Journal of the Effective Schools Project, Volume 18, 2011 Page: 69

Tarleton Stars in a new award given to current and past Tarleton students based on recognition for outstanding
contributions in the classroom. Administrators, faculty members and ESP members are all eligible to nominate
candidates for this award. Nominations for 2012 must be submitted to Dr. James Gentry, JESP Editor and received
by December 1st, 2011.
2011 Tarleton Stars Recipients

Billie Diaz
Susan Nelson

Beth Henderson
Creighton Morris

Robert Nation
Ashton Spence

Billie Diaz came to the Tarleton Model for Accelerated Teacher Education
(TMATE) program at Tarleton in Killeen seven years ago, transitioning
from a career with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She was in-
spired to become the teacher to make a difference when she realized that
many of the incarcerated never finished their own education. She currently
teaches third grade inclusion classes at Martin Walker Elementary in Cop-
peras Cove ISD, and serves as a model to her peers as she continuously
strives to improve herself and provide examples of good character, respon-
sible citizenship, and educational excellence. She has served as the Martin
Walker third grade chair and PTA member for five years, is the 3-Tier
Leadership Team facilitator, an interventionist for math and reading, and a
mentor for the Ready, Set, Teach program. Diaz is the 2011 Elementary
Teacher of the Year in Education Service Center Region 12, was nominat-
ed for the Texas State Teacher of the Year, and has also received the Ap-
plebee's Teacher of the Month award on four separate occasions.

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