COLUMBUS — The Dilue Rose Harris Chapter of DRT, on Feb. 17, had the honor of acknowledging both Danette Cantu, for seventh grade, and Tammy Ruether, for fourth grade, as Outstanding Texas History Teachers of the Year. The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) sponsors an annual contest for each grade to identify exceptional educators instilling an appreciation for Texas history, especially its early days as a republic.
Cantu at St. Anthony’s Catholic School has synchronized her curriculum to enable her seventh graders to participate in the DRT’s Texas History Essay Contest for several years. She invites guest speakers, arranges field trips, utilizes our local history to enrich their study, and employs creative methods to immerse her students in Texas subjects. Cantu inspires her class to have a deep appreciation for Texas, be involved in their community, and have a love of learning.
Ruether at Columbus Elementary, has worked with the local chapter for over 10 years to allow members to present the Pioneer Life Trunk show to her gifted & talented fourth graders. This evolved to include all the fourth graders at Columbus Elementary. She has coordinated the participation of CES fourth graders in the Republic of Texas Museum’s annual art contest. She engages her pupils with projects to develop a multitude of skills, cultivate their interests, enhance relationships, and enrich collaboration.
Cantu and Ruether were required to compose a resume, obtain letters of recommendation, and develop a composition on their outlooks on teaching and Texas History, classroom innovations and outcomes. The chapter added its commendations and advanced its packets to District and/or State-level evaluations and to the possibility of further recognition.
On hand for the DRT Teacher Award were, from left, Susan Cogburn (DRT), Marilyn Wade (DRT), Danette Cantu (SAS seventh grade teacher), Kathleen Townzen (DRT), Shawn Collins (SAS principal), Donna Pustejovsky (DRT).
