MISD HONORS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
Every year , campuses nominate top educators for their own Teacher of the Year award . The winners are then nominated on a district level to potentially win the Teacher of the Year accolade for Mansfield ISD . Only two teachers are selected ; one elementary and one secondary . The selection is a testament to the educators ’ outstanding leadership and influence inside and outside of the classroom .
“ Her students love her . Students that are not in her class love her . She brings a fun edge to instruction through music . She is an educator who truly believes in all her students ,” said principal Mico Rhines .
Secondary Teacher of the Year Tommi Dearing , Jerry Knight STEM Academy
Mansfield ISD recognized the two winners at the annual Employee Awards Banquet , held on May 9 at the Dr . Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts . Dr . Zsetaun Washington from Thelma Jones Elementary was selected as the Elementary Teacher of the Year . Tommi Dearing from Jerry Knight STEM Academy was selected as the Secondary Teacher of the Year . Congratulations to both of those individuals !
Elementary Teacher of the Year Dr . Zsetaun Washington , Thelma Jones Elementary
Dr . Zsetaun “ Ziggy ” Washington is no stranger to education . She has served in Mansfield ISD for three years but has worked in education for 24 years . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree from National University , a master ’ s degree from Concordia University , and a doctorate from Alverno College .
Dr . Washington is passionate about education and that all students have the potential to succeed , given the right support . This belief has extended from her childhood until now , inspiring her to become a teacher where she can help students become who they are meant to be . Her spirit and charisma are admired by her students and peers .
Tommi Dearing has been with Mansfield ISD for five years and has been teaching for fourteen years . Currently , she is a designer at Jerry Knight STEM Academy , where she shares her passion for mathematics . Her goal is to change people ’ s perceptions of math as “ hard ” to something challenging but enjoyable . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree from the University of South Dakota and is currently pursuing a master ’ s from the University of Texas at Arlington .
“ I can always depend on her ,” said principal Shaye Atwood . “ She ’ s always willing to step in and help her fellow colleagues . She is very dependable , and we know that we ’ re always going to get top shelf service in her classroom .”
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