Texas Distance Learning Association

Pamela Dooley, CIT at HCHS wins the John A. Baker Award

Mrs. Dooley was selected as the recipient of the John A. Baker Award for Excellence in K-12 Distance Learning for 2009. She was nominated for the award by a NISD technology staff member who recognized her work in creating the online courses including Web Mastering and Music Appreciation, two courses in which our students can participate.

In December 1997, the TxDLA community lost a dear friend and colleague, Dr. John A. Baker. A longtime champion for educational technology and distance learning, John served TxDLA as President-Elect at that time. In memory of John and in recognition of his lifetime commitment to excellence in teaching, TxDLA established the Annual John A. Baker Memorial Award. We hope that through this award, K-12 teachers will be recognized for their work in the distance learning arena and will be given more opportunities to reach students through the use of educational telecommunications and distance learning technologies. Any K-12 teacher working in public, private, or charter school settings in Texas is eligible and will receive $500 cash, complimentary registration to the Annual Meeting/Conference and Awards Dinner, and complimentary TxDLA membership for the year.

 

Pamela Dooley, CIT at HCHS wins the Don Foshee Memorial Grant

Mrs. Dooley has been selected as the recipient of the 2010 Don Foshee Memorial Grant for her work with Distance Learning for students in grades 9 - 12.

The late Don Foshee, a founding member and first President of TxDLA, helped pave the way for the birth of what began with about a dozen people gathering to talk about distance learning in 1995, to the largest statewide chapter of distance learning professionals in the United States. During Don's life, he was recognized as a pioneer for over twenty years while he designed, built, and managed some of the largest and most successful distance learning, training, and telemedicine networks in the United States. Past positions Don held included the titles of: President and CEO of Innovative Interactions, Inc., Director of Strategic Programs for VTEL Corp., Director of ED-NET, Director of STAR Schools, and Vice President of the TI-IN Network. 

Upon experiencing a life-threatening illness, which eventually took his life, Don also focused on the delivery of distance learning to accommodate those who are homebound due to critical illness and/or physical disabilities along with the learning-impaired population. His love of music and songwriting talents drove him to be thoughtful and innovative in the field of distance learning, for example, he launched a Native American Network for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Don will always be remembered as a talented, fun-loving pioneer in the field of distance learning.

The purpose of the Don Foshee Memorial Grant is to recognize exceptional ideas and talents to be applied in a thoughtful, fun, and creative manner delivered through distance learning. Funds are directed toward the motivation of finding your "backyard treasure" in the spirit of Don Foshee.