2018 Oscars of Teaching

Arlington ISD English teacher Jennifer Fuller received a wonderful surprise last October when she was honored with the Milken Educator Award – known as the “Oscars of Teaching” – at a district assembly. ”This was a complete surprise,” said Fuller. “It is really special to be a teacher and the students have changed my life.”

Fuller leads the Arlington Collegiate High School English department, meeting with the teachers during professional learning community time to discuss strategies for supporting struggling students with tutoring and intervention blueprints. And as a member of the district-level English Department Team, Fuller helps to schedule students into the Path College and Careers classes.

But Fuller’s impact is felt beyond Arlington ISD. As an AVID staff developer, Fuller conducts a three-day training session on culturally relevant teaching for educators across the country to address issues that impact classrooms. And while teaching at Bowie High School in Austin, Fuller assisted in implementing the African American Male Initiative program to increase the retention of African American males in advanced classes and gaining acceptance to four-year universities.

“We have a really great time and work really hard,” said Fuller. “I love the students. I love teaching. I love getting to have a piece of their life. They make me a better person and I love spending time with them.” #IAmTXEd   Arlington ISD