TWU Home > Project GATEWAY > GATEWAY Awardees

Gateway Awardees

Daniel W. Marsh
B.A. in Economics, Rice University
Area of Certification: Math 8-12
-- “I enjoy meeting people with diverse backgrounds.  I like the challenge. Everyone deserves a good education.”

Israel Cabrera
B.A. in Management and International Business, Northwood University
Area of Certification: EC-4 Bilingual
-- “I want to give back to the school district that gave me so much.”

José López
B.A. in Psychology, Southwestern University at Georgetown
Area of Certification: EC-4 Bilingual
-- “I would like to teach kids that need male latino role models in their daily lives, that will show them how to succeed in academia.”

Julius Moss
B.A. in History, University of Texas at Arlington
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “I wish to promote cultural awareness through education, while giving back to the Dallas communities.”

Verónica Díaz-Campuzano
B.S. in Psychology and Government, Texas Woman’s University
Area of Certification: EC-4 Bilingual
-- “I would like to be a teacher in the Dallas area because I realize that there is a great need for capable teachers. I would love to work in the DISD and help slowly abate this need.”

Ronald Lewis
B.Sc. in Physics, University of The West Indies
Area of Certification: Math 8-12
-- “Dallas has the diversity I like, and the faculty and staff I have come to know and care for.”

Nkechi I. Orabuchi
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, UT at Dallas
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “I want to become a mathematics teacher in the Dallas area to eliminate the fear of, or the idea that math is difficult.  With my enthusiasm and ability, I want to instill that motivation within my future students, so they can appreciate learning and become successful.”

Latasha R. Smith
B.A. in Math, Texas Tech; B.B.A. Management Information Systems, Texas Tech
Area of Certification: Math 8-12
-- “I want to teach in the Dallas area so that I can inspire the minds of a such a diverse community.”

Meredith Kalina
B.A. in Communication, Hardin-Simmons University
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “I believe every student in Dallas should be encouraged and empowered to achieve and succeed.  I want a chance to impact Dallas students.”

Debra J. Allen
B.A. in General Studies, TWU
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “I grew up in Dallas, as well as attended Dallas schools.  I would like to give back to the city (and its students) what it has provided for me: a positive future!”

Drew Asbill
B.S. in Criminal Justice, UT at Tyler
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “Teaching children will allow me to make a positive impact on society.”

Renata Ross
B.A. in Accounting, Dillard University
Area of Certification: Math 8-12
-- “It takes a whole community to raise a child; I’m just trying to do my part.”

Margariet Singletary
B.S. in Biology, Wiley College
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “I believe that all children, no matter the ethnicity, or the financial status of the parents, deserve a great education, and that always starts with great teachers.”

Nickie Hardman
B.S., Texas A&M Commerce
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “I have grown up in D.I.S.D., and I want to give back to students in the area I love.”

Aaron Freeman
B.S. in Industrial Distribution, Texas A&M University
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “It is my way of saying ‘I am here to help.’”

Leia Paxton
B.S. in Music Therapy, TWU
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “Dallas ISD strives for integrity in their community.  They are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential, and I want to aid them in that endeavor.”

LaTosha Hall
B.S. in Telecommunications, DeVry University
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “What greater way to affect the World than through teaching!  Teaching will allow me to show children that the world is at their feet, and they can do anything they set their minds to!”

LaCoria Davis
B.S. in Sociology, Texas A&M Commerce
Area of Certification: Math 4-8
-- “I would like to provide an environment where children can learn, grow, and exceed all expectations.”

Michael N. Sorola
B.B.A. in Business, Southern Methodist University
Area of Certification: EC-4 Bilingual
-- “I desire to be a role model, make a possible difference in the lives of others, and serve disadvantaged youth.”

Linda C. Ayala
B.A. in Psychology, Dallas Baptist University
Area of Certification: EC-4 Bilingual Generalist
-- "I know the need for new teachers in Dallas is high. I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in a place that greatly needs it!”

Mercy O. Chine
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Texas Woman’s University
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "I want to be part of the Dallas ISD vision for the kids, and there is a great opportunity to advance in the career ladder of experience. I want to be a part of the vision to make a difference in the children’s education.”

Wanda I. Garcia
B.A. in Liberal Arts, Thomas Edison State College
Area of Certification: EC-4 Bilingual Generalist
-- "Student population. Greatest need.”

Tavia A. Gibson
B.A. in Business Management, Northwood University
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "I would like to make a difference in the lives of the children who are our future.”

Maria V. Golden
B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Northwood University
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "I would like to make a difference in the lives of the children who are our future.”

Elwin E. Henry
B.S. in Electronics Engineering Technology, De Vry University
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "At this point in my life, I have the need to fill needs. I think Dallas is where the need is.”

Elizabeth Jimenez
B.A. in Psychology, University of Texas Pan American
Area of Certification: EC-4 Bilingual Generalist
-- "I currently work for Dallas County and service all of the juvenile offenders and would like to continue service for Dallas and the youth!”

Zheila Nahvipour
Bachelors of Business Administration, Texas Woman’s University
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "I want to help Dallas students exceed their potential and bring awareness of their many opportunities for their future.”

Dorothy J. Peak
B.S. in Psychology, Spalding University; Masters in Social Work, University of Texas at Austin
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "My passion has always been to be in a helping/service profession _a teacher is truly this_ establishing a rapport and relationship with her students, and guiding and inspiring them. One of the most rewarding things I have done in my life is my involvement with my own children’s education.”

Yolanda Rollinson
Bachelors of Business Administration, Texas Woman’s University
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "There is a great need for teachers in the Dallas School District. Many teachers don’t teach in the district due to pay and administration issues. I feel that attitude has a negative effect on students. All students deserve teachers that care and want them to succeed.”

CaTrina Waters
B.S. in Accounting, Paul Quinn College
Area of Certification: 4-8 Mathematics
-- "Considering that I am a product of the Dallas Independent School District, I would like to be a teacher or the Dallas area because I feel that I can make a difference in some students’ life that might not think they have what it takes to be a scholar.”