Home ::
Todd Kagan is definitely no cookie-cutter, wet-behind-the-ears rookie. Former military-turned-geophysicist-turned-7th-8th grade teacher was recently named the 2006-07 state of Texas Rookie Science Teacher of the Year, which marked his first year as an educator and his first at Austin ISD’s Alternative Learning Center. The award is presented by the Science Teachers Association of Texas, which will honor Kagan at its annual luncheon on November 16.
“I chose to teach at the alternative center, even though I received other offers from Austin ISD, as well as additional districts,” Kagan explained. “I’m here because I want to help these kids be successful. Middle school is really the last opportunity someone has to get through to them and I’m working to get them involved in learning.”
To qualify for the award, Kagan was required to submit a 20-minute video focusing on teaching in the classroom and interaction with students, a PowerPoint presentation with photographs, a three-page essay and three recommendations provided by administrators and peers.
“I was stunned when they told me,” Kagan said. “I mean, out of thousands of teachers, for some reason they picked me.”
He credited the recommendations and his personal accomplishments at the alternative center for the achievement. “I think my overall teaching style and the way I’ve impacted students in my classroom were big factors in the decision,” Kagan explained. “For example, we didn’t have Foss lab training kits for our science classes, so I got those introduced here. We were also without intergrated planning guides (IPG), so when these students do leave here and attend another school, they’re up to speed on the curriculum.”
Kagan received his bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from the University of Texas in Austin and then enlisted in the military. Afterward, he worked in the geophysics field where he owned his own business until 1999. It wasn’t until the 2006-07 school year that Kagan began using the teaching certificate he obtained five years ago following completion of a post-graduate program through Concordia University in Austin.
Kagan has been a TCTA member since 2006. Founded in 1927, TCTA is an independent, nonunion association for Texas teaching professionals and now serves 50,000 members across the state.
