MARIA GARCIA Spanish Teacher, Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) Maria Garcia is a diamond among diamonds. She is our mission and vision personified. She advocates for students and provides them with the space to have a voice and be seen. A lifelong learner, she consistently grows in her ability to be an exemplary teacher. She takes learning to the next level for all of her students through real world exploration and cultural celebration. She provides an everyday walking, talking model of the realization of potential and excellence. Through her involvement on campus and in her community, she exemplifies grit, tenacity and grace. Her goal is to be the adult, her students need to help them grow, thrive, and lead.
by Lee Virden Geurkink
FORT WORTH'S
TOP TEACHERS OF 2021
In past Educ at ion is s ues , t h e Ma d ewo rth y e dit or ial s taff hav e a s k e d t h e m e m be r s of the Tanglew oo d Mo ms Face book group t o nom ina t e t h e i r
E R I N B U RY
f avo rite t eac hers in F or t Wo r t h . T h i s
US History Teacher, Daggett Montessori
ye ar, we dec ided to do s o me t h i n g a
Looking in the classroom, her students often tower over Ms. Bury. Her youthful look easily blends in with the young men and women in her 8th grade class, yet her presence is great. As Daggett Montessori School’s middle school social studies teacher, Ms. Erin Bury’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Academically challenging students to think beyond the lessons and collaborate with their peers, Ms. Bury is intentional in building her students’ capacity to be independent learners and young leaders. Her classroom environment is filled with laughter, yet conversation is focused on learning. Ms. Bury motivates students to be at their best in her classroom and in extracurricular activities she sponsors such as Whiz Quiz. It is this lasting influence that truly allows Ms. Erin Bury to embody the spirit of Daggett Montessori School.
little different. We reac he d o u t t o pu blic a nd pr iv at e s c hools a cro s s Fo rt Wo r t h, as king the ad mi n i s t r a t i o n wh ich teac her t r uly em bod i e s t h e i r sch ool’s s pir it. Here are th e 2 0 2 1 Made wor t hy ’s Top Teac he r s , i n t h e i r sch ool’s adm inis t r ation’s o wn wo rd s .
DILLON SMITH
Middle School History,
All Saints’ Episcopal School
During COVID, Dillon Smith was phenomenal in engaging his middle schoolers online. He continues to build student relationships and connect them to history in meaningful ways. He is a valuable collaborator across campus, as he is always eager to step up and into roles outside of the classroom, serving as an advisor, a coach, and as a critical team member growing our SummerYou program.
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