District Press Releases 2004-2005 School Year
WISD Campus Teachers of the Year	(L-R) WISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, Kathleen Kechnie and Miss Anna Hackett Teacher of the Year, Gayla Sellers

May 13, 2005

WISD Education Foundation names Teachers of the Year at Annual Luncheon

The Weatherford ISD Education Foundation announced Gayla Sellers as the Miss Anna Hackett Teacher of the Year and Kathleen Kechnie as the WISD Elementary Teacher of the year on Monday, May 9, at the annual Miss Anna Hackett luncheon.  This luncheon, hosted by the Education Foundation, honors campus Teachers of the Year and celebrates the extraordinary work that occurs inside their classrooms.

Ms. Sellers received her bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University and has 28 years of teaching experience.  For the past 15 years she has been a teacher at several Weatherford ISD campuses, currently serving as a Language Arts teacher at the WHS Ninth Grade Center. Ms. Sellers has high expectations for her students, challenging them to develop critical thinking skills, become independent learners and practice positive decision making.  She also offers students a variety of activities to accommodate different learning styles.  Additionally, Ms. Sellers extends invitations for parental support – recognizing that parents are truly the most effective teachers for their children. 

Kathleen Kechnie, a teacher at Curtis Elementary and WISD Elementary Teacher of the Year,   has been a bilingual and English as a Second Language teacher for the past 18 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching certificate from Wayne State University located in Detroit, Michigan.  Most recently, she has been the Coordinator of the GED/ESL Skills Center at Tarrant County College, taught Spanish to WHS students, and is presently the ESL teacher at Curtis Elementary.  Her goal is to help all students become productive members of society and to let students of other cultures know the value of education while improving their self-esteem.

Campus Teachers of the Year were also recognized for their outstanding leadership.  Nominated by their peers, these teachers exemplify what it means to be a "qualified, dedicated, passionate educator" as stated by the district's commitment statement.  The teachers of the year are as follows: Candy Marsh of Austin Elementary, Kathleen Kechnie of Curtis Elementary, Lori Killough of Crockett Elementary, Becky Glenn of Ikard Elementary, Annette Baker of Martin Elementary, Lori Tucker of Seguin Elementary, DeeCee McDougal of Wright Elementary, Kylee Modgling of Hall Middle School, Michelle Jackson of Tison Middle School, Gayla Seller of the Ninth Grade Center, Gary Jeter of PASS/Bridge and Ty Comstock of WHS.

The WISD Education Foundation started in 2000 as a way to enhance the education of Weatherford ISD students.  Funds raised by the Foundation provide grants to teachers for innovative classroom or campus projects; provide school supplies for students in need, and scholarships to teachers for continuing education. 

Since its beginning, the Foundation has given over $178,000 to 190 WISD teachers to fund unique, enriching teaching programs.  The School Supply Closet furnishes supplies to students in need and has served more than 800 students in its first year of operation. 

For more information on the programs and activities of the Education Foundation, visit our web site, located under “Quick Links” at www.weatherfordisd.com  or contact Charlotte LaGrone, WISD Education Foundation Coordinator at 817-598-2956.