January 23, 2023

On Tuesday, Plano ISD announced the nominees for the 2022-2023 Texas Instruments' Innovations in STEM Teaching Awards. For 17 years, Plano ISD has been honored to work with Texas Instruments and the Plano ISD Education Foundation to recognize our outstanding teachers of secondary Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). 

Each campus principal was asked to nominate an exceptional teacher on their campus who exemplifies excellence in the STEM classroom. STEM teaching and learning are essential for ensuring that our students are empowered to be critical thinkers, collaborators, problem solvers and engineers of new ideas and solutions so that they are ready for the future.  Effective STEM instruction provides access to learning opportunities, experiences and programming that develop student interests and talents throughout their K-12 education and beyond. 

"I would also like to extend a very special thank you to Texas Instruments and the Plano ISD Education Foundation for your continued partnership and support for our district and for organizing this celebration to honor our STEM awards nominees," said Dr. Theresa Williams, Superintendent of Schools. "Your recognition of the importance of STEM education through this outstanding program supports our commitment to recruiting and retaining the very best teachers in our classrooms to prepare our kids."

Congratulations to the following Plano ISD Educators: 

• Adrian Aguilar, Armstrong Middle School, Subject Area: Science
• Jennifer Beall, Renner Middle School, Subject Area: Science
• Eric Bear, Robinson Middle School, Subject Area: CTE
• Marcus Bernabo, Clark High School, Subject Area: CTE
• Kelly Carlson, Wilson Middle School, Subject Area: Math
• Chris Chen, Frankford Middle School, Subject Area: Math
• William Ross Craig, Plano East Senior High School, Subject Area: CTE
• Jason Dewese, Shepton High School, Subject Area: CTE
• Dayna Edwards, McMillen High School, Subject Area: Science
• Francisco Flores, Academy High School, Subject Area: CTE
• Michael Grant, Bowman Middle School, Subject Area: Math
• Grace Haug, Jasper High School, Subject Area: Science
• Shane Hemby, Plano West Senior High School, Subject Area: CTE
• Tracy Henry-Smith, Williams High School, Subject Area: Science
• Victoria Kearns, Carpenter Middle School, Subject Area: Math
• Wade Kennedy, Otto Middle School, Subject Area: CTE
• Chris Mutke, Schimelpfenig Middle School, Subject Area: CTE
• Clarice Perry, Murphy Middle School, Subject Area: Math
• Adam Swatkowski, Haggard Middle School, Subject Area: CTE
• Andrew Valentine, Plano Senior High School, Subject Area: CTE
• Patty Walker, Rice Middle School, Subject Area: Math