Allen ISD recognized six educators for reshaping how students learn career and technical skills, the district announced Wednesday, Oct. 28.
Monica Daily and Chris Brooks at Lowery Freshman Center earned recognition for redesigning the Connections/Employability Skills course, which the district described as a foundational course that serves every student.
The revamped course incorporates real-world Career and Technical Education (CTE) lessons into a full-credit experience aimed at building employability skills.
The course redesign also supports the campus's College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) goals, according to the district, while giving freshmen opportunities for hands-on learning and peer connection.
A four-member team at the Allen ISD STEAM Center received the same recognition. Rachel Boswell, Amy Rogers, Savinder Johnson and Kirk Evans were honored for building lessons that reach sixth graders across the district.
Those lessons are specific. Students investigate soil biodiversity, explore nature-inspired art, code drones, design and build lighthouses with SAM Labs kits and create Rube Goldberg-style chain reactions.
The district said the experiences build communication, problem-solving, collaboration and creative thinking skills.
Both groups were recognized under the Allen ISD Employee Recognition Program's Future Ready Skills category, one of three district goals alongside Culture of Excellence and Empowered Learning.
The program highlights staff members the district says demonstrate commitment to student success.
The district did not specify whether the recognition was presented at a board meeting, a campus ceremony or through another format.
