For his “flipped classroom” teaching method and for inspiring students to pursue careers in math and science, BC Calculus and Pre-Calculus teacher Chad Gilliland won the Tech Titan of the Future Award.
The Metroplex Technology Business Council (MTBC) picked Gilliland out of 120 teachers in the North Texas area who have made contributions during the past year locally, as well as to the technology industry overall.
“I feel euphoric,” Gilliland said, holding the glimmering trophy inscribed with his name. “This is the highlight of my professional career.”
Gilliland, who won RISD’s Innovations in STEM Teaching Award last year, applied for the MTBC Tech Titan award after a suggestion by Elizabeth Hart, President and CEO of the Excellence in Education Foundation.
Aside from Gilliland’s contributions, the application process was based on testimonials from Gilliland’s previous students.
“One of my students, Bushra, is now an engineer for CIT,” Gilliland said. Another, Kimmy Pilatovsky, is a Political Science and Chemistry Major. It was their testimonials that won me this award,”
Having pioneered the flip classroom in Richardson High School, Gilliland has increased students’ grades and love for math. Gilliland has taught in RISD for 15 years, inspiring many students to pursue careers in engineering, mathematics and science, many at Ivy League schools.
“This is my life’s work – what defines me professionally,” Gilliland said. “If I can encourage kids to go into something big, engineering, math, or whatever it is for them, I feel that I’ve fulfilled my purpose.”
Gilliland now focuses on improving his flipped classroom to make his class even more peer to peer oriented by encouraging students to help each other through video responses so that peer help can also be accessible at home.