Lakewood Elementary. Photo by Rasy Ran.
Editor’s note (6 p.m. Aug. 7): The value of the cash award presented to recipients has been updated based on new information from the Rotary Club of Dallas.
A Lakewood Elementary School teacher is receiving a Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Dallas.
Gloria Prieto-Puentes, a second grade dual-language teacher, is one of three recipients this year. They will each receive an engraved plaque and a $3,500 cash award.
The awards are presented to Dallas ISD educators who have shown excellence by “going the extra mile.” This year, Adriana Popa and Anna Marie Sifford are also receiving awards from the Rotary Club.
Hundreds of teachers are nominated for the award based on the following criteria, according to the Rotary Club’s website:
- Performance over and above job description, including curriculum development and tutoring without compensation
- Activities that benefit the community, such as volunteering in libraries, homeless shelters, food banks or adult literacy programs
- Activities that benefit disadvantaged or at-risk students, such as sponsoring drug abuse programs or providing services for students with special learning needs
- Actions exhibiting selfless conduct toward others
- Examples of innovation and creativity in the classroom
- Professional philosophy that drives the teacher’s attitudes and actions
Prieto-Puentes created the Winnetka Theater Club and project WIN WIN, which promotes students’ love for reading English and Spanish, according to the Rotary Club. She’s active at the Latino Cultural Center, organizing Día del Libro and the Three Wise Men exhibit each year.
