Our Teachers

Our Teachers

Our nationally-recognized faculty members are extremely knowledgeable in their academic disciplines and devoted to the art of teaching.

More than teachers, faculty members are connected to all aspects of student life. They coach, mentor, advise and sponsor. They exemplify unparalleled qualities of excellence in traditional measures. But their real differences are tested in their ability to Engage, Connect, Nurture and Unleash a student's potential.

I am thankful for the exchange of ideas that my students provide on a daily basis, and I can think of no greater purpose that a teacher could have than to reciprocate by teaching students not what to think, but how to think, to sift through the constant bombardment of information that is around them and decipher what it means and how to use it.
-Alison Robinson

With diverse backgrounds, our faculty connect classroom ideas with real-world experiences. They continue to grow in their insight and knowledge through a comprehensive professional development program, benefiting all students and modeling active lifelong learning.

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52% of all full-time faculty in grades JK-12 hold advanced degrees
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The average FWCD tenure is 12 years

Through dialogue in class and public speaking, students work to develop the confidence to have their own opinions and to voice those opinions. I strive to show them the importance of backing up their opinions with reasoning, logic and facts.
-Sara Teegarden


The Endowed Master Teaching Chair Program

Fort Worth Country Day’s Endowed Master Teaching Chair designation is the highest distinction earned by FWCD faculty members who have a sustained record of teaching excellence. The School has nine chairs that are awarded for three-year terms:

  • The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Athletics and Physical Education
  • The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Lower School
  • The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Middle School
  • The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Upper School
  • The James S. Garvey Chair for Distinguished Teaching in History
  • The Roach Family Lower School Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Primary Grades
  • The Thomas M. Ryan Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Lower School
  • The Wagner Family Chair for Distinguished Teaching in English
  • The Fine Arts Chair for Distinguished Teaching in the Art

Each honoree has gone through an extensive application and interview process. While all FWCD faculty adhere to the Principles of Professional Excellence, Endowed Master Teachers are those who consistently go above and beyond expectations.

These teachers represent the very best in education – their students and colleagues adore them, they study their craft, and they engage, challenge and connect.
-Eric Lombardi, Head of School


Current Endowed Master Teaching Chair Holders

Previous Recipients

The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Distinguished Teaching Chair in Lower School

  • Tammy Wolford, 2019
  • Dr. Mark Martin, 2017-19 (moved to Middle School)
  • Caroline Corpening Lamsens ’99, 2013-17
  • Darlene Ignagni, 2007-10 (retired)    

The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Distinguished Teaching Chair in Middle School

  • Robin Willis, 2019
  • Michael Parker, 2013-18
  • Tara Forrest, 2007-13

The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Distinguished Teaching Chair in Upper School

  • Alison Robinson, 2021
  • Bob Booth, 2017-21
  • David Hoppe, 2011-17
  • Norma Wilkerson H’07, 2007-11

The Perry and Nancy Lee Bass Distinguished Teaching Chair in Athletics and Physical Education

  • DeAnn Hall, 2019
  • Paige Farris Chisholm ’87, 2013-18
  • Shelley Rains, 2007-13

The James S. Garvey Chair for Distinguished Teaching in History

  • Sarah Teegarden, 2021
  • Colin Douglas ’06, 2017-21
  • Brian Farda, 2013-17
  • Bill Arnold ’86, 2007-13

The Wagner Family Chair for Distinguished Teaching in English

  • Shari Lincoln, 2022
  • Jackie Rains, 2017-22
  • Catherine Collins- Vecino, 2008-17

The Fine Arts Chair for Distinguished Teaching in the Arts

  • Natalie Bracken ’05, 2022
  • Carrie Cheng, 2017-22
  • Dorrine DeChant, 2011-17
  • Lisa Screeton, 2007-08 (resigned)

The Thomas M. Ryan Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Lower School

  • Sarah Akhtar Smith ’91, 2021
  • Chloe Bade Anderson ’05, 2017-21
  • Christine Derber, 2013-17
  • Barbara Meyers, 2007-13

The Roach Family Lower School Chair for Distinguished Teaching in Primary Grades

  • Teresa Hoppe, 2022
  • Lisa Dickerson Davenport ’87, 2017-22
  • Sara McCullough, 2011-17
  • Ronda Hill, 2007-11 (retired)

What’s it like being a teacher at Fort Worth Country Day?

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Fort Worth Country Day has an institutional commitment to the principles of diversity. In that spirit, the School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin in admissions, the administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletics, and other School-administered programs.