Cy Creek teacher earns regional AP award

January 7, 2010—Cypress Creek High School Advanced Placement (AP) computer science teacher Tom Halbert has been selected to receive a Southwestern Region AP award from The College Board.

The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated long-term and multifaceted involvement with the AP program. Halbert will accept the award during a luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Rio Grande Hall, in conjunction with the College Board Southwestern Regional Forum at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

“Tom has been a leader in the field of computer science education for the past two decades,” said Cypress Creek High School principal Jim Wells. “He is highly regarded throughout the state and has been asked on several occasions to participate in determining curriculum standards by TEA as well as contributing to curriculum development at the local, college and Advanced Placement levels.”

In his service as the only two-term president of his professional organization, Halbert helped establish a strong presence of computer science in Texas high school education.

“Those of us who have worked in CFISD over the years are quite familiar with Tom’s dedication to the district’s computer science program,” said Denise Kubecka, coordinator for secondary technology applications. “Not only is he an excellent teacher in the classroom with his own students, he continues to make significant contributions to the program district-wide. I am also quite certain the award also has something to do with his efforts with the state-wide technology association. He is very deserving of this wonderful award.”