Fort Worth’s superintendent told a room full of teachers Tuesday they were the model for improving the district.
“We’re trying to replicate what’s happening in your classrooms across the district,” Dr. Kent Scribner said. “We want your colleagues, your brothers and sisters to believe in that.”
Scribner helped honor 132 teachers at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Each teacher had been selected as their campuses’ “teacher of the year” by their peers.
“I just believe that my job as a leader is not to create followers, but rather to create leaders and empower you to lead as teacher leaders in your schools,” Scribner told the crowd.
It was Scribner’s first chance to hand out the awards since taking over as superintendent in October. In addition to handing out door prizes, a $1,000 travel voucher, a wine party, a free year-long lease on a new Nissan and more, Scribner detailed some of his plans for improving student learning through the district’s 6,500 teachers.
“Fort Worth ISD is not in need of another program,” he said. “We have plenty of programs. What we are in need of is effective implementation of the programs that we have.”
Ten finalists for the elementary and secondary District Teacher of the Year awards were also announced. Two winners will be selected by members of the school district and the community.