Three Master Teachers Appointed

As the faculty and staff gathered to begin the new school year, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini announced the appointment of three St. Mark’s educators to Master Teaching Chairs:  

 

“It is deeply meaningful to have the opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals who invest themselves so fully in the lives of our boys,” said Dini. “The Master Teaching Chair program was established nearly 50 years ago to keep educators in the classroom, to honor their contributions and impact across the campus, and to reinforce the importance of investing in our faculty. Teri, Tracey, and GayMarie are emblematic of the strength, excellence, and dedication that our teachers demonstrate every day, helping Marksmen develop into good men.” 

 

Teri Broom, Ackerman Family Master Teaching Chair in Lower School, joined the Lower School faculty in 2006. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech University, she taught at schools in Coppell ISD and the Lamplighter School. Teri serves on the first-grade admission committee and has received both the John H. Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award and the Ackerman Character Education Award. Her connection to the school also extends to her family, including her husband Christopher Broom ’87 and her sons Kent ’16 and Blake ’21. 

  

Dr. GayMarie Vaughan, Victor F. White Master Teaching Chair in English, joined the faculty in 2012. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, master's degrees from the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Dallas, and recently earned a doctorate from Southern Methodist University. Outside of the classroom, GayMarie also serves as an advisor, class sponsor for the junior/senior class rotations, and a co-sponsor for The Marque literary magazine. She received the John H. Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award in 2018. 

  

Tracey McKenzie, Founders’ Master Teaching Chair, joined the third-grade team in 2021, following nearly two decades at the Greenhill School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University and a master’s degree from American Intercontinental University. Prior to joining the faculty, she worked alongside numerous St. Mark’s teachers in the Future Leaders Program. She is a published author of children’s books and has had work featured in numerous publications and media outlets.  

 

The Master Teaching Chair program was established to recruit and retain the very best teachers from across the country and allow them to stay in the classrooms. From its inception, Master Teaching Chair positions have been filled by teachers who are leaders in their fields; men and women who are not only effective educators, but who also provide daily inspiration and motivation to students and colleagues alike. Currently, St. Mark’s has 16 endowed Master Teaching Chairs and six Endowed Faculty Positions, including Department Chairs and the Head of School.