. The Foundation provides grants to educators, programs that support academic enrichment to Plano ISD students, emergency assistance for teachers and staff members in crisis, as well as programs aimed at recruiting and retaining quality teachers. To learn more about the Plano ISD Education Foundation or to make a donation, contact Executive Director Monica Shortino at (469) 752-8091.
About Texas Instruments Foundation
The Texas Instruments Foundation, founded in 1964, is a non-profit organization providing philanthropic support for educational and charitable purposes primarily in the communities where Texas Instruments operates.
Committed to supporting educational excellence, the foundation works to create measurable, replicable programs and initiatives. The focus is on providing knowledge, skills and programs to improve STEM education and increase the percentage of high school graduates who are math and science capable.
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"Science, technology, engineering and math skills are core subjects crucial to remaining competitive and succeeding in today's high-tech economy. 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."
Sam Self, chairman,
TI Foundation Board
of Directors
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