It named Mansoureh Teh-rani, the director of the Math, Engineering, Technical and Science Academy (METSA) at R. L. Turner High School in Carroll-ton, Texas, as the recipient of its Susan Schilling Legacy award.
The national award recognizes entrepreneurs in the field of education who demonstrate leadership.
Tehrani was born in Tehran to a father who had a third grade education and a mother who never finished high school. But both wanted all seven of their children to graduate from college—and all have.
“On behalf of the entire New Tech Network community, it is my pleasure to recognize Mansoureh Tehrani for her dedication, ability to innovate, and the environment she has created for student success,” said Lydia Dobyns, president of New Tech Network. “Her leadership and the generosity she shows in supporting teachers and community leaders outside of her school are attributes to be celebrated. She serves as an inspiration to everyone in the Network.”
Tehrani said, “I am honored to be recognized with this prestigious award. Seeing the engagement levels of the kids is my motivation and my greatest reward. I never felt that the ‘traditional’ way of educating was effective. Schools that are most successful engage kids in hands-on activities in math and science. When students see the benefit of what they are doing in the real word, they are better engaged.”
In 2010-11, the Tehrani-led METSA saw 100 percent of its students graduate and 100 percent accepted to college.
New Tech will open over three dozen new schools in 2012, expanding to 120 schools in 18 states and Australia that will use the Network’s design principles.
Tehrani came to the United States in 1974 to attend college. By 1979, she had earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of North Texas.
After college, she worked in the information technology industry for 15 years for Texas Instruments, Apple Computers and American Airlines. Although earning a six-figure salary in the end, she said, “I was not satisfied with my career. So, I decided to change careers in 1992.”
After getting a teaching certificate, she began teaching high school in 1994.
“I love teaching and working with teens in our community. I have been with the METSA academy since its inception in 2006. I think METSA gives students the best of both worlds—a small 21st century learning community, with all the benefits of the large comprehensive high school.”
Tehrani has been married for 31 years. She and her husband have two sons and two granddaughters.
