Skyline teacher Sophie Nah knows that learning a language not based on the English alphabet can be a challenge, so she makes her Korean language classes fun. Perhaps that is why Nah, who teaches four levels of classes, for grades nine through 12, finds students coming back every year for more. Her students don’t just learn to speak conversational Korean. They also practice arts and crafts and make pottery, kites, ethnic masks, fans, and other artifacts. And they are introduced to Korean foods – all the while learning about the country and its traditions. “I give them rewards, like Korean…

Dallas ISD celebrates teaching excellence by recognizing outstanding educators who are making a difference in the lives of students every day. Meet 2022-202 Principal of the Year finalist Gayle Rodgers, Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy. Gayle Ferguson Rodgers is the founding principal of Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy, an early college high school within the Choice/Magnet division. She has been an urban educator with Dallas ISD for 31 years. Her most rewarding years have been spent as a principal within early college high schools (ECHS). The ECHS program is uniquely designed to target first-generation college students, low-income youth, students of…

Dallas ISD celebrates teaching excellence by recognizing outstanding educators who are making a difference in the lives of students every day. Meet 2022-202 Principal of the Year finalist Marquetta Masters, Trinity Heights Talented and Gifted. Marquetta Masters has served as the founding principal for Trinity Heights Talented and Gifted for four years. She received her undergraduate degree from Langston University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Texas Woman’s University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Southern Methodist University. Masters began her Dallas ISD career as a Reading Language…

Dallas ISD celebrates teaching excellence by recognizing outstanding educators who are making a difference in the lives of students every day. Meet 2022-202 Principal of the Year finalist Shadaria Foster, Kennedy-Curry Middle School. Shadaria Foster, principal of Kennedy-Curry Academy of Modern Arts, started her education career at O.W. Holmes Middle School and later worked at Billy Earl Dade Middle School, where she was a multiyear Teacher of the Year recipient. Foster later served as assistant principal at Balch Springs Middle School, leading the English Language Arts and Reading department to distinction. She led the opening of the Young Women’s STEAM…