Two RISD Teachers Named 2026 TI Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Award Winners
The Richardson ISD Foundation and the Texas Instruments Foundation recently surprised Matthew Behrman of Forest Lane Academy and David Johnston of Richardson High School with the 2026 TI Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Award, recognizing the creativity and innovation they bring to STEM learning in Richardson ISD classrooms.
Selected as this year’s elementary and secondary award winners, Behrman and Johnston are creating hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to think critically, solve problems and connect classroom lessons to the real world. The annual award celebrates educators in North Texas and across the country who are transforming science, technology, engineering and math education, with each recipient receiving a $20,000 award that supports both the educator personally and continued innovation within their STEM learning environment.
About the Award
The TI Foundation Innovations in STEM Teaching Award celebrates Richardson ISD educators who bring creativity, innovation and real-world learning into the classroom. The award recognizes teachers who spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving and help students see STEM as more than a subject, but as a way to explore and understand the world around them.
Each RISD recipient will receive a $10,000 personal monetary award along with a STEM space makeover and professional development package valued at an additional $10,000. Altogether, the TI Foundation is investing $40,000 in RISD educators and STEM learning environments through this year’s awards.
Meet This Year's Winners
Matthew Behrman | Forest Lane AcademyElementary Educator Award Recipient
At Forest Lane Academy, Coach Matthew Behrman transformed a campus garden into a hands-on STEM learning laboratory rooted in community impact. Through the project, students across every grade level, from pre-K through fifth grade, explore plant life cycles, soil chemistry, engineering and nutrition while learning how science connects to their everyday lives. He also incorporates lessons about physical health and nutrition into P.E. classes, helping students better understand the relationship between the food they grow and the health of their bodies.
“For a Title I campus located in a food desert, the impact of the garden project transcends traditional academics,” Assistant Principal Herrera shared. “It serves as a vital bridge between theoretical science and community survival, turning a local necessity into a diverse STEM learning laboratory.” Herrera added that Coach Behrman is not just teaching curriculum, but showing students how science and engineering can help transform their community. With this award, Coach Behrman will continue expanding opportunities for the young scientists, builders and problem-solvers he inspires every day.
David Johnston | Richardson High SchoolSecondary Educator Award Recipient
At Richardson High School, David Johnston continues to expand what students believe is possible in STEM education. Since the school launched its OnRamps Physics program, Johnston has more than doubled enrollment and increased opportunities for students to earn college credit. In recent years, many of Richardson High School’s top graduates have come through his classroom, with students pushing for even more advanced opportunities, including OnRamps Physics 2 and OnRamps Quantum Technologies.
Johnston’s impact reaches far beyond his own classroom. He serves as the founding sponsor of the school’s Engineering Club and regularly brings hands-on STEM demonstrations into classrooms across campus. Johnston also helped lead Richardson High School’s Magnet Night science presentation, generating new excitement around the program. “What stands out most is how he builds confidence in students to take on college-level work and pursue STEM pathways they might not have considered otherwise,” Principal Chris Choat shared.
Why This Matters
Great STEM teachers do more than teach formulas and facts. They build confidence, spark curiosity and help students see new possibilities for their future.
Through its partnership with The Richardson ISD Foundation, the Texas Instruments Foundation continues to invest in educators who are transforming STEM learning across Richardson ISD. Support for teachers like Behrman and Johnston helps create classrooms where students are encouraged to explore, experiment and believe they can succeed in careers and opportunities they may never have imagined for themselves.
Congratulations, Matthew Behrman and David Johnston. Thank you for the difference you make for Richardson ISD students every day.