2015 Hall of Fame
inspirational inductees
RUBY JOHNSON ABEL
A Dallas ISD educator for more than three decades. Began teaching career at John Henry Brown Elementary School. Recognized as one of the youngest administrators in 1974. Served in administrative positions at Lisbon, Fannie C. Harris and John Neely Bryan Schools. Recognized for outstanding contributions to the field of education by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and other organizations.
DR. MARIE A. BARREE
Elementary school teacher, mathematics facilitator in Dallas ISD, educator in the Catholic Diocese. Wrote math curriculum and assisted administrators and teachers with math instruction and training. Taught GED classes for male prisoners in the Jesse R. Dawson Texas State Jail, Dallas, inspiring many to receive their GED and turn their lives around Very active in church and other community activities.
EVELYN DICKERSON
Rich and rewarding career in the Dallas ISD. Designed and implemented a model early childhood education for three and four year olds at the Jimmie Tyler Brashear Early Childhood Center. Has volunteered in numerous youth serving organizations including the United Negro College Fund, "Build a Home Library Program" and other entities.
MARY E. LESTER
Dallas ISD'S first director of mathematics. A leader in the field of mathematics instruction. Developed and implemented innovative mathematics curriculums. Created and implemented the DISD Olympiad competition. Court ordered auditor, monitored the implementation and recruitment process of desegregation in the magnet schools.
DR. THALIA MATHERSON
An educator who skillfully bridged the worlds of education and community service. Spent more than two decades as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and district administrator in the Dallas ISD. President of the Dallas School Administrators Association. Took early retirement to become a sought after civic leader. Some civic service milestones: Trustee-SMU, Huston Tillotson University; President, Dallas Retired Teachers Association and others.
VERNA B. MITCHELL
Devoted her life to education. Served thirty-five years in the Dallas ISD. Principal of Maynard H. Jackson Elementary School . Master teacher and teacher trainer. Christian Academy. Appointed by late Governor Ann Richards to State ESEA Committee. Selected to attend the Principal's Institute at Harvard University. Legend in Education Award, Dallas Urban League.
DR. MARVA T. DIXON
Teacher, principal, author, director, coach and consultant. Served in numerous positions in the Grand Prairie ISD. Helped to restructure the Texas Educator Preparation Program and co-chair of the Commission on Standards for the Teaching Profession. Designed and facilitated the implementation of the Women of Color, K-12 STEM Program and MAN-UP Initiative and AVID Program.
JOHN FREEMAN HIGHTOWER
Fifty year career in the Plano ISD. Taught science, coached, served as principal at Douglass High School, coordinator of Ethnic Relations, counselor and director of special education. Received the Living Legend Award in 2004. Elementary school named in his honor.
CLEVELAND B. JACKSON
A Dallas ISD educator for almost four decades. Considered a master teacher in mathematics. Taught at Sequoyah and Thomas C. Marsh Middle Schools; W. H. Adamson and Lincoln High Schools. Worked with the Silent Souls Project (Lincoln Memorial Cemetery), naming of Napoleon B. Lewis Math and Science Annex and steering committee, Maurine F. Bailey Choir trip to Europe; Lincoln High School.
BETTY L. PERKINS
Educator in Dallas ISD with forty-two years of service. Taught at J. N. Ervin and Dunbar Elementary Schools and principal of Sequoyah Learning Center. Served as Director of Christian Education, Good Street Baptist Church, board of directors of Good Street Learning Center and Tyler Street Christian Academy.
CHARLIE MAE SMITH
The media center at Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School was named in her honor. Recognized by the Jack Lowe Education Recognition Program, Oliver Wendell Holmes Classical Academy Living Legend. , First African American member and president, Duncanville Public Library Board and member Board of Adjustment. Life member and Texas Outstanding Delta.
DR. JOYCE A. TEAL
Educator, counselor, author and motivational speaker. An award winning middle school teacher in Atlanta, Georgia ISD and Dallas ISD. Author of 16 books. Has a passion and talent for connecting with adolescents. Included in Who's Who among American Teachers and awarded the Principles of Public Service Award by Dallas ISD.
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