Allen ISD is recognizing Future Ready Skills this spring, honoring the dedication and collaboration of staff members who support student success. Through the Allen ISD Employee Recognition Program, we highlight educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to preparing students for the future.
Bringing AI into the Classroom at Lowery Freshman Center
The English 1 Team at Lowery Freshman Center is transforming how students engage with technology by incorporating Artificial Intelligence into their lessons. By using tools like ChatGPT, they are helping students understand AI as a resource for enhancing learning and critical thinking. Their efforts ensure that students develop future-ready skills by exploring how technology can be applied in real-world contexts.
This initiative is led by Zach Allen, Jessica Obado, Tim Carr, Courtney Hulsey, Stacey Flanagan, Lillian Chang, Claudia Hendricks, Jose Hernandez, Jordan Parlett, Dawn Downham, Elizabeth Johnson, Briana Neal, Craig Pavlue, Cassandra Pecina, Krystal Freeman, and Jamie Johnson.
Innovating Literacy Through Technology at Vaughan Elementary.
Stephanie Esquivel, a 6th-grade GATE RLA/SS teacher at Vaughan Elementary, is redefining literacy instruction through technology. Using Notebook LM, she designed an innovative curriculum that enhances students’ abilities in summarizing, paraphrasing, and analyzing texts. By incorporating a student-led podcast, she created an interactive and collaborative learning experience that deepened student engagement. Her commitment to future-ready instruction empowers students to apply critical reading skills in creative and meaningful ways.
Allen ISD is proud to recognize these educators for their efforts in fostering a Culture of Excellence. Their work continues to support students and advance the district’s goals.
Coding Confidence for Girls at Cheatham Elementary
Courtney Knight has been instrumental in inspiring young learners through the Girls Who Code program at Cheatham Elementary. For the past four years, she has guided students through a structured curriculum that introduces them to coding in an engaging, after-school setting. Her dedication to fostering computational thinking and problem-solving skills ensures that students gain confidence in STEM fields while developing essential skills for the future.
Click to view a video of Courtney Knight at Cheatham Elementary.