Plano ISD elementary and secondary teachers of the year Dr. Keishon Ireland, Mitchell Elementary fifth grade teacher and Michelle Johnson, Rice Middle School librarian were invited to attend the August 2 Region 10 Teacher of the Year Celebration at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas. Keishon Ireland's selection as one of the three elementary regional 10 Teacher of the Year finalists for 2019 was announced at the celebration.
Region 10 Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalist Dr. Keishon Ireland - three elementary finalists were announced - Mitchell Elementary fifth grade teacher and Plano ISD elementary teacher of the year.
Yearly, 40 Regional Teachers of the Year are selected — one elementary and one secondary teacher from each of the 20 Education Service Center regions in Texas. A panel of judges, composed primarily of members of various teacher associations, meets to evaluate the written applications and selects a Region 10 Elementary and a Region 10 Secondary Teacher of the Year from six finalists chosen from among the 40 semifinalists.
Region 10 candidates have the respect and admiration of their colleagues, are nominated by their superintendents and they:
- Are experts in their field who guide students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence
- Collaborate with colleagues, students and families to create a school culture of respect and success
- Deliberately connect the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large
- Demonstrate leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls that embodies lifelong learning
- Express themselves in an engaging and articulate way
Chris Glasscock, Rice Middle School principal; Michelle Johnson Plano ISD secondary teacher of the year/Rice Middle School librarian; Sara Bonser Plano ISD superintendent of schools; Dr. Keishon Ireland, Plano ISD elementary teacher of the year/Mitchell Elementary fifth grade teacher and Region 10 teacher of the year finalist; and Bob Farris, Mitchell Elementary principal.
