Educators at four neighborhood schools are finalists for Dallas ISD’s teacher of the year award.
The winners will be announced live on WFAA Monday, May 3, from 9-10 a.m., and they receive a cash award from sponsor Central Market.
Here are the finalists from Oak Cliff schools: Boude Storey Middle School, Nancy J. Cochran Elementary, Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet at Townview Center and Stevens Park Elementary.
Here are their bios, via DISD.
Yonathan Tedesse of Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet
Yonathan Tadesse, who teaches algebra and college transition to 10th and 11th graders at Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, has been a pioneer in many new campus and district initiatives, serving as math chair and leading the first Link Crew program, which aims to increase attendance, decrease discipline referrals and improve academic performance. A 2014 graduate of Emory University, he tutored in Atlanta public schools throughout college and experienced firsthand the need for more Black male math teachers. Upon graduation, he became a Teach For America corps member and taught math for five years at W.W. Samuell High School, helping contribute to significant academic gains for students. Garet Feimster, principal at Sanders Law Magnet, describes Mr. Tadesse as “the most well-rounded educator I have ever been around. … He is a driven, well-organized teacher-leader who intentionally inspires relationships with his students.”
Seneca Denman of Boude Storey Middle School
Seneca Denman was raised in a small rural town in East Texas with six sisters and six brothers and learned early the importance of sharing, taking turns, being patient, and that her parents didn’t play when it came to education. Shaped by those early lessons, today, she serves as social studies teacher and department chair at Boude Storey Middle School, where she draws praise from her principal and colleagues as a campus role model who seeks not only to prepare her students but also to collaborate with and support her peers. Ms. Denman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and History from Paul Quinn College and a Master’s degree in Education Administration with a principal certification from Lamar University. Her classes consistently earn double-digit gains on local and state assessments. A TEI and TIA distinguished teacher who is dedicated to the middle grades, Ms. Denman’s greatest joy is seeing former students all grown up and leading successful lives.
Katelyn Sokol of Stevens Park Elementary
Katie Sokol is passionate about literacy education and bridging the literacy gap that exists between affluent and low-income students. Ms. Sokol, who teaches fifth grade at Stevens Park Elementary has dedicated her career to delivering high-quality reading and writing instruction to students who are reading below grade level. She holds a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Arizona State University, a Master of Education with a focus on ESL Education from Southern Methodist University, and a Master of Arts from the Reading Specialist program at Columbia University. Principal Roberto Gonzalez says Ms. Sokol’s whole approach to teaching involves finding and using students’ unique strengths to overcome their struggles and develop a positive self-concept. She says she loves working in West Dallas and Oak Cliff neighborhoods and has long-term plans to stay in the community to make a lasting impact on the children, their families, and their overall literacy skills.
Maria Sarmiento of Nancy J. Cochran Elementary
Maria “Elysa” Enriquez Sarmiento, born in Manila, Philippines, to a family of educators, completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology in her home country before moving to the U.S. She worked as a paraeducator with 3rd to 5th graders in Hayward, California, for almost two years before relocating to Dallas as an autism behavior technician at a non-profit health services provider. Joining Dallas ISD in 2016 as a student teacher at Martinez Learning Center in West Dallas, she earned an alternative teaching certificate and served as her school’s special education lead teacher and chairperson for three academic years. After acquiring her master’s degree in special education through Lamar University, she is now charged with a Functional Living Skills unit at Nancy Cochran Elementary School. Cassell Gray, assistant principal at Cochran Elementary, says Ms. Sarmiento is “dedicated to the success of all students,” advocating for them all and not allowing their disabilities to hinder their learning. “Ms. Sarmiento is the epitome of what every teacher should be.”
