Richard J. Lee 5th grade teacher Laura Jennings and Coppell High School IB Mathematics and AP Calculus teacher Ian VanderSchee were surprised at their campuses on April 26 with the news they are the 2023 CISD Elementary and Secondary District Teachers of the Year, respectively.

A school bus with CISD Superintendent Dr. Brad Hunt, CISD Trustees, district officials, selection committee members and business partners delivered the District Teacher of the Year news to Jennings and VanderSchee during surprise events at each school.

According to Richard J. Lee Principal Chantel Kastrounis, Jennings loves her learners and celebrates their individual successes. 

“She continuously learns about her students and genuinely cares about their well-being,” Kastrounis said. “Laura is inclusive and works to improve her craft in order to benefit children and is always willing to share learning with others.“

Jennings said, “Entering the teaching profession late in life, I wanted to work to make a difference in the lives of students. ‘What starts here, changes the world’ is the motto of my undergraduate university, The University of Texas. I feel this is something to keep in mind when teaching. Each learner has great potential, and it is the responsibility of the educator to make sure they develop a learner’s lifelong love for learning.”

Jennings added, “Over the past few years teaching 5th grade, I have come to realize that the best way to achieve this result is by building relationships with students. My Principal always says, ‘It’s about building experiences and relationships for the learners, that is what they will remember.’ I have found this to be true.”

Coppell High School Principal Laura Springer says VanderSchee is the epitome of the CISD core value of great teaching.  

“He is a one-of-a-kind educator that gives his all to his profession,” Springer said.” He grows his peers and his students each year and helps them have fun learning math. I love his passion for education, his commitment to the profession and his love for his team and students. Ian is a principal's dream to have on staff.

"VanderSchee said, “From a young age, I have admired how some teachers can genuinely care for students. I remember my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Hoskins, who helped me complete my firefighter costume by finding a vacuum hose, and my high school math teacher, Mr. Essex, who easily balanced sarcasm and sincerity in everyday conversations. From them, I learned that it is not enough to make students feel loved or respected. What is most important is to make each student feel relevant.”

He added, “Consequently, even after 25 years of teaching, I persist in looking for ways to individualize instruction and assessment in my classroom. More importantly, I make time to have conversations with each student to help them discover how they can individually contribute to the classroom and to society.”

CISD schools announced Campus Teachers of the Year in November and December 2022.  A district selection committee then interviews and observes the teachers in action before selecting the CISD Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year. As the CISD Teachers of the Year, Jennings and VanderSchee will move on to the Region 10 Teacher of the Year selection process. 

CISD would like to thank the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee who volunteered their time including Dr. Debra Nelson, Vonita White, Joy Smartt, Ron-Marie Johnson, Karen Nix, Dr. Anita de la Isla, Dr. Winifred Mallam, Dr. Christa Slejko and Val Garcia.

CISD also appreciates our business partners who supported the CISD Teacher of the Year program and donated gifts and services including Define Orthodontics, Vari, Amazon, YMCA, Groggy Dog, RBFCU, Jostens, Lifetouch Inc., Truist, Rodeo Goat, Landon’s Winery, Sprouts, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, Market Street, Anamia’s and Andy’s Frozen Custard.