All news
McNeill's Avinger wins T.E.A.C.H. Award
September 11, 2012
McNeill Elementary teacher Katrina Avinger is the 2012 winner of the Texas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s (TASCD) T.E.A.C.H. Award.
T.E.A.C.H., which is the acronym for Texas Educators Achieving Classroom Honors, rewards one elementary educator and one secondary educator, with less than five years’ experience that has made an impact on students. Avinger is in her fourth year of teaching, all at McNeill. Avinger will be honored in October at the Texas ASCD Conference in Dallas.
McNeill principal Amber Barbarow nominated the 5th-grade reading teacher for the award.
“Ms. Avinger has been a mentor to other new teachers who request her for their peer observations, veteran teachers who need assistance with teaching out of the box, as well as staff members looking for a great idea to incorporate into their room” Barbarow wrote in her nomination. “Student interests are always at the heart of her planning.”
Barbarow also praised Avinger’s use of technology in the classroom, all aimed at increasing student engagement.
“The rapport Ms. Avinger has built with her students has spilled over into a classroom that is built on respect and understanding, especially with the diverse population of students at this campus,” Barbarow wrote. “When a student receives points on the classroom dojo for something, they are praised by their peers. You don't see that in very many classrooms, especially not with 5th grade. They have a genuine care and regard for their teacher and each other.”
McNeill Elementary opened in 2008 and is a TEA Recognized School.
District News