The Elementary Curriculum and Development Department celebrated Science Teacher Dierdre Ricketts of Stevens Elementary School as the winner of the 2019 Elementary Science Teacher award, sponsored by alliantgroup on Tuesday. 

Earlier this month, the department announced the below six finalists for the inaugural award who were selected by a committee of school office and curriculum leaders, teacher development specialists, strategic partnerships, and university partners. 

Area	Finalists
Achieve 180	Deirdre Ricketts, Stevens ES
South	Crystal Williams, Hartsfield ES
North	Sara Rodriguez, Shearn ES
Northwest	Denise Conway, Helms ES
West	Anthony Jones, TH Rogers School
East	Minerva Perez, Burnet ES

The district announced the award in December 2018, which was created by alliantgroup’s Blue Heart fund as an effort to support the district’s goal to increase student achievement and recognize the district’s most outstanding elementary science teachers. 

Ricketts will receive a $3,500 cash prize coupled with $500 for classroom materials and supplies, while the other five fianlists will receive a $1,250 cash prize each, as well as $500 for classroom material and supplies. 

All finalists will also go on to be recognized a media profile, featured on Houston Life, to highlight their inspiring work in the classroom. The Houston Life segments will air starting April 25.