After completing four years of teaching in the Brownwood ISD Health Science Technology program, Mrs. Annalyn Deen has been named by Texas Health Occupations Association (THOA) as the New Outstanding Health Science Teacher in Texas Area V for 2014.
“Mrs. Deen has brought a wealth of medical background to our program,” said Ann Tew, co-faculty member of the program. “Having worked alongside many of Brownwood’s health care providers, Mrs. Deen’s personal experience has opened numerous doors of opportunity for our students.”
The honor for Deen marks the second year in a row that a Brownwood Health Science teacher has been recognized with an Oustanding Health Science Teacher award, with Tew being named both the 2013 Outstanding New Health Science Teacher in Texas and the 2013 Outstanding New Career and Technology Education Teacher in Texas.
The addition of Deen in 2010 allowed the Health Science program to expand its curriculum to include a junior level practicum and nursing assistant certification. Although Deen held appropriate credentials to teach Health Science in Texas, additional clinical hours in a long-term care facility were required.
“Sacrificing personal and family time to gain these additional hours was well worth the effort as it has provided another career path for our students,” said Deen.
In the past four years, Deen’s efforts with her students have contributed to the unprecedented success in the student organization, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and the student competitions. Over the past three years, HOSA membership has grown to 110 students with an average of fifteen State Qualifiers in addition to several National Qualifiers. “It has been an honor to be involved in the Health Science Program,” said Deen. “We are all deeply appreciative of the school and district administration whose support has made this possible.”
