Lauded as a genius by fellow teachers, the best teacher they have ever had by students and an outstanding Science department chair by administration, Advanced Placement (AP) Physics teacher David Carroll now has another accomplishment to strap onto his belt. On Sept. 3, Carroll was awarded the Innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Teaching Award by Texas Instruments (TI) in recognition of his excellence in teaching and his influence on student success. Though the subject he teaches is anything but simple, Carroll’s take on what he does is straightforward.

“I teach students to think,” Carroll said. “I want them to recognize that they each have the skills to do and understand more than they ever thought possible.”

The award grants $1,000 to high school math and science teachers in the North Texas area who consistently prove their ability to instruct students and instill not only a knowledge of STEM subjects, but a passion for them as well. Carroll goes above this criteria in every aspect, which prompted Principal Kathy King to nominate him for the award.

“Under Mr. Carroll’s leadership, the Plano West Science program has blossomed to become an outstanding representation of what Plano ISD is all about,” King said. “He promotes strong fundamental understandings, insatiable curiosity and high level thinking and problem solving.”

His nomination was merely the beginning. Next, Carroll had to fill out forms and answer questions to reveal more about himself as a teacher. He was then examined by a panel of judges who sat in on his classes to see him in his natural element. While this allowed the panelists to get a closer look at Carroll’s teaching style, students in his class are fortunate enough to witness it on a daily basis.

“Every day of class feels like I’m in a college class with Mr. Carroll,” senior Austin Christensen said. “Not only is he great at his job, but he also enjoys it. He is the only teacher I can name that has a grin on his face when he tells us we are beginning physics with calculus.”

As if the praise from students alone is not enough, Carroll receives considerable admiration and recognition from fellow teachers. One of Carroll’s many talents is his ability to develop a personal connection with anyone he associates with, as displayed by his close relationship with fellow AP Physics teacher Jerry Grizzle.

“Mr. Carroll is the most creative, technologically advanced teacher I have ever seen,” Grizzle said. “He finds a way to connect science, technology, engineering, and math to every student’s daily life. His practical application of abstract concepts is unparalleled.”

From a young age, Carroll was heavily immersed in the world of teaching, slowly working his way up the tier of educational jobs until finally settling down at Plano West.

“I began my first job at age 14 working as swim instructor aide,” Carroll said. “That led me to becoming a swim instructor for 15 years, a lifeguard instructor, water safety instructor, CPR instruction, and first aid instructor. Teaching high school was simply the natural progression within a long line of teaching jobs.”

While receiving the 2015 STEM award is an honor, the real honor is being a student of Carroll’s. Teachers like him are constantly emphasizing a hands-on learning experience and as a result, raising the bar for teachers all over.

“He is constantly innovating and improving, always learning new things and teaching others,” Grizzle said. “He is consistently doing whatever he can to get better and make his students better.”