ESC Region 12 is pleased to recognize extraordinary educators from Central Texas. The 2011 Region 12 Secondary Teacher of the Year (TOTY) is Diane Untalan of Killeen ISD.

Region 12's 2011 Secondary Teacher of the Year

Diane Untalan
Killeen ISD

Untalan, Region 12’s Secondary TOTY, has been an educator for nine years and teaches eighth grade science at Charles Patterson Middle School in Killeen. She has also coached volleyball, basketball and track for more than 10 years. Upon earning a degree from Tennessee State University, she discovered a passion to teach. Through her studies she developed the belief in a mind that desires to live is a mind that chooses to learn. Her teaching technique is based on nurturing, developing and encouraging children to become self-motivated. Over the years, Untalan has obtained a diverse collection of experiences, which make her a positive influence in the classroom and community.

In Charles Patterson Middle School’s inaugural year, Untalan developed and implemented a science tutoring program that resulted in an 82 percent passing rate for the eighth grade science TAKS test. She is also involved in the site-based decision-making committee, the Middle Years program, and has served as a member of the National Education Association, the Texas Girls’ Coaches Association and the National Science Teachers Association. She has also presented trainings for Cooperative Learning and Classroom Management at the middle school level, as well as volunteered at Fort Hood’s Family Readiness Group.

For more information or TOTY photos, contact Jennifer Marshall-Higgins at 254-297-1198 or jhiggins@esc12.net. 

About the Texas Teacher of the Year Program (TOTY)
Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor that the State of Texas can bestow upon a teacher. Conducted by the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Forty teachers - two from each Regional Education Service Center - are eligible for two titles, Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Additional program information is available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/awards/toy/.         

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, the Education Service Center Region 12 (ESC Region 12) is dedicated to serving school districts, charter schools and area private/parochial schools in improving student performance. ESC Region 12 partners with school districts to deliver services and solutions to educators so they may help all children be successful. Based in Waco, with satellite offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills, and Navarro counties.