CEDAR HILL – The Cedar Hill Independent School District honored its Teachers of the Year during an Educator Awards Banquet on May 9. The Teacher of the Year selection committee awarded Debra Seeley with the Datamax Elementary Teacher of the Year award and named Barbara Boakye as the Wells Fargo Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Seeley is a K-2 Special Education teacher at Lake Ridge Elementary School. “She is a phenomenal educator,” said Tangelia Mason, who nominated Seeley. “The children in her classroom have grown so much, and she brings out the best in all, allowing them to reach their full potential.”
Seeley said she discovered her love for teaching special education students as a substitute teacher in CHISD in 2001. “I was asked to work in the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) classroom and found my calling,” Seeley said. “My duties included assisting the PPCD students in their regular education class and specials’ classes. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to observe many teaching styles and the different learning styles of students.It is our job to look beyond the disability to find ways to let their abilities shine.”
Boakye is a ninth-grade biology teacher at Collegiate High School. “She is known for her ability to create a supportive classroom community while still providing a rigorous course,” said Jamila Thomas, who nominated her. Thomas added: “Ms. Boakye is passionate about teaching and improving the quality of classroom instruction.”
“I believe that every child, no matter the underlying issues, can learn. We can encourage and push children to heights they themselves did not think possible to reach,” said Ms. Boakye. “After educating children for eight years, I have found that lessons must be tailored to strengthen weak points and fortify strong areas.”
Both teachers were given a $250 award from their respective sponsors. Datamax and Wells Fargo also sponsored the awards dinner.
“Our annual Educator Awards Banquet is an important opportunity for us to honor some of the men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children,” said CHISD Chief Financial Officer Carrie Alexander. “Our partnership with Datamax and Wells Fargo afforded us the opportunity to recognize and present awards to some of our best and brightest educators. We are very thankful for their generous support of the district.”
