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Faculty Innovation Spotlight
At Hockaday, innovation and collaboration are at the heart of how we inspire girls to think critically, solve problems creatively, and lead with confidence. Each month, we spotlight a faculty member who brings these ideals to life in our classrooms.
This month's feature is Middle School science teacher Lisa Dwinal, who has thoughtfully integrated cultural awareness and emerging technologies to make her classes engaging and memorable for her students.
Lisa demonstrates an innovative approach to teaching by intentionally connecting science to society and humanity, while integrating empathy and cultural awareness into her instructional practices. She actively seeks out tools and technologies that engage students and elevate their voices, such as her use of Curipod to create interactive lessons that incorporate frequent student feedback and make student thinking visible. Lisa exemplifies a strong growth mindset and consistently explores emerging strategies to enhance student learning.
She also brings cultural relevance to science instruction, including ideas that connect scientific concepts to traditions such as the science of making kimchi. Known for her willingness to embrace new ideas, Lisa keeps students at the center of her work while sharing insights about emerging technologies with colleagues and thoughtfully extending her Institute of Peace workshop into multiple areas of Middle School life.
"I greatly admire the care and purpose Lisa brings to her work,” said Peggy Cagle, Science Department Chair. “She deeply supports her students, thoughtfully integrates cultural awareness and empathy into her teaching, and connects science to the broader world.”
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.