Dallas ISD names Youlonda Green-Fuller 2009-2010 Teacher Assistant Of The Year

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — The Dallas Independent School District named Youlonda Green-Fuller, from Annie Webb Blanton Elementary School, as 2009-2010 Teacher Assistant of the Year.

Green-Fuller, who is a graduate of Justin F. Kimball High School, has served the district for 10 years. All those 10 years she has worked with the Blanton Elementary students, staff, and community as a teacher assistant.

During her tenure at Blanton Elementary, Green-Fuller has developed several programs. “When I started working at Blanton Elementary 10 years ago, there were no extra-curricular activities,” said Green-Fuller. “I initiated and developed the cheerleading, step, and praise dance teams; as well as the Canned Food and Coat Drive, and other programs including fine arts projects.”

Green-Fuller also serves as the Fine Arts Program Coordinator at Blanton Elementary. “Under the umbrella of the various programs that I sponsor, our students have participated in various parades, grand opening ceremonies, local church events, and competitions, receiving various awards,” said Green-Fuller. Staff members seek Green-Fuller’s direction in artistic programs, thanks to her dedication and hard work in the fine arts. Her former students often return to Blanton Elementary to help mentor the current fine arts programs’ members and share what they learned when they were in the programs.

Green-Fuller believes “that every student has something special.” And she states that “it is our job as nurturers, counselors, teachers, and motivators to dig beneath the surface to bring it out of them. By nurturing our students’ self-esteem, fostering academic achievement, and encouraging community service/awareness, I am helping to enhance their academic, social, and civic skills as they prepare for life.”

Green-Fuller is currently pursuing a degree in elementary education through Kaplan University.

A $1,500 award was presented to Green-Fuller by Stephen Butt, senior vice president of Central Market H-E-B and Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa presented her with an engraved award.

In addition to Green-Fuller’s cash award of $1,500, Central Market H-E-B, the event's sponsor, presented $250 awards to the finalists:

● Euna W. Davis - S.S. Conner Elementary School

● Vickie Sallee - Harry C. Withers Elementary School

● Gloria Scott - Ronald E. McNair Elementary School

● Claudia Ortega - Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School

Source: DISD