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Teachers Honored with Inaugural Award for Innovative Teaching and Instruction
Emily Dutcher, Mackenzie Miller '03, and Karen Sanchez received the new award.
Established in 2025, this award honors fearless educators who embody the spirit of innovation in education, championing fresh ideas and imaginative approaches that bring learning to life. The recipients are not only trailblazers in exploring emerging fields of study but also masters at turning educational concepts into dynamic classroom experiences. With a forward-thinking mindset at their core, they consistently experiment, iterate, and refine, pursuing meaningful student outcomes while turning challenges into catalysts for growth. Continuously evolving their pedagogy, they ignite curiosity, resilience, and intellectual adventure within students and colleagues alike. By recognizing these educators, we celebrate the power of innovation and collaboration and the unyielding pursuit of progress in shaping the future of learning. Their contributions will prepare our girls to become creative, divergent thinkers who lead lives of purpose and impact.
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Emily Dutcher
Lower School Art Teacher
"Emily has reimagined what it means to engage young learners through hands-on, interdisciplinary exploration. By creating a dynamic, adventure-based new class for our youngest students, she has put an emphasis on noticing and immersing students in the outdoors for a seamless and joyful learning experience. From turning SAGE food waste into dyes, partnering with AP Science to map the Blackland Prairie, and even harvesting honey from our very own bees, this teacher exemplifies what we mean when we say innovative and growth mindset. She reminds us what’s possible when curiosity leads the way and learning extends far beyond the classroom walls."
Mackenzie Miller '03
Middle School Science Teacher
"Mackenzie has brought remarkable energy and versatility to a wide range of roles—seamlessly stepping into classrooms in multiple departments, labs, and coaching with confidence and creativity. Whether leading math or science lessons, guiding students in the engineering lab, or mentoring future roboticists, she continually seeks innovative ways to engage learners. With a passion for experiential learning and a spirit of collaboration, she enriches our community in countless ways."
Karen Sanchez
Upper School Computer Science Teacher
"Karen has redefined what Computer Science education looks like at Hockaday. Through tireless self-learning and visionary course design, she has launched a new Intro to Python course and expanded an increasingly popular AP Computer Science curriculum. She has forged unique partnerships to give students hands-on experience and real-world skills, including a collaborative project with SMU and AT&T that allows AP students to earn micro-credentials in AI and Data Science. She has also added a project in partnership with SMU and AT&T to teach the AP Computer Science students Python. Her willingness to learn, grow, and take on new things embodies the spirit of innovation."
The Hockaday School
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.
The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.