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TI Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards, 2022

TI Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards, 2022

MAY 17, 2022

Three Plano ISD winners in the Texas Instruments (IT) Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards were recognized by the Board of Trustees at the May 17 meeting.

  • Hannah Brosam, science teacher at Rice Middle School
  • Kristyn Croteau, math teacher at Otto Middle School
  • Tiffany Prda, science teacher at Schimelpfenig Middle School

2022 Texas Instrument award winners

TI representative Renee Fancher; Tiffany Prda, science teacher at Schimelpfenig Middle School; Kristyn Croteau, math teacher at Otto Middle School; Hannah Brosam, science teacher at Rice Middle School; and Plano ISD Education Foundation Senior Executive Director Brittnea Ussery.

For the last 16 years our staff has been honored to work with the Texas Instruments Foundation and the Plano ISD Education Foundation to recognize outstanding Plano ISD teachers of secondary science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards are made possible through the generosity of the Texas Instruments Foundation. The TI Foundation’s top philanthropic priority is education, specifically STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math.  And what way can be more impactful than to support teachers?  A teacher will touch hundreds, if not thousands, of students throughout her or his career. 

Since the program was started:

  • Almost $2 million dollars has been awarded to teachers in six local school districts. 
  • 42 teachers have been recognized from Plano ISD, including this year’s three awardees that we’ll recognize tonight.

The district thanks Executive Director of the Texas Instruments Foundation, Andy Smith. , and the Plano ISD Education Foundation for their support of Plano ISD STEM teachers.

Hannah Brosam, science teacher at Rice Middle School

According to her principal, Chris Glasscock: "Hannah is truly a dedicated teacher, She goes above and beyond to ensure her students receive instruction that is engaging and thought-provoking. Her classroom is a safe learning environment where her students feel comfortable to interact with each other and also take risks in their learning. Mrs. Brosam is a compassionate educator and ensures all of her students are involved in the learning process while in her class."

Kristyn Croteau, math teacher at Otto Middle School

According to her principal, Amy Robison: "Kristyn embodies the definition of an excellent educator. She is dedicated to the success of her students, her team, her campus, and Plano ISD. She provides rigorous lessons that ignite curiosity, critical thinking and most of all, fun. Her dedication does not end in the classroom but extends to the extracurricular activities of her current and past students. She has always been dedicated to reflecting on her results as an educator in order to make an even greater impact on future students."

Tiffany Prda, science teacher at Schimelpfenig Middle School

According to her principal, Kristen Kinnard: "In just three years on campus, Ms. Prda has made an immediate and significant impact. Her use of technology not only sets a clear pathway for student learning but also breeds excitement and curiosity.  While her use of technology is exceptional, Ms. Prda’s ability to foster and forge relationships with both students and staff is second to none. Her dedication inspires students and teammates to reach new heights. Schimelpfenig Middle School is proud to call her a Panther."