Each year, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas honors educators for their commitment to excellence in science teaching. The tradition was first introduced by former trustee Wendy Owsley Garrett who recognized the vital need for ongoing assessment of education outreach programs. She established this award in 2001 to recognize exemplary K-12 teachers and, at the same time, solicit constructive analysis on the effectiveness of BRIT's education programs. Wendy also had the desire to honor teachers for their dedication and hard work.
"We are grateful to Wendy for allowing us to recognize deserving science teachers with this award. We understand how hard a good science teacher works to engage students in the kind of learning that makes kids wonder, teaches them to think, and challenges them to make sense of their world. Wendy Garrett understands, and her gift makes it possible for us to give credit to at least a few of those teachers who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of their students."
- Pat Harrison, Head of Education, BRIT
2010 Award Winners Previous Award Winners Applications for 2011
Presentation of Kelly's Work (pdf, 2MB)
Kelly Feille has been a 6th grade science teacher at Rosemont 6th Grade School for four years and recently accepted a new position as the Outdoor Inquiry Specialist for East Fort Worth Montessori Academy starting this fall.
"Each year I strive to take my children to a place where they take notice of the world under their feet... BRIT has taught me to let my students stop and ask, 'What’s That?' With my deeper content understanding of our natural world, I feel confident in letting my students explore their world and ask away! My greatest accomplishment as a science teacher is giving my students and fellow teachers an understanding and appreciation for the science that is all around them, right outside their back door. When we teach children how to take a breath and slow down in their super-speed world, we teach them appreciation for the moment and beauty around them.”
- Kelly Feille
Kelly will receive a $1,000 honorarium and will be honored at the August BRIT Board Meeting and the Award of Excellence in Conservation gala in the spring of 2011.
Presentation of Kristene's Work (pdf, 2MB)
Kristene Gillmer has taught 3rd grade at Alice Carlson Applied Learning Center for seven years. This year, she developed a curriculum for her students inspired by participation in the Great Tree Story Essay Contest, integrating science and writing into her classroom.
“Giving [children] the opportunity to look closely, touch and listen to life outside allows [them] to see things differently... [This year] instead of first asking [students] to think of an important tree and then write about it, we went outside. We observed trees [on our campus].... The students participated in an integrated study of trees... The children shared their knowledge of trees as living systems during our school festival. The children created a poster, brochures and maps to share with our booth visitors. The kids created an animated movie about trees as systems. The students were able to speak about our place by sharing their knowledge of trees in general and showing specimens of all of the trees in the front of school. The children also gathered acorns to give away as artifacts to all of our booth visitors. … Taking science outside has been the key to my success as a science teacher.”
- Kristene Gillmer
Kristene will receive a $500 honorarium and will be honored at the August BRIT Board Meeting and the Award of Excellence in Conservation gala in the spring of 2011.
CONGRATULATIONS KELLY & KRISTENE!
The board of directors and staff of BRIT commend Kelly and Kristene for their dedication to quality science education and extraordinary commitment to children.
2009 Award Winner
- Carrie Donovan, Arlington ISD2008 Award Winners
- Glenna Cleworth, Fort Worth ISD
- Laurie Lawrence, Fort Worth ISD2007 Award Winners
- Donnette Durham, Fort Worth ISD
- Nancy Burleson, Birdville ISD2006 Award Winners
- Kathy Cash, Fort Worth ISD
- Jackie Swan, Irving ISDLegacy Award: Sharon Foster, Country Day (retired)
2005 Award Winner
- Sharla Riddle, Fort Worth ISD2004 Award Winners
- Melissa Gibbons, Fort Worth ISD
- Ginger Jones, Carroll ISD2003 Award Winners
- Janet Rasher, Burleson ISD
- Denise Gordon, Fort Worth ISD2002 Award Winners
- Kandy Kiesow, Arlington ISD
- Jana perkins, Everman ISD2001 Award Winners
- Joe Ferrara, Fort Worth ISD
- Sue Ellen Nutter, Arlington ISD
We appreciate how diligently and creatively you work to make science meaningful and exciting for your students. Instructions for how to apply for BRIT’s 2011 Wendy Owsley Garrett Science Teacher Award will be posted here later this fall. We look forward to hearing from you!
